A Journey Through the History of Movies
Introduction
Movies have been a beloved form of entertainment for over a century. From the early days of silent films to the modern blockbusters with stunning visual effects, the history of movies is a fascinating journey through time. In this article, we will explore the key developments, influential films, and major players that have shaped the movie industry into what it is today.
The Beginnings: Motion Picture Technology of the Late 19th Century
The history of movies can be traced back to the late 19th century when inventors like Thomas Edison and William Dickson created the kinetoscope. This device allowed individual viewers to experience the illusion of a moving image, using a perforated celluloid film strip and a rapid spooling mechanism. The kinetoscope quickly gained popularity, and kinetoscope parlors started appearing around the country.
In Europe, the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, developed the cinématographe, a lightweight film projector that also functioned as a camera and printer. In 1895, they held the world's first commercial film screening in Paris, showcasing short scenes from everyday life. This event marked the birth of cinema as an entertainment industry.
The Nickelodeon Craze (1904-1908)
The early 1900s saw the rise of nickelodeons, small theaters where people could watch movies for a nickel. These nickelodeons became immensely popular, especially among the working class who couldn't afford live theater. Around 9,000 nickelodeons appeared in the United States between 1904 and 1908, establishing film as a mass entertainment medium.
The "Biz": The Motion Picture Industry Emerges
As the demand for movies grew, production companies were created to meet the market's needs. In 1908, the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) was formed by the 10 leading film companies, including Edison and Biograph. The MPPC aimed to standardize the industry and control competition through monopolistic practices. However, their licensing system backfired, leading to the rise of independent distributors who capitalized on single-reel features and star power.
The Rise of the Feature
In the early 20th century, filmmakers started experimenting with longer films known as features. These films, often based on popular novels or plays, appealed to a wealthier and better-educated audience. The feature film format gained popularity, attracting middle-class viewers who saw its length as analogous to more "respectable" entertainment like live theater. The success of features led to the downfall of the MPPC and the rise of independent studios like Universal, Goldwyn, Fox, and Paramount.
Hollywood
Hollywood emerged as the epicenter of the movie industry due to its temperate climate, diverse landscapes, and affordable land. By 1915, more than 60 percent of U.S. film production was centered in Hollywood. The area's dream palaces, lavishly decorated theaters, attracted audiences seeking a more immersive movie experience. Hollywood became synonymous with the movie industry and remains a major player to this day.
The Art of Silent Film
While early films were simplistic and often lacked storytelling elements, filmmakers like D.W. Griffith transformed silent films into an art form. Griffith experimented with shots, angles, and editing techniques to heighten the emotional intensity of his scenes. He pioneered techniques such as parallel editing, panning shots, and tracking shots. Griffith's films, including "The Birth of a Nation," showcased the potential of silent film as a medium of serious expression and persuasion.
MPAA: Combating Censorship
As the film industry grew, it faced increasing scrutiny and censorship. In response, the major Hollywood studios formed the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPAA) in 1922. The MPAA established a code of self-censorship to address concerns about the moral impact of movies. Today, the MPAA operates a voluntary rating system to inform viewers about a film's age-appropriateness while protecting filmmakers' artistic freedom.
Silent Film's Demise
The introduction of sound in movies in the 1920s spelled the end of the silent film era. In 1926, Warner Bros. debuted Vitaphone, a sound-on-disc system that provided prerecorded orchestral accompaniment for films. By 1927, the release of "The Jazz Singer," featuring synchronized dialogue and songs, revolutionized the industry. Audiences flocked to theaters to see and hear their favorite actors perform. Sound became a standard feature in movies, and silent films gradually faded away.
"I Don't Think We're in Kansas Anymore": Film Goes Technicolor
Color films became popular in the 1930s, offering a more lifelike and immersive movie experience. Technicolor, a dye-transfer technique, allowed for the production of full-length films in vibrant color. The introduction of three-color Technicolor in 1932 further enhanced the realism of color films. Notable films like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone With the Wind" used Technicolor to great effect, captivating audiences with their visual splendor.
Rise and Fall of the Hollywood Studio
The 1930s and 1940s witnessed the rise of major Hollywood studios like Warner Bros., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Paramount. These studios controlled every aspect of the film industry, from production to distribution. They produced films of distinct character and established the studio system. However, the studio era came to an end in 1948 with the United States v. Paramount Pictures case, which forced studios to relinquish control over theater chains. The studios were absorbed by multinational corporations, and the powerful studio heads lost their influence.
Post-World War II: Television Presents a Threat
The post-World War II era saw the rise of television as a competitor to the movie industry. Television allowed people to watch movies from the comfort of their homes, leading to a decline in movie theater attendance. Movie studios responded by offering color films and widescreen formats to differentiate themselves from television. Despite these efforts, movie attendance never reached the peak levels of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Down With the Establishment: Youth Culture of the 1960s and 1970s
The 1960s and 1970s brought a new wave of filmmaking that resonated with younger audiences. Films like "Bonnie and Clyde," "Easy Rider," and "The Wild Bunch" challenged conventional social orders and introduced realistic and brutal violence. These films reflected the unrest of the time and paved the way for the artistic expression and experimentation of the era. The 1970s also saw the rise of blockbuster films and the introduction of computer-generated special effects.
Blockbusters, Knockoffs, and Sequels
The 1970s and 1980s witnessed the rise of blockbusters like "Star Wars," "Indiana Jones," and "Jaws." These films captivated audiences with their technical spectacles and immersive storytelling. As studios invested more money in fewer films, the concept of wide-release distribution became popular. This era also saw a surge in sequels and adaptations, as studios sought to capitalize on successful franchises.
The 1990s and Beyond
The 1990s brought two divergent strands of cinema: the technically spectacular blockbuster and the independent, low-budget film. Blockbusters like "Jurassic Park" and "Titanic" showcased groundbreaking visual effects, while independent films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Clerks" pushed the boundaries of storytelling. The advent of home video and cable television allowed movies to reach wider audiences, and film-based merchandise became a lucrative revenue source.
Conclusion
The history of movies is a journey through technological advancements, artistic innovation, and changing audience preferences. From the early days of silent films to the modern era of digital effects, movies have captivated audiences and shaped popular culture. As technology continues to evolve, the future of movies holds endless possibilities for storytelling and entertainment.