Semester Exam Fall 2015 American Cinema

Semester Exam Fall 2015 American Cinemasemester Exam Fall 2015 A

Choose six questions from the provided list. You may reference films studied in class and independently, as listed in the required and recommended films file. Answer each question thoroughly, providing historical context, critical analysis, and supporting evidence. Your responses should demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of American cinema history, industry developments, key figures, and influential movements covered up to at least the 1930s. Incorporate insights from the assigned readings, particularly the Sklar book Movie-Made America, to support your arguments.

Paper For Above instruction

American cinema has played a pivotal role in shaping both the cultural landscape and the global film industry. Throughout its history, various factors contributed to the rise and dominance of American filmmaking, particularly through the development of the Hollywood studio system. The Sklar book Movie-Made America provides essential insights into these foundational movements and influences. In this essay, I will examine three primary forces that contributed to the establishment of the Classical Hollywood Studio System: technological innovations, economic consolidations, and regulatory pressures, carrying the discussion through the 1930s.

Firstly, technological advancements significantly impacted the growth of American cinema. The silent film era introduced new techniques for storytelling through visual expression. Innovations in camera technology, editing, and the development of narrative structures allowed American filmmakers to craft more engaging and polished films. The introduction of synchronized sound in the late 1920s, exemplified by The Jazz Singer (1927), revolutionized the industry, making films more accessible and appealing to wider audiences, and solidifying Hollywood’s dominance as a technological leader (Schatz, 1988).

Secondly, economic consolidation played a crucial role. During the early 20th century, the rise of major film studios such as Paramount, MGM, Warner Bros., and 20th Century Fox created a vertically integrated industry. These studios controlled production, distribution, and exhibition, which allowed for efficient economic scaling and monopolistic practices. The studio system became a structured hierarchy, with stars, directors, and production personnel under exclusive contracts, fostering a stable environment for mass production and profit maximization (Gomery, 1985).

Third, regulatory pressures and legal decisions contributed to shaping the industry’s structure. The Paramount decision of 1948, though postdating the 1930s, was the culmination of earlier antitrust actions that sought to curb monopolistic practices. However, before that, the industry faced pressures from government agencies and civic groups advocating for censorship and morality standards, influencing content and business practices. The enforcement of the Hays Code from 1930 onwards exemplifies how external pressures managed to regulate film content, creating a self-censorship environment that defined Hollywood's golden age (Cook, 2004).

Additional factors worthy of discussion include the migration of European filmmakers to Hollywood during the rise of fascism, which diversified and enriched Hollywood storytelling and production styles, and the advent of the star system, which commercialized actor personalities to attract audiences and build brand loyalty.

In conclusion, the establishment of the Classical Hollywood Studio System was a complex process driven by technological innovation, economic consolidation, and regulatory pressures. These forces reinforced each other, creating a dominant film industry that shaped American cultural identity and influenced global cinema throughout the first half of the 20th century. Understanding these historical pressures helps us appreciate the significance of Hollywood’s rise and enduring legacy in the cinematic arts.

References

• Gomery, D. (1985). The Hollywood Studio System: A History. Harvard University Press.
• Cook, D. A. (2004). Films in Review: American Cinematography and Industry. The University of Chicago Press.
• Schatz, T. (1988). The Genius of the System: Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era. Faber & Faber.