Anthony Rydberg Mass Media Jordan High School Movie History Anthony Rydberg Mass Media Jordan High School

Origins of the idea In the mid-1800s, photography emerges. The process was slow and cumbersome. Inventors understood that showing similar photos quickly enough would simulate motion. Many inventors attempted to create a fast-motion camera

The Breakthrough 1895: Two French brothers, Auguste and Louis Lumiere created a projected motion picture device. One of their most infamous films: a train arriving at a station.

The First Films The motion pictures were called “movies” because they simulated motion. Features of the first films: Black and white; no sound. Apx. 20 seconds. Subjects of first films — Slices of life: Workers leaving a factory, mothers feeding children, exercising, etc.

Early Storytelling Improved technology allowed longer films. There was now time to tell stories. 1902: Georges Méliès filmed A Trip to the Moon, now a classic.

The Birth of Movies 1915: D.W. Griffith makes The Birth of a Nation. Historical significance: this film marks the beginning modern film making One of the most famous silent films. Has controversial, racist, and offensive content.

Talking Pictures Sound synchronization was the next step. 1927: The Jazz Singer is the first full-length “talkie.” 1st line: “Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!” Talkies ushered out the silent film era.

Competition with Television In the 1950s, TV threatened cinema. TV was more easily accessible. The movie industry responded in a few ways, including: Drive-in theatres thrived, made travel part of the experience. Science fiction/horror SpFX offered what television could not as easily.

Movies Reflecting Culture 1960s: The US had many cultural conflicts. Movies reflected this tension: Themes: social justice & injustice, conformity vs. individuality. Young stars like James Dean became icons.

Finding New Voices 1980s-1990s: Movie studios established independent film distributors. Low budget films made by young film makers. Many new talents were discovered. Low cost = low risk; films could be edgy, controversial.

Movies in the Computer Age 1990s-Present: Films are turning to computer technology to refine the work. Pixar changes the face of animation. Computer-generated images (CGI) allow essentially anything.