birth of sound cinema Flashcards
was recorded sound or recorded film invented first?
recorded sound
why were filmmakers unable to play recorded sound and film at the same time?
because projectors and sound players were separate mechanisms, so if one was faulty, the other would be out of sync
define sound-on-film
actually printing a recorded soundtrack onto a strip of celluoid
what was the first feature length sound film?
the Jazz Singer, 1927
when did silent film die out?
by 1929
what are the disadvantages of sound? (4)
tinted colours were impossible, some popular actors couldn’t transition, new language barrier, and foreign films became hard to see in the english speaking world
what were the 3 solutions to the new language barrier?
subbing, dubbing, and filming different versions in different languages
silent films were remembered with a mix of…
nostalgia and disdain
what are the main advantages of sound? (6)
- full control over what the audience heard
- ability to use total silence
- screenwriting becomes an art form
- plots/characterization could be more complex
- screen musicals could exist
- acting could be more naturalistic
early sound cinema is surprisingly…
quiet, only using music at very important and dramatic moments
1st movie musicals prioritized…
sound over visuals, feels like filmed theater
who was Busby Berkely?
choreographer who changed the way musicals were filmed, created images that were only possible on film
what did Busby Berkely change?
dances were designed so that the camera could move and film from many different directions
what was the industry response to shrining audiences due to the Great Depression?
make cinema better value for money
define B-picture
low budget film about an hour long played before the actual movie
