Exam 2 Flashcards
What elements did early movie experiences often reflect?
Neighborhoods such as Yiddish, Irish, Polish, and Italian influences
Early films were not just entertainment but also a reflection of the diverse communities in which they were shown.
What percentage of the working-class movie audience were women by 1910?
40%
This marked a significant change in cinema attendance and the social mobility of women during this era.
What themes were prevalent in female roles on screen during the Silent Film Era?
Purity, passivity, emotional superiority, and moral guardianship
Despite the shift towards more respectable portrayals, traditional Victorian ideals persisted.
What was the impact of silent films on society between 1909 and 1916?
Transitioned from familiar stories to self-explanatory narratives and became a public sphere
This shift changed the way communities interacted with cinema.
What interactive elements did early films incorporate?
Stages and vaudeville acts
Audiences were engaged in the event, often preferring the entertainment surrounding the film rather than the film itself.
What was the significance of synchronized sound in films?
It turned film into a more complete product and changed the social experience
This innovation made audiences more passive spectators.
Why did the film industry move to California?
To escape Thomas Edison’s patent control and legal restrictions in New York
Judges in California were more favorable to filmmakers seeking to innovate without Edison’s influence.
What was the outcome of the United States vs. Motion Picture Patent Company?
The patent company was forcibly dissolved in 1918
This was due to their overreach in enforcing patents, violating the Sherman Antitrust Act.
What material were early film stocks made from?
Cellulose nitrate
This type of film stock is highly flammable and contributed to the loss of many films.
What was the focus of films during the Progressive Era?
Social issues such as crime, factory abuses, and workers’ rights
Filmmakers aimed to bring awareness to social problems of the time.
What did the 1920 Immigration Act reflect in terms of eugenics?
Bias against non-Western and non-Northern European immigrants
This act established quotas that favored certain racial groups, reflecting societal prejudices.
What was the primary message of ‘Birth of a Nation’?
It portrayed a positive Southern way of life and promoted anti-miscegenation laws
The film was influential in shaping racial attitudes and was seen as propaganda.
How did the NAACP respond to ‘Birth of a Nation’?
They protested and sought censorship of the film
This marked a significant moment in the fight against racial stereotypes in cinema.
What metaphor does ‘Birth of a Nation’ use regarding women?
Women as objects and possessions of men
It reflects societal views on gender and purity.
What was the significance of the film ‘The Jazz Singer’?
It was the first movie with synchronized sound (talkies)
This film marked the beginning of a new era in filmmaking and cinema.
True or False: Early filmmakers were predominantly from Northern European backgrounds.
False
Many early filmmakers were Jewish, which contrasts with the dominant narratives presented in films.
What is considered the most important film of the silent era?
Birth of a Nation
It is significant both artistically and politically.
What was one of the technical achievements of Birth of a Nation?
Helped establish ‘cinematic grammar’
It was technically dazzling for its time.
What controversial aspect is associated with Birth of a Nation?
Racist depiction of the Civil War and Reconstruction
Who praised Birth of a Nation?
President Woodrow Wilson
From which perspective did Birth of a Nation rewrite history?
Southern perspective
What groups are portrayed negatively in Birth of a Nation?
Black people and carpetbaggers
What was the reaction of the NAACP to Birth of a Nation?
Protests and boycotts
What metaphor is used for the USA in Birth of a Nation?
Women as objects and possessions
What action do the oppressed take in Birth of a Nation instead of seeking political help?
Take the law into their own hands (vigilantism through the KKK)
What social outlet did cinema offer for working-class women during the silent film era?
A social outlet
How did films begin to cater to female audiences?
With respectable and courageous characters
What themes were still present in films of the silent era?
Purity and moral guardianship
What shift occurred in film narratives during the silent film era?
From familiar stories to self-contained narratives
How were early film theaters characterized?
As interactive events
What elements did early films incorporate?
Vaudeville elements
What technological advancement changed the film experience?
Rise of synchronized sound
What effect did sound have on the social experience of films?
Became more homogenized (flat accents)
Where was the early film industry primarily centered?
New York and New Jersey
Why did filmmakers move to California?
To escape Thomas Edison’s patents and for ideal filming climate
What social problems did filmmakers address during the Progressive era?
Crime and factory abuses
What happened to themes of working together/progressivism during WWII?
Became less common due to fears of being labeled communist
What was the outcome of United States v. Motion Picture Patents Co.?
Dissolved Edison’s patent company in 1918
What did films reflect during the 1930s?
Social and political issues of the time, such as the Great Depression
What was the general idea behind Andy Hardy films?
Celebrated traditional American values
What did Golddiggers films showcase?
Lavish musical productions and escapism
What did gangster films reflect?
Lawlessness and violence of the era
What was the impact of Shirley Temple films during the Depression?
Provided optimism and uplift
What was the aim of the National Industrial Recovery Act on Hollywood?
To regulate the film industry and improve working conditions
What ideals does Mr. Smith Goes to Washington celebrate?
American ideals and the power of the individual
What potential issue in politics is shown in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?
Corruption in politics
What themes are explored in ‘Gabriel over the White House’?
Dictatorship and strong leadership
The film reflects the anxieties of the Depression era.
Who is Jud Hammond in ‘Gabriel over the White House’?
A corrupt politician transformed into a benevolent, authoritarian leader by the angel Gabriel
This is the gabriel movie
What significant actions does Jud Hammond take in the film?
Used radio to inspire the nation, suspended Congress, and implemented martial law
Which influential figure is associated with ‘Gabriel over the White House’?
FDR, supported by hearst the producer
What controversial implications does ‘Gabriel over the White House’ have?
Implications of fascism and strong leadership style of President Roosevelt’s early months
How was ‘Gabriel over the White House’ received by audiences?
A major box office hit and critically acclaimed
What does ‘Gabriel over the White House’ explore regarding politics?
Politics as corrupt and redeemable only by extraordinary intervention
What unique portrayal is presented in ‘Gabriel over the White House’?
Acceptance of the overthrow of democracy
What does ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ depict?
Struggles of migrant workers during the Depression
What themes are explored in ‘Our Daily Bread’?
Cooperation and self-reliance
What important message is emphasized in ‘The Wizard of Oz’?
Importance of self-belief and community
What values does ‘Gone with the Wind’ romanticize?
The Old South and its values
What issues did political films of the 1930s address?
Depression, corruption, and social injustice
What themes were repeated in 1930s movies?
Escapism, optimism, and the triumph of the individual
What characterized the studio system in Hollywood?
A few major studios controlling production, distribution, and exhibition
What did Upton Sinclair’s campaign for California governor reflect?
The political activism of the era
What happened after the Motion Picture Patent Company was dissolved
There was an expansion of film makers.
What does the character of the wizard in The Wizard of Oz represent?
Fake leadership reflecting common views of politicians.
What was the primary focus of films in the 1940s regarding the Soviet Union?
Portrayal as an ally during World War II.
What is the importance of the film Casablanca?
Classic wartime romance celebrating American values.
What themes does Citizen Kane explore?
Power, corruption, and the American dream.
What genre is characterized by dark, cynical films reflecting postwar anxieties?
Film Noir.
What was the role of the Office of War Information during WWII?
Oversaw the production of propaganda films.
What was the focus of the film Confessions of a Nazi Spy?
Anti-Nazi propaganda, warning about Nazis.
True or False: The Office of Censorship allowed films to address racial problems openly.
False
Racial problems were removed from some scripts.
What was the role of the Rockefeller Office?
To change how Americans view Latin America and how Latin Americans view America through propaganda
This included tax-exempt advertising that constituted 40% of newspaper radios in Latin America.
What was Franklin Roosevelt’s Good Neighbor Policy aimed at?
Countering Nazi propaganda in Latin America
It involved the Coordinator of Inter American Affairs, which referred to the Rockefeller Office.
What was significant about the film ‘Confessions of a Nazi Spy’?
It was the first major studio film to show Nazis as a threat
Released in 1939, it critiqued Nazi Germany despite the Breen Office’s antisemitism.
How did ‘Confessions of a Nazi Spy’ impact American audiences?
It helped America see the dangers of isolationism
The film led to violent reactions from German Americans and raised awareness of strong emotions surrounding the war.
What themes are present in the film ‘The Great Dictator’?
Anti-fascism and satire of totalitarianism
The film features a Jewish barber who delivers an anti-fascist speech while impersonating a dictator.
What was the central theme of ‘Citizen Kane’?
Power corrupts, anti-elite, anti-authoritarian
The film was influenced by Orson Welles’ contract with RKO and his political views.
How did actors in the film industry contribute during World War II?
18 actors earned medals, many volunteered without seeking publicity
Several actors, including Leslie Howard and Carole Lombard, died during the war.
What is the significance of the film ‘Casablanca’?
It serves as a thematic stand-in for world politics and isolationism
The protagonist ultimately chooses sides due to his past involvement in fighting fascism.
What was the purpose of the Office of War Information (OWI)?
To create and distribute propaganda, promote patriotism, and censor political information
The OWI was established on June 13, 1942, and focused on domestic issues.
What were the OWI’s views on film content during WWII?
They wanted films supporting New Deal liberalism and discouraged themes of lawlessness
OWI also aimed to promote the four freedoms: speech, religion, from want, and from fear.
What categories did WWII films typically fall into?
- Pure combat
- Hybrid-battle action
- Resistance of our Allies
- Homefront film
Each category represented different aspects of the war effort and public sentiment.
What was the focus of the film ‘Best Years of Our Lives’?
Servicemen adjusting to life at home after the war
It was the highest grossing and attended film since ‘Gone with the Wind’.
What characterizes Film Noir in the 1940s?
Dark themes, unique camerawork, and exploration of treachery and betrayal
Common elements include cynical detectives and powerful women using love for manipulation.
What message did musicals produced by MGM convey during the 1940s?
Optimistic messages carrying over from the 1930s
These musicals provided a contrast to the darker themes prevalent in other genres.
Who is Willie Stark in ‘All the King’s Men’ often compared to?
Huey Long
The film critiques corruption and fascism in leadership.
