Expression & Repression

Question 1

When did the film industry rise and where?

Answer 1

by 1914, several national film industries were established
* Europe, Russia and Scandinavia were the dominant industries (America much less important)

Question 2

Golden Age of Hollywood

Answer 2

1930s

Question 3

The Great Train Robbery (1903), Edwin Standon Porter

Answer 3

Silent movie, 12 minutes.
- Famous movie, it was long, it was new, it was a performance.
- at the end of the film, the gangster shoots at the audience which scared the audience, it was a bit shocking.
- Ganster : the action people were looking for
- Train : symbole of control, controlling a territory

Question 4

Scarface (1932), Howard Hawks

Answer 4

• Al Capone alive at that time, biographical movie.
• a strong cultural context : prohibition. About smoking and alcohol.
• Triangle love. Men fighting for a show up.

Famous actors at the time like Paul Muni and Boris Karloff.

Question 5

Bonnie & Clyde (1967) Arthur Penn

Answer 5

• In the picture they are shooting at the camera, important reference.

Question 6

important notions at that time?

Answer 6

• From the cowboy/pioneer to the gangster →streets instead of wild fights.
  important figures of classical western: John Ford.
• From rags to riches
• The self-made man/woman
• Individualism, (you can make it on your own, without the help of anyone. Linked to the American Dream.)

Question 7

Definiton : Expression

Answer 7

1. the act or an instance of transforming ideas into words
2. A manifestation of an emotion, feeling, etc, without words
3. Communication of emotion through music, painting, movies, etc
4. A look on the face that indicates mood or emotion
5. A particular phrase used conventionally to express something

Question 8

Definition : Repression

Answer 8

• The act or process of repressing or the condition of being repressed
  1. to repress = to check or inhibit (actions or desire)
  2. to hold down and control (persons) unfairly or evilly (e.g. to repress one’s civil rights)
  3. Psychology to keep down or hold back (memories, emotion, or impulsions) unconsciously
• The subconscious rejection of thoughts and impulses that conflict with conventional standards of conduct

Question 9

Who are the “public enemies”?

Answer 9

• The Gangster
• The Woman, the Temptress

Question 10

About Al Capone

Answer 10

• A notorious gangster
• Linked to an American Ideal “rags to riches”, the gangster is the perfect embodiment of the successful businessman, except that he makes money thanks to illegal means.

Question 11

The motion Picture Production Code of 1930 (Hays Code)

Answer 11

If motion pictures present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind.
Hays created a code which took 3 years to draft. It says :

• that the law shall not be ridiculed (cf. gangster movies)
• The Sanctity of the institution of marriage and the same home shall be upheld.
• Adultery must not be explicitly treated, or justified, or presented attractively (cf. woman temptress)
• White slavery shall not be treated (no white slave, or white people dealing with slavery)
• Miscegenation is forbidden

A whole list of do’s and don’t