Paul Monaco Flashcards
Profile: Paul Monaco
Paul Monaco is a film historian and professor at Montana State University, specializing in the history of American cinema and media.
He holds a Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Illinois.
Chapter 1: Establishing Hollywood 20th century 1927-1948
Main Points
The influence of Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” on filmmaking techniques.
Early production companies like Polyscope and their migration to California
Q: How did D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” (1915) influence the film industry?
A: It introduced new filmmaking techniques such as close-ups, fade-outs, and complex narratives.
Q: What were the reasons for early filmmakers relocating to Southern California?
A: The favorable climate, diverse scenery, and distance from Edison’s patents monopoly.
Q: How did the establishment of major studios shape Hollywood?
A: It created a system of standardized production, distribution, and exhibition.
Chapter 2: Early Synchronous Sound
Main Points:The transition from silent films to sound films.
“The Jazz Singer” (1927) as the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue.
Warner Bros.’s innovation with the Vitaphone sound system.
Q: What was the significance of “The Jazz Singer” in film history?
A: It was the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue, marking the transition to sound films.
Q: How did the introduction of sound affect the film industry?
A: It required:
New technology,
New acting styles,
New production processes.
Q: What role did Warner Bros. play in the sound revolution?
A: by introducing the Vitaphone system and producing: “The Jazz Singer.”
Chapter 3: Classic Hollywood Takes Form
Main Points:
Hollywood took form by: establishing genres: westerns, musicals, and comedies.
The rise of talent: like Clark Gable Est.Directors: like John Ford shaping film styles
Q: How did the studio system influence film production?
A: the studio system influenced film by: standardizing production , controlling talent, and created consistent output.
Q: What are some examples of genre films from the classic Hollywood era?
A: Westerns, musicals, and comedies, such as “Stagecoach”, “Singin’ in the Rain.” , “It happened one night”
Q:Classic Hollywood 1927-48
Who were some of the influential stars and directors during this period?
A: Classic Hollywood Stars like Clark Gable (it happened one night) and directors like John Ford. (Stagecoach)
Chapter 4: Banner Years
The peak of Hollywood’s golden age: 1939-1941
Successes like “Gone with the Wind” and “Casablanca.”
WW2 impact:
Wartime propaganda films and their influence on public morale.
Q: How did World War II impact Hollywood?
A: It led to the production of propaganda films and changes in film content to boost morale.
Q: Can you name some notable films from Hollywood’s golden age?
A: “Gone with the Wind” Gable(Fleming) and “Casablanca.” Bogart(CURTIZ)
Q: What characterized the peak of Hollywood’s golden age?
A: High-quality productions, iconic films, and significant box office revenues.
Chapter 5: Red, White, Blue, and Noir
The emergence of Noir: Dark Cynical Films, innovative Lighting/Flashbacks “Double Indemnity” and “The Maltese Falcon.”
Post-war cultural shifts reflected:
Hays Code impact and censorship:No W.slavery, lustful kiss
Q: What are the defining characteristics of film noir?
A: Dark, cynical themes, complex characters, and stylistic visual elements like shadows and high contrast.
Q: How did post-war cultural shifts influence Hollywood films?
A: Films began to explore more complex and darker themes reflecting societal changes.
Q: What are some examples of classic film noirs?
A: “Double Indemnity”(Wilder) and “The Maltese Falcon.”(Huston)
Chapter 6: Postwar Triumphs and Reversals
1.The breakup of studio monopolies due to antitrust laws.
2. The competition between film and television for audiences.
Q: What challenges did Hollywood face post-WWII?
A: The breakup of studio monopolies and the rise of television.
Q: How did antitrust laws affect the major studios?
A: They were forced to divest their theater chains, reducing their control over film exhibition.
Q: What impact did television have on the film industry?
A: It diverted audiences away from theaters and led to changes in film production and distribution strategies.
Chapter 7: Postwar Unravelings
Main Points:
The decline of the studio system.
The rise of independent producers and new filmmaking techniques.
films like “Marty.” 1955/Mann
The shift towards method acting and location shooting.
Q: What factors contributed to the decline of the studio system?
A: Changes in audience preferences, competition from television, and antitrust regulations.
Q: How did independent producers influence Hollywood in the postwar era?
A: 1.fresh perspectives
2.new storytelling tech.
3.a focus on realism.
Q: What are some examples of successful independent films from this period?
A: “Marty” and other films that emphasized character-driven stories and realistic settings.
Chapter 8: Declining Audiences and the Response
The introduction of widescreen formats like CinemaScope.
The production of epic films and musicals to lure audiences
Q: How did Hollywood respond to declining theater attendance in the 1950s?
A: By introducing widescreen formats and producing epic films and musicals.
Q: What technological innovations were used to attract audiences?
A: Widescreen formats like CinemaScope and advancements in sound technology.
Q: Can you name some epic films produced to lure audiences back to theaters?
A: “The Ten Commandments” and “Ben-Hur.”
Chapter 9: Hollywood on the Ropes
MPts:Continued challenges in the 1960s and the rise of new Hollywood.
The cultural revolution’s impact on filmmaking.
Examples:
The influence of European cinema and the French New Wave.
The success of films like “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Easy Rider.
Q: What were the major challenges faced by Hollywood in the 1960s?
1.Competition from television
2.cultural shifts,
3. changing audience tastes.
Q: How did the cultural revolution of the 1960s influence Hollywood films?
A: It led to more experimental and unconventional filmmaking, influenced by European cinema.
Q: What are some examples of films that reflect the new Hollywood movement?
A: “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Easy Rider.”
Cht 10: Indications of Revival
Examples:
The success of films like “Jaws” and “Star Wars.”
The use of wide releases and extensive marketing campaigns.
Q: What were the early signs of Hollywood’s revival in the 1970s?
A: The success of blockbuster films and innovative marketing strategies.
Q: How did “Jaws” and “Star Wars” contribute to Hollywood’s revival?
A: They introduced the concept of the summer blockbuster and demonstrated the power of wide releases and extensive marketing.
Q: What new marketing strategies were used to promote films in the 1970s?
A: Wide releases, extensive advertising, and merchandising tie-ins.
Q: What was D.W. Griffith’s impact on early Hollywood filmmaking?
A: He pioneered narrative filmmaking with techniques like close-ups and cross-cutting, and directed influential films like “The Birth of a Nation.”
Q: How did Cecil B. DeMille contribute to Hollywood’s success?
A: He directed and produced epic films known for their grandeur and spectacle, such as “The Ten Commandments.”
Q: What role did Charlie Chaplin play in the silent film era?
A: He was a multifaceted filmmaker known for his comedic genius and iconic character, the Little Tramp, in films like “The Gold Rush.”
Q: How did Irving Thalberg influence the Hollywood studio system?
A: As a producer, he developed the supervisory system for production, emphasizing preproduction planning and postproduction control.
Q: What is the significance of Billy Bitzer in film history?
A: As a cinematographer, he collaborated with D.W. Griffith and contributed to the visual style of early narrative films.
Q: How did Buster Keaton’s filmmaking style differ from other silent film comedians?
A: Known for his deadpan expression and complex physical comedy, Keaton’s films like “The General” showcased intricate stunts and visual storytelling.
Q: What impact did Harold Lloyd have on silent film comedy?
A: Lloyd’s films featured his “everyman” character and thrilling stunts, contributing significantly to the genre of slapstick comedy.
Q: How did Warner Bros. revolutionize the film industry with sound?
A: They introduced the Vitaphone sound system and produced “The Jazz Singer,” the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue.
Q: What contributions did Samuel Goldwyn make to Hollywood?
A: As a producer and studio executive, he co-founded Paramount and later established his own successful production company.
Q: How did the Hays Code affect Hollywood filmmaking
A: The Hays Code imposed strict censorship guidelines that influenced film content and themes for several decades.
Q: What was the impact of Clark Gable on Hollywood’s golden age?
A: Gable’s charismatic screen presence made him a leading man in iconic films like “Gone with the Wind.”
Q: How did John Ford contribute to the Western genre?
A: Ford directed classic Westerns like “Stagecoach” and “The Searchers,” shaping the genre with his storytelling and visual style.
Q: What role did Mary Pickford play in early Hollywood?
A: Known as “America’s Sweetheart,” Pickford was a pioneering actress and producer, co-founding United Artists.
Q: How did Douglas Fairbanks influence the action-adventure genre?
A: Fairbanks starred in and produced swashbuckling films like “The Mark of Zorro,” setting the standard for action heroes.
Q: What contributions did Orson Welles make to film innovation?
A: Welles’ “Citizen Kane” introduced groundbreaking techniques in narrative structure, cinematography, and sound design.
Q: How did Humphrey Bogart become an iconic film star?
A: Bogart’s performances in films like “Casablanca” and “The Maltese Falcon” established him as a leading actor known for his tough-guy persona.
Q: What was Alfred Hitchcock’s impact on suspense and thriller films?
A: Hitchcock’s mastery of suspense and innovative use of camera techniques made him a defining figure in the thriller genre with films like “Psycho.”
Q: How did Marlon Brando revolutionize acting in Hollywood?
A: Brando’s method acting brought a new level of realism and intensity to his performances in films like “A Streetcar Named Desire.”
Q: What role did Audrey Hepburn play in shaping Hollywood’s image of glamour?
A: Hepburn’s elegance and charm in films like “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” made her a fashion icon and beloved actress.
Q: How did Walt Disney transform the animation industry?
A: Disney’s creation of feature-length animated films like “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” revolutionized animation and established a global entertainment empire.
Q: What impact did Judy Garland have on musical films?
A: Garland’s performances in musicals like “The Wizard of Oz” showcased her exceptional singing and acting talent, making her a beloved star.
Q: How did Steven Spielberg influence modern blockbuster filmmaking?
A: Spielberg’s films like “Jaws” and “E.T.” set the standard for blockbuster success with their storytelling, special effects, and marketing strategies.
Q: What contributions did Francis Ford Coppola make to American cinema?
A: Coppola’s films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” are considered masterpieces for their narrative depth and directorial vision.
Q: How did George Lucas impact the science fiction genre?
A: Lucas created the “Star Wars” franchise, which revolutionized special effects and became a cultural phenomenon.
Q: What role did Martin Scorsese play in American cinema?
A: Scorsese’s films like “Taxi Driver” and “GoodFellas” are known for their gritty realism and exploration of complex characters.
Q: How did Robert Altman influence the style of ensemble filmmaking?
A: Altman’s films like “Nashville” featured large casts and interwoven storylines, pioneering the ensemble film style.
Q: What impact did Katharine Hepburn have on Hollywood?
A: Hepburn’s strong and independent roles in films like “The Philadelphia Story” made her one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses.
Q: How did James Dean become a cultural icon?
A: Dean’s performances in “Rebel Without a Cause” and “East of Eden” captured the angst of post-war youth, making him an enduring symbol of rebellion.
Q: What contributions did Stanley Kubrick make to film?
A: Kubrick’s meticulously crafted films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “A Clockwork Orange” are celebrated for their innovation and artistic vision.
Q: How did Meryl Streep influence acting in contemporary cinema?
A: Streep’s versatility and depth in roles across various genres have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards, making her one of the most respected actors of her generation.
1890s-1910s: The Birth of Cinema
1891: Thomas Edison and William Dickson develop the Kinetoscope.
1895: The Lumière brothers hold the first public screening of projected films.
1903: Edwin S. Porter directs “The Great Train Robbery,” one of the first narrative films.
1915: D.W. Griffith’s “The Birth of a Nation” is released, demonstrating the power of feature-length films.
1920s: The Silent Era and the Rise of Hollywood
1920: United Artists is founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith.
1927: “The Jazz Singer,” the first feature-length talkie, is released, signaling the end of the silent era.
1929: The first Academy Awards are held.
1930s: The Golden Age of Hollywood
1930-1940: The studio system dominates, with major studios like MGM, Paramount, and Warner Bros. controlling production, distribution, and exhibition.
1939: Iconic films “Gone with the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” are released.
1940s: World War II and Post-War Cinema
1941: Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane” is released, often regarded as the greatest film ever made.
1948: The Supreme Court’s Paramount Decision ends the studio monopoly over theaters, leading to the decline of the studio system.
1950s: The Rise of Television and New Film Techniques
1952: “Singin’ in the Rain” highlights the transition from silent films to talkies.
1955: James Dean stars in “Rebel Without a Cause,” epitomizing the rebellious youth culture.
1956: Cecil B. DeMille’s “The Ten Commandments” showcases the era’s epic filmmaking style.
1960s: The Decline of the Studio System and the Rise of New Hollywood
1960: Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” redefines horror and thriller genres.
1967: “Bonnie and Clyde” and “The Graduate” signal the beginning of the New Hollywood era.
1969: “Easy Rider” epitomizes the counterculture movement in American cinema.
1970s: New Hollywood and Auteur Filmmaking
1972: Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” is released, becoming a landmark in American cinema.
1977: George Lucas’ “Star Wars” revolutionizes special effects and blockbuster filmmaking.
1980s: The Blockbuster Era and Technological Advances
1982: Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” becomes a cultural phenomenon.
1989: Tim Burton’s “Batman” sets a new standard for superhero films.
1990s: Independent Film Movement and Digital Revolution
1994: Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” gains critical acclaim and commercial success, highlighting the independent film movement.
1999: “The Matrix” introduces groundbreaking visual effects and influences sci-fi cinema
2000s: The Era of Franchises and Digital Cinema
2001: “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” initiates a successful film trilogy.
2009: James Cameron’s “Avatar” becomes the highest-grossing film of all time with its use of 3D technology.
2010s: The Dominance of Streaming and Superhero Films
2012: Marvel’s “The Avengers” exemplifies the success of the superhero genre.
2019: “Avengers: Endgame” becomes the highest-grossing film, signaling the peak of the superhero era.
2019: Netflix’s “Roma” wins multiple Oscars, indicating the rise of streaming platforms in mainstream cinema.
(HUAC)
House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigations into alleged communist influences in Hollywood. Many writers, directors, actors, and other professionals were accused of having communist ties and subsequently blacklisted.
What role did genre films play in the Golden Age of Hollywood, according to Monaco?
Genre films provided a consistent and predictable framework for film production, which allowed studios to efficiently produce films that met audience expectations. Westerns, musicals, and romantic comedies became staples
How did the counterculture movement of the 1960s influence American cinema?
new themes:
1.rebellion
2. social change
3. anti-establishment sentiment.
The decline of the Hays Code, leading to greater creative freedom and diverse innovative films.
What were the major themes explored in film noir, as discussed by Monaco?
Film noir is characterized by its exploration of cynical themes, morally ambiguous characters, and complex storylines.
What were some of the significant technological innovations in filmmaking during the 1980s?
- computer-generated imagery (CGI) and
- animatronics.
were substantial advancements in the 1980s ET, Terminator, Star wars
How did the introduction of CGI change the landscape of American film, according to Monaco?
CGI allowed for more creative storytelling and spectacular visuals,
What role did film festivals play in promoting independent cinema, as described by Monaco?
What role did film festivals play in promoting independent cinema, as described by Monaco?
by providing a platform for indie filmmakers to showcase their work to wider audiences and industry professionals. sundance, cannes
What is analytical editing?
breaking down scenes into smaller shots to enhance narrative clarity, build tension, and maintain audience engagement by focusing on key details and actions within the scene.
Ex Pycho shower scene
What is analytical editing?
An editing technique that deconstructs scenes into meticulously chosen, discrete shots to enhance the narrative emphasize critical elements, and meaning. EXAMPLE PYCHO SHOWER SCENE.
