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The history of cinema starts as a flip book. Over the last 146 years, it has transitioned to the silver screen and various streaming services for home viewing. Many directors have contributed to the growth and development of film over the years. From a flip book to the screen, cinema has changed countless lives and allowed people to express themselves.
The Great Train Robbery (1903)
The Great Train Robbery (1903)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
The Silent Era
The Silent Era
The films above are some examples from the Silent Era. The silent era of film was mostly a period of documentation. Directors set up cameras to document a moment and that was the end. Eventually, people sought out more creative freedom and started telling their narratives. The late 1890s through 1930 was the prime time for directors to showcase their fictional and documentary films.
Image from Umberto D
Italian Neorealism
Italian Neorealism
Italian Neorealism, emerging in the 1940s, focused on depicting the struggles of ordinary people, especially the poor and working class, realistically and truthfully. Filmmakers used non-professional actors, shot on location, and avoided melodrama. The movement influenced global cinema with its emphasis on authenticity and social issues.
The French New Wave
The French New Wave
The French New Wave (1950s-60s) was a groundbreaking film movement known for creative techniques like handheld cameras and jump cuts. Colors were vibrant and a big part of the themes of the movie. Directors such as Truffaut and Godard broke with traditional storytelling, exploring themes of youth and philosophical change. It revolutionized cinema and influenced filmmakers worldwide.
Image from Breathless
Image from Ladybug Ladybug
American Independent Cinema
American Independent Cinema
American independent cinema refers to films made outside the major Hollywood studios, often with lower budgets and creative freedom. It embraced unique storytelling, narratives, and diverse voices. The movement continues to influence contemporary filmmaking.
Women's Roles in American Independent Cinema
Women's Roles in American Independent Cinema
The American Independent cinema wasn't only popular for its films, but it gave women jobs in the industry. This was a revolutionary period for women and gave them power and creative liberties for filmmaking and directing. Meshes of the Afternoon directed by Maya Deren was an avant-garde short film made in this period.
New Hollywood
New Hollywood
“New Hollywood” occurred in the mid-1960s and continued into the early 1970s. Many “classics” came out of this era. New Hollywood consisted of many changes in Hollywood’s movies, inspired by many new waves and film renaissances around the world. The era consisted of artistic and creative freedom, experimental stories, and directors taking full charge of a project instead of a studio.
Carrie (1976)
Carrie (1976)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
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