The First Day Of Lecture The True Power Of Film Essay

Spalding’s written work “Period Films in the Prewar Era” details the poignant aspects of and provides an insight into period films otherwise known as jidai-geki. Including a vast range of movie genres, period films were produced during the fall of feudalism in Japan drawing inspiration from traditional Kabuki theater and heavily focusing on combat. Lisa Spalding provides insight on how period films grew widely prevalent and how the increasing popularity of these films drew shifts in society drawing large crowds of people. With that, “Period Films in the Prewar Era” aims to discussing famous individuals who contributed to this category of film such as Makino Shozo, a director/later producer who was the developer of this category

“The biggest mistake we have made is to consider that films are primarily a form of entertainment. The film is the greatest medium since the invention of movable type for exchanging ideas and information, and it is no more at its best in light entertainment than literature is at its best in the light novel.” - Orson Welles

    Film and literature are two media forms that are so closely related, that we often forget there is a distinction between them. We often just view the movie as an extension of the book because most movies are based on novels or short stories. Because we are accustomed to this sequence of production, first the novel, then the motion picture, we often find ourselves making value judgments about a movie, based upon our feelings on the novel. It is this overlapping of the creative processes that prevents us from seeing movies as distinct and separate art forms from the novels they are based on.

When viewing films of the past, we then form a “counter-discourse” because we can compare it to modern day views and beliefs. The article, “Inventing Historical Truth on the Silver Screen,” by Robert Rosenstone, explains having a current perspective on history and how we interpret it. Written historical documents can only be backed up by truth so far. These films Amistad, 1776, and The Black Robe, can help form ideas of what might have happened, but that is what they are used for, to help mold and shape historical events to the present day.

[1] Hollywood is no longer just a name, it is a business, a living entity holding America’s people in its grasp, and it is not about to let them go. Gradually taking on more responsibility and trying to build up its reputation over the years, Hollywood has progressively assumed the position of history-teller for the American public. This role, whether or not an appropriate one for an industry such as Hollywood to tackle, has catapulted actors and actresses into high paying, high visibility positions. History has and will continue to be one of the main subjects that the movie industry has been fascinated with. It is an alive and very fragile

1974 Words Do historical films help or hinder our understanding of the past? Discuss with reference to two of the following films. Historical films have the opportunity to enhance our knowledge of the past in ways a written source is not able to. Historical films have the chance to educate people on a topic, they are able to get people involved in a particular period or issue, give a visual depiction of the time and historical films can also be used as some kind of source material. Schindler’s List is a good example of how a historical film can help people’s understanding of the past as it was created to educate people on the Holocaust.

Throughout the years, governments came and went but Hollywood has proven to be stable and relevant. Although, the impact of these governments, especially conservative ones, seem to have lasting effects in the industry. Ever since WW2, there has been a changing sentiment on how and what types of movies we should enjoy that embody the preferred image of Americans. Whether they be liberal friendly or conservative friendly films, they affect society in different ways. Hollywood has shown signs of weakness in the past by succumbing to the governments whims and pressures. In addition, to making films that promote certain governments ideologies just for the bottom line of profit. In this essay, I will argue that Hollywood is a reactionary institution of the US governments conservative political motivations and that this impacts the creativity of films negatively to enhance profits.

Film, though, is more than just entertainment. It often (though not always) intends to entertain, but can also be intended to change opinions and ideas, and to inspire. In addition to carrying out its intended purpose, a film is something of a time capsule: telling us volumes about the people and culture that produced it, highlighting subtle and not-so-subtle differences between then and now.

Motion pictures have definitely changed the world. Honestly without it, I can’t imagine what could have kept us busy and entertain. If motion pictures do not exist, technological devices such as the tv, tablets, cameras, phones, computers, etcetera, are probably impossible. Unlike books, where the minds are force to visualize the actions and scenes from a book, motion pictures have done the job. In another word, motion picture has spoiled its audiences.

Within history classes around the world, there are some that use films for historical events rather than reading text. Educators believe that the vividness of film can be a valuable teaching tool, enlivening and reinforcing students’ memories for otherwise dry historical text, (Wray, Herbert), I believe this too. A film that engages your eyesight, brain and hearing is a great way to feel more in depth within the topic of a film. Using your brain to think about the plot within the film puts a thought in your brain about it because you’re thinking about it, creating your own critiques, judgements, and thoughts about the events instead of having already written for you. This develops a memory in a part of your brain

Films are arguably the most accessible politically charged art form for United States citizens. Visual arts are intended to occupy an individual’s senses more than other forms of art, thus they have the power to teach, inspire and shape the perceptions of individuals. Cinemas help to create a shared narrative experience amongst people from different cultural backgrounds, forcing audiences to collectively consider topics they may have never believed serious before. Films have the capacity to stir an individual to action, transform their view on politics and affect an individual’s biases. These characteristics have allowed cinematic creations to play a large role in guiding social change as well as influence political policy in the United States. With advances in modern technology and cinematic popularity, its influence has grown stronger over generations.

Ever since the inception of cinema, questions about film’s ability to capture or distort true “reality” have plagued the medium. It is a question which satisfies most academic types: it involves existential questioning of “reality”, film theory (which, in itself, just sounds intelligent), and esoteric mostly esoteric film knowledge and jargon. Though it’s a question that has been long dominated by pretension and esotericism, it’s a very valid one that is important to investigate. Reality distortion through film is particularly salient because it affects almost all who watch movies, which is a lot of people. During my research, I’ve come to a conclusion: Even though an “objective reality” in cinema doesn’t exist, there are types of representations of reality that can have seriously damaging implications. These are representations of the world which are intended to be impetuses for the harm of others. Films like The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Battleship Potemkin showcase this potential to dictate and distort reality.

‘How I Made A Hundred Movies in Hollywood and Never Lost a Dime’ completely changes how people view the industry of filmmaking, by providing the story of one man who battled against the odds and inspired generations to come. The novel chronicles the life and work of Roger Corman, a pioneer in the filmmaking industry. Filmmaking is a visual literature; just like how novels can change a person 's beliefs or perspectives, film can have a long-lasting effect on the audience it touches. Similarly, this is what Roger Corman accomplished with his movies. Although he initially had a little money, experience, and support, Roger Corman 's life has inspired and challenged generations of people. Furthermore, this book proves Gregory Currie’s belief that ‘Great Literature Makes Us Better’ by acting as “a particularly apt teacher of moral[s]” through widespread inspiration (Currie).

In recent years the topic of slavery has become a big hit for the film industry. Films like Ben Hur, Spartacus, Gladiator, D’jango Unchained, and Twelve Years A Slave all shared the same theme of slavery. These films tell stories of slaves and the terrible hardship of being held captive. Due to its thought-provoking nature films about slavery have become a reoccurring manifestation in the film industry. As a result of their popularity, slavery has been morphed into an almost glamorized notion. Movies like Ben Hur, Spartacus, and Gladiator have become prime examples of the way the film industry has succeeded in glamorizing a subject as disgusting as slavery. Slave movies, especially those that revolve around gladiators, glamorize the state

Films, have grown popularity rapidly in past decades, can be served as a good indicator of culture. As mentioned by the famous film producer, Tom Sherak, “Film is a reflection of society, both present and past.” Films are mediums for someone in the society to say something they want to tell the public. Films are a form of communication to provoke people awareness and self-evaluation of their own attitudes to the