Intro to Film Studies Midterm Review

These flashcards cover important terms and concepts that will be relevant for the upcoming midterm in Intro to Film Studies.

Kinetoscope

An early device for viewing moving pictures developed by Thomas Edison.

Mise-en-scene

Literally means 'putting on stage', but in film, it refers to the arrangement of everything in the frame.

Diegetic Sound

Sound that originates from within the film's story world, such as dialogue or sound effects.

Non-Diegetic Sound

Sound that comes from outside the story world, like a musical score or narration added during post-production.

Auteur Theory

A theory that emphasizes the director as the central author of a film, reflecting their personal vision and style.

The Studio System

A dominant system in Hollywood from the 1930s to 1950s where studios controlled production, distribution, and exhibition of films.

Cinemascope

A widescreen process that enhanced the visual experience of films, used to draw audiences away from television.

Nickelodeon

The first type of indoor theater where films were shown for a five-cent admission.

Genre

A category of film characterized by similar conventions or themes.

Cross-Cutting

An editing technique that alternates between two or more scenes happening at the same time in different locations.

Jump Cuts

An editing technique where two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly.

Eadweard Muybridge

A photographer noted for his pioneering work in motion photography and the development of early film.

The Great Train Robbery

A 1903 film directed by Edwin Porter, recognized as one of the first narrative films in cinema history.

Docudrama

A genre that combines documentary and drama to present factual content in an engaging narrative format.

Reflexive Documentary

A documentary that highlights the process of filmmaking itself and prompts viewers to question its representation of truth.

The Jazz Singer

The first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue, marking a significant transition to sound in cinema.

Film Noir

A style of filmmaking characterized by its cynical attitude and its moral ambiguity, often featuring crime and corruption.

Grizzly Man

A documentary by Werner Herzog that examines the life of bear enthusiast Timothy Treadwell, showcasing both the subject's hubris and Herzog's philosophical inquiries.

Silent Era

The period of film history from the late 1890s to the late 1920s where films were produced without synchronized sound.

Night of the Living Dead

A 1968 horror film directed by George Romero that explores themes of societal collapse and otherness.

Cinematography

The art of capturing and lighting images in film, encompassing techniques like camera movement, shot composition, and lighting.

The New Hollywood

A period in the late 1960s and 1970s characterized by a shift in filmmaking styles, influenced by European cinema and a new generation of filmmakers.

Voice Over

A production technique where a voice that is not part of the narrative is used to convey information to the audience.

Montage

An editing technique that juxtaposes a series of short shots to compress time or convey a thematic idea.

Tracking Shot

A continuous shot where the camera moves on a dolly or tracks, usually following a subject or moving through a scene.

Establishing Shot

A shot, usually the first in a sequence, that establishes the context for the scene by showing the relationship between its important figures and objects.

Foley Artist

A person who creates and records sound effects for films, such as footsteps or impacts, often performed live to picture.

Deep Focus

A cinematography technique using a large depth of field, allowing multiple planes of the shot to be in focus simultaneously.

Expressionism (Film)

A cinematic style, primarily from Germany, characterized by exaggerated sets, distorted visuals, and subjective narratives to express inner emotions.

What pioneering techniques did Buster Keaton use in

Buster Keaton used pioneering techniques like double exposure to create the illusion of climbing out of his body and onto the screen, and he performed all his own stunts.

Eadweard Muybridge, Leland Stanford, and "The Horse in Motion" (1878)

This project was an early breakthrough, transitioning from still photography to capturing motion, demonstrating how individual photographs could be combined to simulate movement.

What did Thomas Edison's 1888 patent for a device that would 'do for the eye what the phonograph will do for the ear' lead to?

It led to the assignment of William Kennedy Dickson to create the Kinetoscope, an early device for viewing moving pictures projected inside a stationary box.

What are 'Actualities' in early film history?

Actualities were early non-fiction films, essentially short documentaries or filmed events, such as those produced by the Lumiere Brothers (e.g., 'Arrival of a Train', 'The Sprinkler Sprinkled').

Georges Méliès and "A Trip to the Moon" (1902)

Georges Méliès was a French illusionist who pioneered special effects in cinema, notably in his film 'A Trip to the Moon'.

Early devices developed by Edison and W.L.K. Dickson allowing viewers to watch short films in a stationary box (e.g., 'The Kiss', 'The Sneeze', 1884)

These were the Kinetoscope, providing individual viewing experiences rather than projection to an audience.

What new editing techniques did Edwin Porter use in 'The Great Train Robbery' (1903)?

Porter used new editing techniques like cutting between scenes and cross-cutting to create a coherent narrative.

What was the significance of John Harris and Harry Davis opening the world's first Nickelodeon in 1905?

Located in downtown Pittsburgh, it charged a nickel for communal movie viewing, initiating the practice of 'going to the movies'.

Why did the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) drive Warner Brothers to Los Angeles?

The MPPC, controlled by Thomas Edison, attempted to monopolize the film industry, forcing independent studios like Warner Brothers to relocate to California to avoid their restrictions and legal battles.

What was Warner Bros.' origin story from Western Pennsylvania to Hollywood?

Starting with connections to Pittsburgh's Nickelodeon and their first theater in New Castle (1905-1910), the four Warner brothers (Harry, Sam, Albert, and Jack) faced opposition from Edison's MPPC, leading them to establish their distribution company (Duquesne Amusement) and eventually move to Hollywood.

Which Warner Brother was described as a 'chaser'?

Jack Warner served as a 'chaser,' responsible for ensuring patrons left movie theaters at the end of a show.

What was a significant challenge for Warner Brothers in Hollywood (besides the MPPC) that led to their bet on Vitaphone?

After initial success with movies featuring Rin Tin Tin, they were struggling, and Sam Warner's vision led them to invest in Vitaphone, a sound-on-disc system, pioneering the transition to synchronized sound.

What were the first major films to mark Warner Brothers' transition to sound?

They were 'Don Juan' (1926), which had a synchronized musical score and sound effects, and 'The Jazz Singer' (1927), which featured synchronized dialogue.

What genres and key films were Warner Brothers known for during the heyday of the studio system?

They specialized in gangster films ('Public Enemy', 'Scarface'), social dramas ('I Was a Fugitive From A Chain Gang'), musicals ('Yankee Doodle Dandy'), action films ('The Adventures of Robin Hood'), and romances ('Casablanca').

Name some key stars under contract with Warner Brothers during the studio system era.

Key stars included Jimmy Cagney, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart, and Errol Flynn.

What audience demographic did Warner Brothers primarily target?

Warner Brothers notably targeted a blue-collar audience, distinguishing them from other major studios.

How did "Singin' In the Rain" (1952) deal with the differences between the silent and sound eras of film?

The film satirizes and explores the chaotic transition, showcasing the difficulties actors faced with new sound technology and the struggle to adapt silent film techniques to synchronized sound.

Who was Gene Kelly, and what was his connection to 'Singin' In the Rain' and Pittsburgh?

Gene Kelly, who attended the University of Pittsburgh and grew up in East Liberty, developed an athletic dancing style. He starred in 'Singin' In the Rain,' which was directed by him and Stanley Donen.

What challenge did Debbie Reynolds face in 'Singin' In the Rain' regarding her performance?

Debbie Reynolds was new to singing and dancing, so while her character was meant to dub Lina Lamont's screechy voice, Reynolds herself ended up being dubbed in some of her own singing scenes.

What were 'The Big 5' studios during the height of the studio system (1930s-1950s)?

The Big 5 studios were Paramount, Fox, MGM, RKO, and Warner Brothers.

What were 'The Little 3' studios during the studio system (1930s-1950s)?

The Little 3 studios were Columbia, Universal, and United Artists.

How did various studios specialize in genres during the studio system?

MGM was famous for musicals, Warner Brothers for blue-collar gangster films and melodramas, and Universal for horror.

What made the Studio System unique at its height (1930-1950)?

It was producer-centric, with everyone under contract, and studios controlled all aspects from production to distribution and exhibition, owning their own theaters.

Describe the typical 'studio style' during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Studio style included beautifully lit stars, invisible editing that went unnoticed, and conventional stories featuring a hero with a main goal, leading to a completed ending.

How did the advent of sound impact the studio system's film production?

With sound, studios began to buy novels and plays that could be adapted to the screen and utilized theater actors accustomed to dialogue and stage performance.

What was the peak audience attendance for movies after WWII, during the studio system's height?

At its peak after WWII, 90 million Americans would go to the movies each week.

What factors significantly weakened the studio system?

1) The 1948 Paramount Anti-Trust suit, which prohibited studios from owning both production means and theaters. 2) The rise of Television as an alternative entertainment. 3) The emergence of a 'youth culture' in the 1960s, which sought different cinematic experiences.

What technological innovations did studios attempt to combat the rise of television?

Studios tried innovations like Cinemascope (a widescreen process) and 3-D films.

How does conventional classic Hollywood narrative typically operate?

It features clear cause-and-effect relationships, heroes with defined goals, subplots often involving romantic interests, and each scene is utilized to advance the overall plot.

Describe the narrative characteristics of 'Art Films.'

Art films often have unclear motivations for characters, are less driven by a strict plot, and tend to be more personal and introspective (e.g., 'The 400 Blows').

What is 'Modernism' in film narrative?

Modernism in film is self-reflexive and aware of its own form, often drawing attention to the filmmaking process itself (e.g., 'Adaptation').

What does mise-en-scene include in a film?

Mise-en-scene includes the setting, props, cinematography, lighting, costume, make-up, performance, and special effects—everything visible within the frame.

How can elements of mise-en-scene convey meaning in a film?

Elements like props can have metaphoric significance (e.g., a book from a library), and costumes can indicate a character's personality or social standing.

How does lighting function in film, particularly in Classical Hollywood?

Lighting shapes viewer response by using illumination and shadows to convey meaning. Classical Hollywood often used a two- or three-point lighting system (key, fill, and back light).

What is the purpose of a Key light in film lighting?

The key light is the primary light source, corresponding to visible light sources within a scene, and establishes the main illumination.

What is the purpose of a Fill-light in film lighting?

The fill-light is placed over 90 degrees from the key light and serves to soften the effect by canceling out some of the shadows cast by the key light.

What is the purpose of a Back light in film lighting?

The back light is placed behind actors to highlight their shape and make them stand out against the setting, creating a sense of depth.

What is 'Shot scale' in cinematography, and why is it crucial?

Shot scale is crucial in depicting characters and their interactions, determining how close or far the camera is from the subject, influencing the intimacy or scope of a scene.

What is the significance of a Close-up shot?

A close-up offers an opportunity for intimate observation of characters, facilitating screen performances where even the smallest changes in expression are witnessed, which was not possible on stage.

Name various types of shot scales used in filmmaking.

Types of shot scales include Close-up, Extreme close-up, Long shot, Extreme Long Shot, Medium long shot (often used for two or three shots in Hollywood films), and Medium shot.

What role do 'Angles' play in film framing?

Angles are a key element of framing, conveying information about a character and establishing both literal and figurative points of view (e.g., High-angle, Low-angle, Eye level, Dutch/canted angle).

Name the four types of camera mobility used to suggest point of view.

The four types of camera mobility are Pan, Track, Tilt, Crane, and Push/Zoom.

How is Classic Hollywood editing characterized?

Classic Hollywood editing preserves continuity and strives to be 'invisible,' aiming for seamless transitions that do not draw attention to the editing process itself.

Who pioneered innovative montage sequences, and what was their effect?

Russian filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein pioneered montage in sequences like the Odessa Steps in 'Battleship Potemkin,' using abrupt, sometimes out-of-order cuts and juxtaposing images to convey thematic ideas rather than focusing on individuals, aligning with communist ideology.

How did French New Wave filmmakers like Truffaut and Godard break with traditional editing?

They broke with tradition by using jump cuts to skip over 'boring' parts, challenging the classical Hollywood emphasis on continuous and invisible editing (e.g., Godard's 'Breathless').

How is sound typically used in conventional films?

In conventional films, sound (timbre, pitch, volume, rhythm) is carefully matched to the action depicted on screen to maintain realism and emotional coherence.

How do avant-garde films sometimes utilize sound differently from conventional films?

Avant-garde films may use sound in unexpected ways that don't always make 'logical sense,' instead aiming to produce a more visceral or challenging reaction from the audience (e.g., instances in 'Night of the Living Dead' or 'The 400 Blows').

Who were some of the key critics cited by 'Cahiers du Cinéma' who were considered 'auteurs'?

Critics like François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and editor André Bazin wrote about Hollywood directors such as Alfred Hitchcock ('The Birds', 'Rear Window'), John Ford ('Stagecoach', 'The Searchers'), Howard Hawks ('Scarface', 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes'), and Orson Welles ('Citizen Kane'), recognizing their signature styles and personal visions.

What was the significance of the 'Hitchcock/Truffaut' (2015) conversations?

Despite their age difference, Truffaut (30) met with Hitchcock (63) for a series of conversations, where Truffaut articulated his view of Hitchcock as an artist with a singular personal vision, utilizing all filmmaking techniques to convey it.

What was the significance of François Truffaut's 'The 400 Blows' (1959)?

The film, a semi-autobiographical story of Antoine Donel told from a personal point of view, won the Cannes Film Festival in 1959 and pioneered techniques like the handheld camera, jump cuts, and use of city locations.

How did Truffaut utilize sound in 'The 400 Blows'?

He recorded all the sound after filming, having the actors dub their own voices to achieve a more precise and controlled audio track.

Describe the ending of 'The 400 Blows'.

The film has an ambiguous ending where Antoine runs to the beach, a place he had never been before, concluding with a freeze frame that leaves the audience wondering about his fate.

How did Jean-Luc Godard's 'Breathless' (written by Truffaut) challenge traditional filmmaking?

Godard used jump cuts to remove 'boring' parts, had the main character talk directly to the camera, used real locations with unwitting passerbys, and incorporated homages to Hollywood while breaking its established rules.

How did the French New Wave influence Hollywood filmmaking in the 1960s?

The French New Wave changed Hollywood by introducing and normalizing alternative techniques such as jump cuts, handheld cameras, location shooting, and more personal storytelling, which were eventually embraced by a new generation of American filmmakers.

What are the three main functions of genre in film?

Genre functions to provide 1) financial security for the industry, 2) a set of expectations for an audience, and 3) a critical framework for reviewers.

What is 'Iconography' in the context of film genre?

Iconography describes and categorizes the visual motifs (sets, props, costumes) one would expect to see in a film of a particular genre.

According to Adam Lowenstein, what is the 'true subject' of the horror genre, citing Robin Wood?

Citing Robin Wood, Lowenstein states that 'the true subject of the horror genre is the struggle for recognition of all that our civilization represses or oppresses,' where 'normality is threatened by the Monster.'

How does Robin Wood distinguish between 'Progressive' and 'Reactionary' horror?

Progressive horror critiques the status quo, while reactionary horror reaffirms it. A 'happy ending' typically indicates a reactionary triumph of normality, and a bleak ending can signify a progressive critique.

What is 'transformative otherness' in horror, according to Lowenstein?

Transformative otherness describes horror's ability to depict social difference as an ongoing metamorphosis between the 'normal' self and 'monstrous' other, where the struggle for recognition is never resolved, fostering ambivalence instead of clear solutions.

How does 'Night of the Living Dead' exemplify 'transformative otherness'?

The film blurs the lines between humans and zombies; the 'others' are not only the monsters, but also the humans. It's difficult to distinguish who is more threatening, highlighting an unending transformation and interconnectedness.

How is Barbara's character in 'Night of the Living Dead' an example of 'transformative otherness'?

Barbara's heroism is complicated as she becomes traumatized and zombielike, yet within this state, she registers grief and loss more 'humanly' than her living companions.

How does Ben's fate in 'Night of the Living Dead' demonstrate 'transformative otherness'?

Ben's heroism is complicated by his failures and eventual execution by human saviors who mistake him for a zombie. His body burning with zombie corpses signifies a transformation of human into zombie, yet his unjust fate confirms his humanity in the audience's outrage, showcasing an unending cycle of becoming.

What was George Romero's background before making 'Night of the Living Dead'?

Brooklyn-born George Romero attended Carnegie Mellon (then Tech) in Pittsburgh, dropped out, and started the production company Latent Image with Pitt student Richard Ricci.

What inspired George Romero and his team to create 'Night of the Living Dead'?

Richard Ricci gave Romero a copy of the book 'I Am Legend,' and local TV star Chilly Billy Cardille (who had a cameo in the film) also provided inspiration, leading Romero and 'Image 10' to make the film.

What filmmaking techniques did 'Night of the Living Dead' share with the French New Wave?

Shot independently with a low budget, it utilized lightweight gear and documentary-like techniques such as hand-held cameras and real locations, rather than soundstages.

How did 'Night of the Living Dead' use cinematic elements to create suspense and horror?

It employed mise-en-scene (like the farmhouse), canted film angles, specialized lighting, discontinuous editing, and unsettling sound design to build a pervasive sense of suspense and horror.

How did 'Night of the Living Dead' (1968) address issues of its time?

Released in 1968, the film dealt with contemporary issues like the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War, featuring elements like television news reports and a posse with dogs, echoing images of Southern law enforcement attacking civil rights workers.

What is a 'Poetic' documentary mode?

A poetic documentary mode aims to capture a mood or tone rather than presenting an explicit argument, often using artistic camera angles and dynamic editing (e.g., Leni Riefenstahl's 'Olympia').

What is an 'Expository' documentary mode?

An expository documentary mode uses rhetorical techniques to make explicit points about a subject, frequently employing voice-over narration and a 'show and tell' structure, similar to TV documentaries (e.g., 'Nanook of the North').

What is a 'Participatory' documentary mode?

In a participatory documentary, the filmmaker actively engages with the subject matter, inserting their point of view and involvement into the film (e.g., Michael Moore in 'Roger & Me').

What is an 'Observational' documentary mode?

An observational documentary mode adopts a 'fly on the wall' approach, seemingly taking a neutral posture to 'capture reality,' though a critical point of view can still be achieved through editing and shot selection (e.g., Frederick Wiseman's 'High School').