Media - session 1

Mass Media

Film as a Mass Medium

Films began in the end of the 19th centray as a new way to present entertainment, like stories, music, and drama, but they quickly became popular across large populations, even in rural areas. WHY ?

This was partly because people had more FREE time and wanted affordable and respectable ways to enjoy it with their families.

Films met many personal needs, like offering an escape from reality, providing heroes to admire, and filling free time in a fun and safe way.

Over time, films were not just about entertainment. They were also used for propaganda to influence societies during social crises and to reflect cultural values. Films, even in free societies, often carry hidden messages or ideas to shape opinions. For instance, after the 9/11 attacks, U.S. leaders worked with the film industry to support the "war on terror."

Major changes in film history included the dominance of Hollywood after World War I and the rise of television, which took many film viewers away from cinemas. However, films found new ways to reach audiences, such as through television, DVDs, and digital platforms. This made watching films more private and less of a shared public experience. Despite these changes, films remain a powerful cultural force, influencing books, music, and TV, and continue to be a major part of global mass culture.

What appealed to early film audiences? What attracted them to the early film theatres?

Early film audiences were attracted to several factors that made going to the movies a unique and exciting experience:

1. Affordability

  • Cheap Entertainment: Early movie theaters, like nickelodeons, were very inexpensive. For just a nickel (5 cents), people could watch a short film, making it affordable for the working class and immigrants, who might not have had other entertainment options.

2. Escape from Everyday Life

  • Relaxation and Fun: Movies provided an escape from the daily struggles of work and life, especially for poorer families and immigrants. It was a way to have fun and enjoy something different without spending too much money.

3. Cultural Connection and Understanding

  • Films Were Silent: Early films didn’t have sound, so people from different countries and cultures could still understand them. This was particularly appealing to immigrants who could watch films in a new language but still feel connected to their old culture or get a sense of life in their new country.

  • Stories of Everyday Life: Many early films reflected the experiences of working-class people and immigrants, which made them feel more connected to the characters and stories on screen.

4. Community and Social Interaction

  • A Place for Socializing: Theaters became places where people from the same neighborhoods, especially immigrant communities, could gather, relax, and enjoy time together. They were like community centers where people could meet others with similar backgrounds.

5. Variety and Constant Change

  • Short Films and New Content: The films were short (usually 15-20 minutes), and theaters changed the movies regularly, so there was always something new to watch. This kept people coming back because there was always fresh entertainment.

6. Exciting Visual Experience

  • New and Unique Technology: Movies offered a new type of entertainment that was unlike anything people had seen before. The moving images and dramatic storytelling were fascinating and captivating, especially in the early years when it was still a new form of media.

7. A Sense of Adventure

  • Affordable Travel to New Worlds: Movies allowed people to experience adventures, travel, and see things they might never have seen in real life. This sense of exploration and excitement drew many people to theaters.

A Century of Egyptian Cinema

Egypt is one of the oldest countries in the world to make films. Egyptian cinema started in 1896 when the Lumière Brothers showed a short film in Alexandria. However, many people believe Egyptian cinema truly began in 1927 with Laila, the first Egyptian feature film. It was produced by Aziza Amir, a famous actress and director, often called the "Godmother of Egyptian cinema."

Early Years of Egyptian Cinema

In the early 20th century, as Egypt sought independence from the British, cinema became a way to express Egyptian pride and culture. At first, films had French subtitles, but by 1912, Arabic subtitles became popular. In 1925, Egypt's first big film company, the Misr Corporation for Dramatic Arts and Film, was formed.

The Great Train Robbery (1903)

Narrative Summary:
The Great Train Robbery is about a gang of outlaws who rob a train and are pursued by law enforcement. The story showcases their criminal activities and the dramatic chase to catch them.

Main Characters:

  • The Outlaws (the robbers)

  • The Train Engineer

  • The Lawmen (who pursue the robbers)

Soundtrack's Role:
While The Great Train Robbery was made in the silent film era, it typically featured a live musical score during screenings. The music would have been used to build tension, highlight action scenes, and enhance the emotional impact of the chase and robberies, contributing to the film's drama.

Social Innovation Example:
While The Great Train Robbery might not be an example of social innovation in a traditional sense, it was innovative in its filmmaking techniques. It introduced new concepts like cross-cutting (showing action in different locations at the same time) and the use of a "climactic" ending. These were groundbreaking for cinema and helped shape future storytelling, making it a significant milestone in the history of film innovation.