Unit Two Lecture Notes

Unit Two Lecture Overview

Introduction

  • Greeting: The class is thanked for continuing in the lecture series, initiating the second unit.

  • Cartoon Segment: Presentation begins with a silent cartoon titled "Gertie the Dinosaur," which is noted as one of the first animated films with cultural significance.

Gertie the Dinosaur

  • Significance:

    • One of the first animated films historically acknowledged in film animation discussions.

    • Blends animation with live-action elements; not fully animated.

    • Cultural impact noted, influencing future animated films.

  • Cultural Homage:

    • A statue of Gertie serves as an ice cream stand at Disney World, recognizing Disney's role in animation.

Historical Context in Film

  • Recap of Unit One:

    • Discussion highlighted "The Great Train Robbery," comparing it to previous shorter films. Key advancements noted included:

      • Frequent cuts: More dynamic editing style seen.

      • Cross-cutting scenes: Contrasting multiple narrative threads.

      • External filming locations: Moving beyond proscenium-style framing.

      • Varied shot angles and distances: Introduction of panning (side movement) and tilting (up/down movement).

    • Emphasized complex narrative structure. Mention of video editor Martin Scorsese and his homage to earlier works, particularly in Goodfellas.

Thomas Edison and Early Film Production

  • Edison's Role:

    • The Great Train Robbery contributed to Edison’s reputation in film.

    • Discussion on his acquisition of patents and hiring talented individuals, including Edwin S. Porter, a director significant to early cinema.

  • Controversial Figures:

    • D.W. Griffith: Noted for both groundbreaking techniques and the controversial film Birth of a Nation, which sparked discussions regarding racism in cinema.

    • His legacy involves significant contributions to film techniques:

      • Created movie staples such as chase rescues, refined film acting, and improved pictorial composition.

      • Definition of Mise en Scene: The arrangement of visual elements in a scene, referring to overall framing which affects viewer perception.

Griffith's Controversial Legacy

  • Response to Racism:

    • Birth of a Nation led to civil unrest; protests from various groups, including black filmmakers inspired to combat misrepresentation.

    • Oscar Micheaux: First notable black director in the USA, who formed independent production companies to create films countering Griffith's portrayal and legacy.

  • Role of Independent Filmmakers:

    • Women filmmakers also emerged during this period, such as Alice Guy Blaché and Lois Weber.

Transition to Hollywood

  • Edison's Trust Establishment:

    • Formation of the MPPC aimed to eliminate competition and establish control over film production and distribution.

    • The desire for lower scrutiny led producers to move west, resulting in the establishment of Hollywood as a new film hub.

  • California Attributes:

    • Sunny weather favorable for filming, and emergence of San Antonio as a competitive region for film due to similar reasons.

Production, Distribution, and Exhibition Evolution

  • Structural Separation of production, distribution, and exhibition:

    • Production Companies: Create films (e.g., Edison, SNA).

    • Distribution Companies: Middlemen that rented films to theaters/nickelodeons.

    • Exhibition: Mostly small venues like Nickelodeons showing the films.

  • Quality Issues: Copying resulted in degraded film quality leading theater owners to seek independence. Transition toward vertical integration in response:

    • Nickelodeon Owners: Joined forces to manage the complete process of film-making (production, distribution, exhibition).

Emergence of Major Studios

  • Nickelodeon Owners Who Became Studio Heads:

    • William Fox (Fox Film Corp)

    • Carl Laemmle (Universal Pictures)

    • Adolf Zukor (Paramount Pictures)

Vertical Integration Explained

  • Definition: Studios that produce, distribute, and exhibit films to reduce reliance on other entities.

    • Early theaters were simple but evolved alongside new studios catering to wealthier audiences.

Production Lines and Assembly Lines

  • Production Methods:

    • Thomas Ince's assembly line approach increased efficiency in film production, creating specialized departments.

  • United Artists Formation:

    • Griffith, Pickford, Fairbanks, and Chaplin formed to grant more creative control back to stars and directors.

Notable Comedians of the Era

Charlie Chaplin

  • Notable Films: Slapstick comedies with social awareness through his "tramp" character.

  • Gag Development: Based on situational comedy with a focus on physical props and worker representation.

Buster Keaton

  • Stunt Style: Known for high-risk stunts and physical comedy, comparing his methods to Jackie Chan's approach in modern cinema.

Early Comedy Structures

  • Critique of Systems:

    • Various comedic techniques targeted societal norms or government, creating distinctive character traits or absurd scenarios.

  • Screwball Comedy: Highlighted the clash between sexes through witty dialogue and slapstick elements.

Practical Shot Techniques for Film Analysis

  • Shot Sizes Explained:

    • Close-up, medium close-up, medium shot, cowboy shot, medium full, full shot, extreme long shot, long shot.

  • Different Camera Angles:

    • Shot angles defined: high angle, low angle, Dutch angle, overhead shot (god shot), eye-level shot, shoulder level, each serving a purpose in storytelling and character dynamics.

Conclusion and Forward Look

  • Covered Topics: D.W. Griffith, independent filmmakers, the move westward from New York, emergence of the studio system, defined vertical integration, physical comedians, and basic film shots.

  • Next Week’s Topic: German Expressionism. Students encouraged to continue engaging with lectures, video essays, and screenings.

Final Note

  • Encouragement for Questions: Students urged to reach out for any concerns or queries related to the class assignments.