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History of Film and the things that connect us - Coggle Diagram
History of Film and the things that connect us
Women’s autonomy and rights
Film became a way for women to assert themselves in a society that allowed very few jobs to be done by women, especially women of colour. It was also used to explore issues facing women, both at the current time and in the past. These films mostly deal with women surviving in the world
Examples:
Cabbage Patch Fairy
Alice Guy Blanche was a film trailblazer, not only for being the first female filmmaker, but also as one of the first filmmakers to make a narrative film. While the original Cabbage Patch Fairy film is considered lost media, the idea still remains in this version from 1900.
Passion of Joan of Arc
A retelling of the story of Joan D'Arc, Passion of Joan of Arc (Dreyer, 1928) Makes use of dramatic close up shots to represent this stunning recount of the records of the trial of the saint and depicts her execution. Bringing to light the injustices Joan faced and a broader understanding of the way women are viewed throughout history.
She Done Him Wrong
Starring Controversial Star Mae West,
She Done Him Wrong
(Sherman, 1933) shows a rare glimpse of female autonomy and dominance in this pre-Hayes Code film. West's attitude, both as her character and in production, set a new precedent for women in the filmmaking industry.
Recognition of experiences of actors of color
Film brought a unique opportunity to people of colour, the opportunity to act and represent themselves on screen. While blackface and racism was rampant during this time, there was a call for actors of colour to provide roles on screen. As George Gebner states, "Representation in the fictional world signifies social existence. Absence means symbolic annihilation." These films include representations of actors and directors of color. They also may have a glimpse into the experiences of people of color (regardless of how accurate it is)
Examples:
Fatty and Minnie He-Haw
Starring Minnie Devereux, who was the only Indigenous Woman working as a comedienne in early silent era film. Devereux's presence challenged stereotypes particularly for indigenous women during this era. While Devereux was subject to heavy typecasting, she was also given autonomy for her comedy in the film.
Shanghai Express
Shanghai Express, although is set in China, does not represent many Chinese actors. However, the movie does star Anna May Wong, a traillblazing Chinese-American Actress known as the first one to be internationally recognized in Hollywood, as Hui Fei.
Imitation of Life
Imitation of Life gives a rare glimpse of black expressionism while also tackling the politics behind identity, as Delilah's daughter tries to understand her identity as a biracial white passing woman. It also features the work of Louise Beavers, and while it heavily relies on the Mammy stereotype of black women as a plot point, is considered a decent representation for early cinema
Dissection of the nuclear family
A nuclear family is described as two parents and their child/children. While early cinema was rather conservative in their portrayals of a family, Film still explored the idea of the conventional nuclear family, the criticisms behind it, and explored other options.
Examples:
Imitation Of Life :
Imitation of Life has representation of the single motherhood experience, and crushes the idea of a nuclear family seen as the only type of family. The Bond between Delilah and Bea as they raise their children together explores other possibilities of family.
Mildred Pierce
Mildred Pierce explores the "dissolvement" and adjustment of the nuclear family during World War II. It touches on the subject of women in the workforce and absentee fathers during this time period.
The Crowd
A direct callout of the average nuclear family, The Crowd (Vidor, 1928) shows John Sims going through the motions of the typical life- making his typical family. He is seen as unmotivated and disinterested in his work, and the movie shows the struggles John has with his family. I see it as a dissection of the average nuclear family, showing it's not always as conventionally attractive.
Addams Family Values
A satirical take on the typical nuclear family, the Addams Family is one of the most popular parodies of the American Status Quo.
Classism and the average consumer
Early Cinema became a cheap form of entertainment for the masses, which was perfect for a population hit by the Great Depression and had little money to spare.
The subjects of films became more relatable to the middle class audience during these fleeting times. Focus on urban life with hints of escapism to provide relief.
Examples:
The Crowd
A movie that borders on satirizing the average middle class life, The Crowd shows John Sims in a dull life. The viewer watches the dramatics of Sim's life, and feels a sense of kinship with his struggles of money and relationships
Modern Times
Another anti capitalist piece featuring Charlie Chaplin, Modern Times blurs the lines between work and Incarceration, providing critique for the average working class consumer.
The Last Laugh
The Last Laugh came as a stark and anti capitalist reminder that the average person is closer to homelessness than being a billionaire. Our noble doorman is seen losing his job, and was a cut deep for the population through the woes of the Great Depression. The only saving grace comes from the pity ending given.
