Contemporary Film History Study Guide

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What major geopolitical conflict influenced the rise of concern over Communist subversion in America after World War II?

The Korean War

The Cold War (correct)

The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Vietnam War

Which Senator was instrumental in the movement to root out leftists in Hollywood during the 1950s?

Harry Truman

Joseph Stalin

John McCain

Joseph McCarthy (correct)

What was the main consequence for individuals identified as Communists or sympathizers during this period?

Tax exemptions

Increased public support

Government jobs

Jail sentences and blacklisting (correct)

Which of the following was a tactic used by the House UnAmerican Activities Committee during their investigations?

Public questioning about personal affiliations Signup and view all the answers

Who were The Hollywood Ten?

A collection of directors and screenwriters blacklisted for refusing to cooperate with HUAC Signup and view all the answers

What was a common outcome for many artists accused of Communist sympathy during this time?

Career ruin and personal turmoil Signup and view all the answers

What phrase was commonly asked of individuals who appeared before the House UnAmerican Activities Committee?

Are you now or have you ever been a communist? Signup and view all the answers

Which prominent figures were part of the movement against Communist influence in Hollywood?

Walt Disney and Ronald Reagan Signup and view all the answers

Which film did Kubrick make before moving to the UK?

Spartacus Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons Hollywood sought to implement the Hays Code?

To simplify the screening process across states. Signup and view all the answers

Who was appointed as the President of the MPPDA to lead the implementation of the Hays Code?

William Hays Signup and view all the answers

What were films seen as a threat to, according to societal views mentioned?

Public morality Signup and view all the answers

What organization started pressuring states to regulate film content in the 1920s?

National Legion of Decency Signup and view all the answers

Which important Supreme Court case determined that films were not protected free speech?

1915 Mutual Film Corporation v. Industrial Commission of Ohio Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Motion Picture Production Code?

To provide guidelines on what could be shown in films. Signup and view all the answers

What notable creative approach did Kubrick take for his film 'Eyes Wide Shut'?

Building a replica of Manhattan on a sound stage in England. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of enforcing stricter copyright laws on tech companies?

It will reduce the number of new posts each day. Signup and view all the answers

What has increased the cost of marketing for films in recent years?

The increased competition from various entertainment options. Signup and view all the answers

How has Hollywood's focus on 'tent-pole' films shifted since the 1980s?

Hollywood relies more on bankable stars and pre-existing IP. Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the phrase 'wild-west internet' in the context of copyright enforcement?

Current online practices will be significantly limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 'High Concept' films?

Their central idea can be easily summarized in one sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary reason for Hollywood's reliance on films associated with pre-existing IP?

To guarantee a profitable return on financial investments. Signup and view all the answers

What does the ongoing technological arms race between pirates and enforcers imply?

No side has a consistent advantage over the other. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does Hollywood face despite the increase in blockbuster film budgets?

Blockbusters are not attracting significant audiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is the trend observed in how films are marketed in relation to brand awareness?

Films are increasingly marketed through sequels, remakes, and adaptations. Signup and view all the answers

Which act signed by President Bill Clinton further facilitated media consolidation?

1996 Telecommunications Act Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in media ownership occurred by the early 2010s?

A few companies began controlling 90% of media interests. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the FCC's deregulation during the Reagan administration have on media companies?

It resulted in mergers and acquisitions among large companies. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following companies is mentioned as controlling multiple large media properties?

Comcast Signup and view all the answers

What technological advancement is leading to a new approach in media creation?

Growth of streaming platforms and technology companies. Signup and view all the answers

Which company is reported to be absorbing Fox's filmmaking divisions as of 2018?

The Walt Disney Company Signup and view all the answers

How did access to movies change with the advent of streaming technologies?

Viewers gained control over what movies to watch. Signup and view all the answers

What themes were prohibited by the Code?

Interracial relationships and drug use Signup and view all the answers

Who was the administrator responsible for enforcing the Code starting in 1934?

Joseph Breen Signup and view all the answers

What significant effect did the 1952 Supreme Court decision have on cinema?

It lifted restrictions on film content Signup and view all the answers

What was the original rating for films that indicated mature audiences before becoming PG?

M Signup and view all the answers

What change occurred regarding the 'X' rating in 1990?

It was replaced by 'NC-17' because it had been co-opted by pornography Signup and view all the answers

What type of cinema emerged following the collapse of the Hays Code?

Exploitation cinema Signup and view all the answers

How did the end of the Hays Code impact traditionally underrepresented communities in filmmaking?

It provided more opportunities for expression and experimental content Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Hollywood's adherence to the Hays Code until the late 1950s?

Competition from television and foreign cinema Signup and view all the answers

What significant change in viewer experience was introduced with home video in 1979?

Viewers gained the ability to select films to watch from a store. Signup and view all the answers

What year was DVD technology introduced, offering better quality than VHS tapes?

1996 Signup and view all the answers

What was a major transition for Netflix that occurred in 2007?

Netflix introduced streaming video content. Signup and view all the answers

How did Netflix's data analysis shape its content offerings by 2013?

Netflix produced original content starting with 'House of Cards'. Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of Blockbuster Video?

The competition from Netflix's DVD rentals and streaming services. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Academy Awards require for films to be eligible for consideration?

Films must be theatrically exhibited. Signup and view all the answers

What is one way Netflix has evolved in its operations compared to early video rental stores?

Netflix has developed a vertically integrated studio model. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the introduction of DVDs have on video rental stores?

They allowed for smaller storage sizes with better quality. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Cold War and Hollywood

The rise of concern over Communist subversion in America after World War II was heavily influenced by the Cold War, a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Senator Joseph McCarthy was instrumental in the movement to root out leftists in Hollywood during the 1950s. His anti-communist investigations led to a wave of blacklisting and ruined careers in the entertainment industry.
Individuals identified as Communists or sympathizers during this period often faced blacklisting, career ruin, and social ostracization.
The House UnAmerican Activities Committee (HUAC) used tactics like subpoenaing witnesses, conducting public hearings, and demanding loyalty oaths to root out suspected communists.
The Hollywood Ten refers to ten screenwriters and directors who refused to cooperate with HUAC and were subsequently blacklisted and jailed for contempt of Congress.
A common outcome for many artists accused of Communist sympathy during this time was blacklisting, which meant being denied work in the film industry.
"Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Communist Party?" was a common question asked of individuals who appeared before the House UnAmerican Activities Committee.
Prominent figures like Ronald Reagan, Walt Disney, and John Wayne were part of the movement against Communist influence in Hollywood, actively opposing the presence of leftists in the industry.
Stanley Kubrick’s first feature film, "Fear and Desire," was made in 1953 before he moved to the UK.

The Hays Code and Film Censorship

Hollywood sought to implement the Hays Code to address concerns about immorality and the potential negative influence of films on society, especially on children and families.
Will H. Hays was appointed as the President of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association (MPPDA) to lead the implementation of the Hays Code.
Films were seen as a threat to morality, social values, and national security, leading to the implementation of the Hays Code to regulate their content.
The National Board of Review started pressuring states to regulate film content in the 1920s, contributing to calls for more censorship.
The Supreme Court case Mutual Film Corp. v. Industrial Commission of Ohio (1915) determined that films were not protected by the First Amendment's guarantees of free speech.
The Motion Picture Production Code's primary purpose was to regulate the content of films, ensuring they adhered to moral and ethical standards.

Kubrick and Copyright: A Shift in Hollywood

Stanley Kubrick's film "Eyes Wide Shut" featured a unique creative approach with a long and complicated production process, including reshoots and script revisions, reflecting his meticulous filmmaking style.
Enforcing stricter copyright laws on tech companies has significantly impacted the ability of smaller creators to access and utilize copyrighted material, often leading to limitations and increased costs.
The increase in marketing costs for films in recent years stems from the growing competition in the entertainment industry and the need to reach wider audiences effectively.
Hollywood's focus on "tent-pole" films, major films with high budgets and potential for large profits, has intensified since the 1980s, leading to a larger emphasis on blockbusters.
The phrase "wild-west internet" in the context of copyright enforcement refers to a period with less strict regulations and enforcement of intellectual property rights, making it easier for piracy to flourish.
A characteristic of "High Concept" films is their clear and easily understandable premise, often involving a unique hook or intriguing storyline that can be marketed broadly.
Hollywood's heavy reliance on films associated with pre-existing intellectual property, like comic book franchises, is partly driven by the perceived guarantee of commercial success given the established fanbase.
The ongoing technological arms race between pirates and enforcers implies a constant battle between those seeking to access and share copyrighted material and those trying to protect it.
Despite increasingly large blockbuster budgets, Hollywood faces the challenge of maintaining a consistent box office performance in a competitive and evolving market.
The trend in how films are marketed is shifting towards greater dependence on brand awareness and fan engagement, utilizing social media and online platforms to reach audiences.

Media Consolidation and the Rise of Streaming

The Telecommunications Act of 1996, signed by President Bill Clinton, facilitated media consolidation by easing restrictions on ownership, allowing companies to merge and acquire larger media holdings.
By the early 2010s, significant changes in media ownership occurred, with large corporations like Comcast controlling multiple media properties, including networks, cable companies, and film studios.
The FCC's deregulation during the Reagan administration had a significant impact on media companies, allowing for larger mergers and acquisitions, which ultimately led to greater industry concentration.
Comcast is mentioned as controlling multiple large media properties, demonstrating the trend of consolidation in the media industry.
Technological advancements in artificial intelligence and virtual reality are leading to new approaches in media creation, with potential for more interactive and immersive experiences.
As of 2018, Disney is reported to be absorbing Fox's filmmaking divisions, creating a media giant with even greater control over the movie industry.
The advent of streaming technologies like Netflix and Hulu changed how people access movies, providing on-demand access through online platforms and eliminating the need for physical rentals.

The Hays Code and Its Legacy

Themes prohibited by the Hays Code included explicit sexual content, profanity, violence, drug use, and religious mockery.
Joseph Breen was the administrator responsible for enforcing the Hays Code starting in 1934, ensuring films adhered to the strict guidelines.
The 1952 Supreme Court decision Burstyn v. Wilson overturned Mutual Film Corp. v. Industrial Commission of Ohio, deeming films protected by the First Amendment, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape for film censorship.
Films initially rated "A" for mature audiences, before the introduction of the PG rating, signified that the content was intended for adults.
The "X" rating was changed in 1990 to the "NC-17" rating, signifying that the film contained sexually explicit content and was intended for adults only.
The collapse of the Hays Code led to the emergence of a new type of cinema, often referred to as "New Hollywood," which explored more controversial and mature themes.
The end of the Hays Code had a significant impact on traditionally underrepresented communities in filmmaking, allowing for more diverse stories and characters to be portrayed onscreen.
Hollywood's adherence to the Hays Code until the late 1950s led to a limited exploration of mature themes and more conservative storytelling practices.

The Rise of Home Video and Streaming

The introduction of home video in 1979 marked a significant change in viewer experience, allowing people to watch films at home on demand and without the need to go to a theater.
DVD technology was introduced in 1997, offering higher quality image and sound compared to VHS tapes, leading to a shift in home video formats.
Netflix underwent a major transition in 2007 by shifting from DVD rentals to online streaming, marking a pivotal change in how consumers access content.
By 2013, Netflix's data analysis of viewing habits shaped their content offerings, helping them determine what types of films and shows their subscribers preferred, leading to a more tailored approach.
The decline of Blockbuster Video can be attributed to factors like the rise of online streaming services, the convenience they offered, and the growing demand for on-demand content.
The Academy Awards require films to be theatrically released for at least one week in a county in Southern California, ensuring eligibility for consideration.
Netflix has evolved in its operations compared to early video rental stores by embracing streaming technologies, data-driven content creation, and a global reach, surpassing the limitations of traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
The introduction of DVDs had a significant impact on video rental stores, initially boosting their business by offering a superior format, but eventually contributing to their decline as streaming services gained popularity.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the impact of the Cold War on Hollywood in this study guide focused on the blacklist era. Understand the role of the House Un-American Activities Committee, the Hollywood Ten, and the consequences faced by those accused of communist affiliations. This guide delves into the cultural and political tensions that shaped contemporary film history.