Film 3051 Chapter 3 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What impact did WWI have on international film production and distribution?

Curtailed filmmaking in leading production companies: France and Italy, as studios were swapped out for ammunition making. US becomes the major supplier of films to the world market, which limited the free flow of films and influences across borders, leading to distinct national cinemas.

Why could US films have larger production budgets than other countries?

Budgets based on expected earnings. Because of the war, the US could count on a large domestic and international audience, allowing for an average production budget higher than in other countries.

How did WWI contribute to the formation of distinct national cinemas?

Loss of international free flow of films and a demand for new films forced nations to develop their own distinctive artistic forms/styles, leading to national cinemas.

What is an Autorenfilm?

An author's film, often with a famous writer responsible for the script or the original literary work from which the film was adapted. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'The Student of Prague' (1913)?

The most successful/famous Autorenfilm, featuring a screenplay by Hanns Heins Ewers and a story about a student who gives his mirror image to a demonic character in exchange for wealth. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Italian historical epics (peplum films)?

Involved brawny heroes, set in the present versus past, but declined temporarily after 1923. Signup and view all the answers

What is significant about 'Cabiria' (1914) and the Cabiria movement?

It was one of the most internationally popular films of the era and used innovative slow tracking shots. Signup and view all the answers

What are divas and strongmen in the context of cinema?

Divas are beautiful female stars (goddesses) that starred in frock-coat films, while strongmen are the male equivalent of divas. Signup and view all the answers

What was the distinctive tone and style of pre-revolutionary Russian cinema?

A melancholy tone, enjoyed tragic endings, slow pace with frequent pauses, and an emphasis on psychology and virtuoso acting. Signup and view all the answers

What are cliffhangers?

A storytelling device introduced in serials, ending episodes on a high point with main characters in danger. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the serial queens?

Mia May, known as 'The Mistress of the World', who underwent ordeals in various locales. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Louis Feuillade and what was 'Fantômas'?

A revolutionary filmmaker associated with serials, known for making 80 short films, including the Fantômas crime serial in 1913. Signup and view all the answers

What changes did Pathé make in 1913 that harmed the French film industry?

Cut back on costly production; focused on distribution/exhibition, left MPPC and started focusing on serials/shorts. Signup and view all the answers

What was the typical style of Nordisk films?

Lighting effects, realism of interior settings, extraordinary use of locations, and strong naturalistic acting. Signup and view all the answers

How did Swedish cinema draw on national culture?

By depending on northern landscapes, local literature, costumes, and customs. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Victor Sjöström?

One of the most important directors of the silent era, known for his austere and naturalistic style. Signup and view all the answers

What was 'The Outlaw and His Wife' (1917)?

The first Swedish film to gain international recognition, emerging as an alternative to Hollywood. Signup and view all the answers

What factors contributed to the decline of Swedish cinema?

Not specified. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Impact of WWI on Film Production

Filmmaking curtailed in France and Italy as studios converted to ammunition production.
The US emerged as the world's major film supplier due to limited production abroad.
National cinemas developed due to restricted film distribution and influences across borders.

US Film Budgets

US films had larger production budgets due to expected earnings from domestic and international audiences.
Hollywood maintained a higher average production budget compared to other countries.
Importing US films diminished local production capabilities in other nations.

Formation of National Cinemas

WWI caused a loss in the international flow of films, prompting countries to create unique cinematic styles and forms.

Autorenfilm

'Author's film', featuring a renowned writer responsible for the script or original literary work.
This style is Germany's equivalent of the French Film d'Art movement.

"The Student of Prague" (1913)

Notable Autorenfilm, screenplay by Hanns Heins Ewers, featuring Paul Egener.
Theme involves a student who exchanges his mirror image for wealth, leading to fantasy elements that influenced the German Expressionist Movement.

Italian Historical Epics (Peplum Film)

Films featured muscular heroes and often portrayed historical themes.
Experienced a decline after 1923, paralleling challenges in Italian cinema.

"Cabiria" (1914) and Its Movement

One of the most internationally acclaimed films, known for its innovative slow tracking shots.

Divas and Strongmen

Divas represented beautiful female stars in passion-driven stories.
Strongmen served as the male counterparts to divas.

Pre-Revolutionary Russian Cinema

Characterized by a melancholy tone and tragic endings.
Slow pacing allowed for a focus on psychological themes and intense acting.

Cliffhangers in Serials

Introduced storyline continuity with episodes ending at suspenseful points.
Term refers to characters often left in perilous situations to entice audiences for the next episode.

Serial Queens

Featured notable actresses, such as Mia May, known for adventurous roles in exotic locations.

Louis Feuillade and "Fantomas"

Influential filmmaker linked to serials, created 80 short films, including the renowned "Fantomas," a crime serial.
"Fantomas" combined the ordinary Parisian landscape with extraordinary, nightmarish narratives.

Pathé's Changes in 1913

Pathé reduced production costs, shifting focus to distribution and exhibition.
Exiting the MPPC led to an influx of American films, ultimately harming the French film industry upon attempting to revive production post-war.

Typical Style of Nordisk Films

Notable for creative lighting, emphasis on realism, and strong use of naturalistic acting.
Featured intense narratives focused on fate and human passions.

Swedish Cinema’s Cultural Influences

Drawn from northern landscapes and local literature, customs, and costumes.
Gained international popularity following WWI.

Victor Sjöström

A pivotal director during the silent film era known for his naturalistic style.
Emphasized restrained performances and realistic settings.

"The Outlaw and His Wife" (1917)

Marked Sweden's emergence as a major cinematic alternative to Hollywood.
Gained international recognition amid an influx of American films.

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Explore the transformative effects of WWI on international cinema through this quiz. Dive into how national cinemas were shaped, with the US emerging as a global film supplier while other countries faced production limitations. Enhance your understanding of the historical context of film production during this period.