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2001-2011: Harry Potter Film Series - Aileen 

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2001-2011: Harry Potter Film Series - Aileen 

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The "Harry Potter" film series consist of eight films based on the seven novels written by J.K. Rowling. The first movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (2001), introduced audiences to the magical world of Hogwarts, while the final movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" (2011), concluded the story of Harry Potter's fight against the dark wizard Voldemort. The series was primarily filmed in the United Kingdom, including at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden and various historical locations throughout England and Scotland. The films featured a consistent core cast, including Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, and were produced under the guidance of David Heyman, who remained as producer for all eight films. While multiple directors contributed to the series (Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuaron, Mike Newell, and David Yates) the team maintained continuity in tone and style.

The films chronologically follow Harry Potter's journey from a young, inexperienced wizard to a hearo confronting complex moral and social challenges. As the series progressed, the tone shifter from lighthearted and magical in the early films to darker and more mature themes in the later films, reflecting both character development and audience growth. Technologically advancements in visual effects, CGI, and practical effects allowed the filmmakers to create realistic magical creatures, spells, and environment, demonstrating a major evolution in cinematic techniques from 2001 to 2011.

The "Harry Potter" series is historically significant in cinema because it helped establish the modern blockbuster franchise model. It demonstrated that studios could successfully engage audience over a decade, with consistent storytelling, high quality production, and a connective narrative world. Its success later influences cinematic universes, such as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, by showing the importance of long term planning, character development, and fan investment. Additionally, the films contributed to the globalization of cinema, attracting audiences worldwide and proving that fantasy stories could achieve bother critical and commercial success. In conclusion, The "Harry Potter" series not only entertained millions but also reshaped how studios approached long term franchise, storytelling and visual effects. Its innovations in production, visual effects, and marketing make the film one of the most important phenomena of the early 21st century.

Harry Potter (film series). Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_(film_series)

The Live Action Evolution of Harry Potter (2001-2011). Youtube, http://www,youtube.com/watch?v=h_wni60qR5Y

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Pitch Perfect is a cinematic phenomenon, in my opinion. In comparison to other popular movies being released at that time, like huge production action movies, Pitch Perfect provided a hilarious, one-of-a-kind, niche musical film. The first film was so successful that two movies followed it.

The movie pioneered the way for the a acapella genre of musical films. Most musicals at the time were adaptations of animated films or full-on musicals, but none were centered around a capella. A capella is the action of imitating musical instruments by using one's mouth and body. The sound design plays a crucial role. Unlike traditional musicals, where songs often interrupt narrative flow, Pitch Perfect integrates music into the storyline as competition pieces and rehearsals. For one, Beca is not just a singer but also a DJ, so mashups are a big part of the movie as well. Mashups are used frequently in the movie, and they add so much nuance to the musical by blending various songs. A capella performances, especially the now iconic “Cups” performance by Anna Kendrick, are staged simply, allowing the rhythm and voice to carry emotional weight. The stripped-down nature of a cappella highlights the performers’ vulnerability and authenticity, reinforcing themes of individuality and teamwork.

Pitch Perfect also stands out because of its all-female cast. Through casting all females, the director gets to highlight female friendships in competitive spaces. An iconic friendship in the story is that between Beca, the main character, and Audrey, a secondary character. The conflict of the story arises when Beca, a new member of the a capella squad, tells her sisters that the choreography and songs they have been performing and plan to perform are boring, tired, outdated, and not winning material. Audrey, on the other hand, strongly disagrees with Beca’s progressiveness to a acapella. Audrey has complete control of the group’s songs and choreography and feels threatened by Beca, but ultimately, they work together and focus on what's best for the group, not just themselves. This shows female competition in an extremely inspiring light, as the two ladies put their pride aside for the success of the team, which is an incredible message to the audience.

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When

Back to the future was released July 3 1985, back to the future was directed by Robert Zemeciks.

Why

Iconic Performances & Chemistry: Michael J. Fox’s charismatic portrayal of Marty McFly and Christopher Lloyd’s energetic Doc Brown created an enduring, iconic duo.

A "Perfect" Script: The screenplay by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale was exceptionally paced, avoiding unnecessary scenes and delivering a masterclass in plot structure.

Cultural Nostalgia & Relatability: The film masterfully contrasted the 1980s with the 1950s, allowing audiences to fondly remember the past while exploring themes of teenage insecurity and first love.

Unique Concept & Execution: The innovative time-travel premise, combined with the instantly recognizable DeLorean time machine, set it apart from other science fiction films.

Strong Directing & Supporting Cast:Zemeckis's direction, combined with memorable performances from Lea Thompson (Lorraine) and Tom Wilson (Biff), added depth and humor.

Positive Test Screenings: Despite being rejected 44 times by studios, the film’s high quality was recognized in test screenings, leading to a successful July 1985 release date. (Google research)

Plot: Back to the future was a a young boy name Marty Mcfly who was sent sent 30 years back into the future though a time machine his friend Doc had made. During that time Marty had to make sure his parent fell inlove to be sure of his existence.

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1938: The invention of the chocolate chip cookie

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1938: The invention of the chocolate chip cookie

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The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in Whitman, Massachusetts. Ruth was both the owner of and a chef in the Toll House Inn. She intentionally came up with the chocolate chip cookie as a treat for some guests she had over. In 1939 (only a year after she invented it!) she agreed to trade the recipe and rights to the “Toll house” name to Nestle. Her end of this trade was a lifetime supply of chocolate.

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Aaliyah Figueroa 1930 Universal Monsters . How  Horror Changed Forever

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Aaliyah Figueroa 1930 Universal Monsters . How  Horror Changed Forever

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Film that was made about a very important actor Lon Chaney's life in 1920 but being played in 1950s by James Cagney. 

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1950s - Person:  Lon Chaney ("The Man of a Thousand Faces" aka played by James Cagney)-Zulani Martinez

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1950s - Person:  Lon Chaney ("The Man of a Thousand Faces" aka played by James Cagney)-Zulani Martinez

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Lon Chaney was one of the most legendary movie stars of the 1920s. He was world-famous as "The Man of a Thousand Faces" because he had an incredible ability to totally change his look for every movie role. He wasn't just an actor he was a pioneer who changed the way movies were made. Even though he died young at the age of 47 from throat cancer, his influence on Hollywood was so big that a major movie was made about his life decades later. Lon Chaney's talent came from a very unique childhood. Since both of his parents were deaf, he learned how to tell stories using only his hands and his face. This skill made him one of the best actors of the Silent Era, where performers had to communicate deep emotions without saying a single word. He was also a genius at special effects. He did all his own makeup using a "tackle box" of tools, often using painful wires and heavy costumes to turn himself into famous "monsters" like Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. In 1957, Universal Studios decided to honor Chaney’s mysterious and talented life by making a biographical movie titled Man of a Thousand Faces. The film starred the famous actor James Cagney as Lon Chaney. Hollywood wanted to celebrate how he grew up with his deaf parents and his rise to fame. Most of this movie was actually filmed at Universal Studios on Stage 28, which was the exact same stage where the real Lon Chaney filmed his masterpiece, The Phantom of the Opera, back in the 1920s. This movie served as a way to connect Lon Chaney’s legacy to his son, Lon Chaney Jr., who also became a famous horror star. Lon Chaney’s impact on cinema history is huge. He proved to the world that makeup and physical acting could turn a movie character into a work of art that audiences would never forget. By playing complex and misunderstood characters, he showed that movies could be scary and heartbreaking at the same time, even without sound. His "thousand faces" pushed Hollywood to take the horror genre and special effects seriously. It basically paved the way for all the movie monsters and makeup artists we see in films today.

Sources:

Miller, John M. "Man of a Thousand Faces." Turner Classic Movies, 25July2005, https://www.tcm.com/articles/99328/man-of-a-thousand-faces Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.

"Lon Chaney Biography." Chaney Entertainment,2021,https://lonchaney.com/lon-chaney/ Accessed 31 Jan. 2025

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The Person – Lon Chaney ("The Man of a Thousand Faces")

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The Person – Lon Chaney ("The Man of a Thousand Faces")

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The 1970s: The Summer of the Shark and the Birth of the Blockbuster Aaliyah Figueroa 

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The 1970s: The Summer of the Shark and the Birth of the Blockbuster Aaliyah Figueroa 

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and the rise of German Expressionism

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and the rise of German Expressionism

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In 1920, the release of Robert Weine's The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari ushered in a new era of cinema, focusing on bizarre, high constrast set pieces and dreamlike sequences. The films focused on visually representing inner emotions and dark, psychological themes, based on Germany's struggling recovery after World War 1. Other notable examples of this genre are Nosferatu (1922), Metropolis (1927), and Fritz Lang's M (1931). Scenes from these films are iconic, and are still frequently referenced today.

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1927: "The Jazz Singer" - Aileen Chamale

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1927: "The Jazz Singer" - Aileen Chamale

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In 1927, The Jazz Singer premiered on October 6. The film was produced and released in the United States and developed in Hollywood, with its premiere taking place at the Warner Theatre in New York City. It was produced by Warner Bros, and directed by Alan Crosland. The protagonist of the film was played by Al Jolson, who portrayed Jakie Rabinowitz, a young Jewish boy who becomes a jazz singer, going against his family’s tradition. Jakie’s father strongly opposed this decision and even physically struck him, as he wanted his son to follow in his footsteps by becoming a cantor. As a result, Jakie leaves home to pursue a career as a jazz singer.

The Jazz Singer used the Vitaphone system, a technology that synchronized sound with motion pictures. This system was developed by Western Electric and Bell Labs. The film is most recognized for featuring spoken dialogue rather than only a musical soundtrack. It blended silent storytelling with musical performances and spoken dialogue, making it a transitional work between silent cinema and fully sound films.

By the mid-1920s, Hollywood studios were searching for ways to revive declining theater attendance. Warner Bros adopted sound technology that synchronized recorded sound on disc with projected film. Although sound has been experimented previously, The Jass Singer demonstrated that audiences were more engaged by talking pictures, making sound cinema commercially viable. The film’s success influenced other studios and theaters to adopt sound technology.

This transition led to challenges for silent-era actors, as performers with strong vocal abilities began to emerge. The film marked the beginning of a new era in cinema that continues to influence filmmaking today by capturing and maintaining audience attention. Additionally, sound has a significant impact on accessibility, particularly for individuals with visual impairments, as audio became another way for audiences to understand and follow films. In conclusion, the evolution of film expression has shifted from purely visual storytelling to the use of dialogue and sound, shaping modern cinema in contrast to the silent films of the past.

“1927: Jazz Singer - How the Movies Learned to Talk?” Youtube, uploaded by One Hundred Years of Cinema, 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlAt2lcg5ZM

The Editors of Encycolopaedia Britannica. “The Jazz Singer.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., www.britanica.com/topic/The-Jazz-Singer-film-1927.

The Editors of Encycolopaedia Britannica. “Vitaphone.” Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., www.britanica.com/technology/Vitaphone.

The Jazz Singer. 1927. Warner Bros., film still. Google Images, images.google.com.

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1933 ( Pre-Coded Breakthrough in Special effects and Genre) - Noemi Castillo

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1933 ( Pre-Coded Breakthrough in Special effects and Genre) - Noemi Castillo

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1933 - When King Kong came out, it became one of the most famous movies of the 1930s and a turning point in audience spectacle, genre combination, and cinematic special effects. Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack directed the RKO Radio Pictures film King Kong, which combined stop motion animation and live action material to show the giant ape Kong and his dramatic struggle against modern society. Willis O'Brien directed Kong's breakthrough stop motion animation, and the movie was produced and filmed in the U.S. Max Steiner wrote the music for the movie, which went on to become one of the first significant Hollywood film scores. The narrative follows a determined film crew that travels to a secret island and discovers King Kong, a huge ape creature. After being apprehended and transported to New York City for public display, Kong eventually manages to escape, setting up the famous finale on the Empire State Building. Film technology was being experimented with in the early 1930s. During the Great Depression, filmmakers tried to produce more exciting, deep viewing experiences to draw viewers. King Kong distinguished itself from similar movies by its creative use of stop motion and it's blending of genres (adventure, horror, and fantasy). The special effects in King Kong, were groundbreaking, especially the way it combined live actors with stop motion, a method that had not yet been perfected in feature films. The visual language of later fantasy and monster films was established in part by this invention.

Effect on Film Medium/Industry:

. Special Effects Legacy : The movie's popularity established stop motion as a workable cinematic method and impacted future visual effects projects in Hollywood, opening the door for further science fiction, fantasy, and adventure genre classics.

. Genre Development: King Kong contributed to the economic success of monster pictures, which were later dubbed "Kaiju" movies.

.Cultural Impact: Over the years, the movie's imagery especially Kong on the Empire State Building became a permanent cinematic classic that was cited and reinvented in other movies and media.

Sources:

"King Kong". Encyclopedia Britannica, 2026, https://www.britannica.com/topic/king-Kong-film-1933 20 Jan.2026.

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WHEN did it happen

WHERE did it develop

WHO did it

WHAT was it (in more detail)

WHY/HOW did it happen

IMPORTANCE IN CINEMA HISTORY what was the effect on the overall development of the film medium/industry

MEDIA include at least one additional image, one video, two links for more information

Optional: Record your voice or video commenting on the event you researched

WORD COUNT: 350 minimum (excluding citations)
CITATIONS: cite your sources in MLA format

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On November 8, 1895 Wilhelm discovered a previously unknown form of radiation while experimenting with cathode ray tubes during his labs at the University of Wurzburg. Wilhelm noticed a glowing fluorescent screen even though it was shielded directly from light. Because the nature of these rays was unknown, Rontgen called them X-Rays, with “X” representing the unknown. One of Rontgen’s first x-ray images was of his wife Bertha’s hand, showing her bones and wedding ring. This demonstrated that X-rays could penetrate soft tissue but not denser materials like bone. Rontgen spent seven weeks conducting detailed experiments to understand the properties of X-rays. He submitted his report, “One a New Kind of Rays,” at the end of December 1895 and presented his findings in early 1896. This discovery quickly spread globally. X-rays were rapidly adopted by medical professionals for diagnosis and therapy, revolutionizing medical imaging within a year of their discovery. X-rays soon captured public imagination: studios, poems, and metaphorical uses appeared in popular culture. Doctors used X-rays to image fractures and some early therapeutic experiments explored using them on tumors and skin conditions. Rontgen was awarded the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for his discovery. He refused to patent X-rays so that the technology could be freely used worldwide.

Citations

A&E Television Networks. (2025, December 3). German scientist discovers X-rays | November 8, 1895. History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-8/german-scientist-discovers-x-rays

November 8, 1895: Roentgen’s discovery of X-rays | american physical society. (n.d.). https://www.aps.org/apsnews/2001/11/1895-roentgens-discovery-xrays

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Step into the twisted world of German Expressionism. Robert Wiene’s silent masterpiece didn’t just tell a story-it transformed cinema. With warped sets, sharp angles, and Cesare the sleepwalker, the film turned psychological fear into unforgettable visuals and influenced generations of horror and noir filmmakers.

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 1920 |The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and German Expressionism |

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 1920 |The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and German Expressionism |

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In 1920, the release of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari became a major moment in film history and helped define the style known as German Expressionism. The film premiered in February 1920, during the early years of the Weimar Republic in Germany. This period followed World War I and was marked by political instability, economic hardship, and widespread emotional trauma, all of which influenced the themes and visual style of the film.

The film was developed in Germany, mainly in Berlin, at the Decla-Bioscop studio. At the time, Germany’s film industry had limited access to foreign films due to the aftermath of the war. This allowed German filmmakers more freedom to experiment with visual style and storytelling. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was directed by Robert Wiene and written by Carl Mayer and Hans Janowitz, whose personal experiences during and after the war influenced the dark and psychological tone of the story.

The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is a silent psychological horror film that follows a man who claims that a hypnotist, Dr. Caligari, uses a sleepwalker named Cesare to carry out murders. The film is best known for its unusual visual design. Instead of realistic sets, the film uses crooked buildings, sharp angles, painted shadows, and distorted perspectives. These choices were intentional and meant to represent the characters’ mental states rather than reality. The film also uses a frame story and ends with a twist that suggests the narrator may be unreliable, which was highly innovative for its time.

German Expressionism developed as a response to the emotional and psychological effects of World War I. Filmmakers wanted to show fear, anxiety, and confusion through visual style instead of realistic settings. Because film was still a new medium, directors like Wiene were able to experiment with lighting, set design, and narrative structure in ways that had not been done before.

The importance of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari in cinema history is significant. The film showed that movies could be used to explore psychological ideas and not just tell simple stories. Its style influenced later horror films, film noir, and many directors, including Alfred Hitchcock. The techniques used in Caligari, such as stylized lighting and distorted visuals, became important tools in filmmaking and helped shape the future of cinema as an artistic medium.

Media: Images from the film and German Expressionist set design are included above. Video: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), full film — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP0KB2XC29o Additional information: British Film Institute, “German Expressionism,” https://www.bfi.org.uk/features/german-expressionism; Encyclopaedia Britannica, “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Cabinet-of-Dr-Caligari

Works Cited (MLA)

British Film Institute. “German Expressionism.” BFI, www.bfi.org.uk/features/german-expressionism.

Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/The-Cabinet-of-Dr-Caligari.

Wiene, Robert, director. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Decla-Bioscop, 1920.

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1920 |The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and German Expressionism |

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1920s, The Kid(Charlie Chaplin) Yafet Yohanes

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1920s, The Kid(Charlie Chaplin) Yafet Yohanes

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The Kid was Charlie Chaplin’s first feature-length film and an important moment in silent film history which was released in 1921,Before this, Chaplin was mainly known for short comedies, but The Kid showed that movies could mix humor with emotional storytelling.

The film stars Chaplin as his famous character, the Tramp, who  takes care of an abandoned child he found who was played by Jackie Coogan. The film used physical comedy and facial expressions instead of dialogue, Chaplin tells a story about poverty, family, and survival. Audiences connected with the emotional moments, proving that silent films could tell meaningful stories without sound.

The Kid was a major success and influenced future filmmakers by showing that feature length films could combine comedy and drama. The film helped Charlie Chaplin as not only a comedian, but also a talented filmmaker with creative control over his work.

Sources:

Bfi. “Finds of the Century: 12 Great Films From 1921.” BFI, 16 May 2021, www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/lists/12-great-films-from-1921.

HISTORY.com Editors. “Hollywood Legend Charlie Chaplin Born | April 16, 1889 | HISTORY.” HISTORY, 27 May 2025, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/april-16/charlie-chaplin-born.

Wikipedia contributors. “The Kid (1921 Film).” Wikipedia, 2 Jan. 2026, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Kid_(1921_film)#:~:text=The%20Kid%20is%20a%201921,baby%2C%20adopted%20son%20and%20sidekick.

Charlie Chaplin - The Kid (1921) 🎬 - 2025 Refurbished Full Movie

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1920s, First successful “Talkie”, Jennifer De Jesus

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1920s, First successful “Talkie”, Jennifer De Jesus

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Up until the 1920’s, many films were completely silent and relied mostly on action and visual effects to tell a story. In 1927, however, a new film premiered in New York City, marking the start of a new era of films known as “talkies.” At Warner Bros. studio, Alan Crosland directed “The Jazz Singer” in 1927, the first full-length movie to feature dialogue and sound. This had never been done before, so many critics believed that the movie wouldn’t be successful. Against all odds, the movie earned three million dollars at the box office. This film was a significant moment in cinematic history because it had never been done before and was so different from what people were used to seeing. Before the 1920s, many films had a short running time and were mostly premiered in silence. There were no music elements, no dialogue, and no music to help tell a story. But, with this film, the audience got a first look at how movies could include music and dialogue to further express emotion. To make this happen for the film, Warner Bros. had previously signed a deal with Western Electric in 1925 to help push the device known as the Vitaphone, a sound-on-disk system. This device was crucial to the development of the first successful “talkie” film because it allowed filmmakers to synchronize sound with specific pictures/actions. The film follows the story of a Jewish man named Jakie Rabinowitz, played by Al Jolson, who sets off to pursue a career as a popular entertainer, a decision that ultimately comes at the cost of abandoning his family and dishonoring his religious traditions. He ends up following his dreams, becoming a popular and talented Jazz singer. At the time, this film was a huge risk to produce because no other major production company had tested sound in their films. Warner Bros. was still a small company and invested most of its finances in producing this film. With the help of new electric recording systems, enabling sound and image synchronization was possible. By becoming the first feature-length film with sound to make it big at the box office, it inspired a transformation that redefined storytelling in movies through the use of sound and dialogue.

Video of the significant dialogue: https://youtu.be/8SzltpkGz0M?si=w_MZehZz812E7Ou-

Citations:

-Millard, Andre. “The Jazz Singer Premieres as the First Talkie: Research Starters: EBSCO Research.” EBSCO, EBSCO, 2023, https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/jazz-singer-premieres-first-talkie. Accessed 29 January 2026.

-Pfeiffer, Lee. "The Jazz Singer". Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Feb. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/topic/The-Jazz-Singer-film-1927. Accessed 29 January 2026.

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James Cagney + Evolution of Gangster Genre (C. Simmons)

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James Cagney + Evolution of Gangster Genre (C. Simmons)

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What happened: Charlie Chaplin and his contribution.

Year: 1930

Decade: 1931

Where did it develop: Hollywood, United States

Who did it: Charlie Chaplin (actor, director, writer, producer, composer)

WHAT was it: City Lights (1931) is a romantic comedy film written, directed, produced by, and starring Charlie Chaplin. Released during the early sound era, the film is mostly silent, relying on visual comedy and expressive acting rather than spoken dialogue. The story follows Chaplin’s Tramp character as he falls in love with a blind flower girl and struggles with poverty during the Great Depression. The film is known for blending humor with emotional depth and social commentary.

WHY / HOW did it happen: Chaplin chose to make City Lights as a silent-style film because he believed silent cinema was a universal language that could reach audiences across cultures. Despite the popularity of sound films at the time, City Lights was a major success, proving that silent filmmaking could still be powerful and relevant. The film influenced future filmmakers by showing that cinema could be both entertaining and emotionally meaningful.

References:

https://www.britannica.com/topic/City-Lights-film

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_Lights

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1933-King Kong (The Music and Emotion in the Early Stages of Cinema) (Deshi Duque) 

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1933-King Kong (The Music and Emotion in the Early Stages of Cinema) (Deshi Duque) 

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Decade-1930s

King Kong was directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B Schoedsack are one of the most influential films in the early cinema history. It was released during the Great Depression; the film tells the story of a giant ape captured from skull island and brought to New York City, where chaos begins to unfold. The movie blends adventure, fantasy, and horror, capturing the audiences with its emotional storytelling and groundbreaking visuals.

Why is this event important?

King Kong is significant because it revolutionized special effects and film spectacle in the 1930s. The film used s stop motion animation, which was managed by Willis O Brien, to bring Kong to life in a way the audience has never seen before. This technique made the non human characters look believable and emotionally expressive, which influences future generations of filmmakers. The movie also demonstrated how sound, music, and visual could work together to heighten the emotional impact in cinema.

Historical and Cultural Impact

At the time of its release, King Kong reflected themes of fear, power, and exploitation, which resonated strongly with audiences during the economic struggles of the Great Depression. The film's success helped Hollywood's interest in the big budget fantasy films and monster movies. Kong became one of the first true cinematic icons, setting the foundation for future creature features and blockbusters filmmaking.

The Legacy behind King Kong

King Kong has inspired multiple remakes, sequels, and references in popular culture. Its influence can be seen in modern special effects films and multiple franchises that rely on visual images and emotional storytelling. Even today, King Kong is studied as a milestone in cinema history for its technical innovation and lasting its cultural relevance.

Sources:

-Dirks T. "King Kong (1933)." Filmsite.org

-Solomon M. The History of Movie Special Effects

-History of Cinema Video

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In 1934, The Hays Code was introduced by William H. Hays, Martin Quigley, and Father Daniel A. Lord because they believed the film industry was not morally correct and did not follow traditional values. The biggest push for The Hays Code happened in 1921 after film director Fatty Arbuckle was accused of sexual assault and manslaughter towards actress Virginia Rappe. Although his charges were dropped at the end due to there not being enough evidence, this would be one of Hollywood's biggest scandals at the time and resulted in many people asking the film industry to become more traditional to avoid incidents like these. Multiple studio executives formed the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, with William H. Hays leading the group. The Hays Code consisted of 36 rules that all filmmakers had to follow to be able to release any type of film in cinemas. These rules did not allow filmmakers to record and show things such as profanity, nudity, drug use, drug trafficking, homosexuality, religion unless it was a positive depiction, no glorifying crime, and many other things. Studios had no option but to follow these rules since the government continued to threaten the film industry with regulations. Although The Hays Code was expected to be followed by everyone, there were still films that reached cinemas that did not follow the code. A lot of filmmakers believed they could not tell a full story through films with so many limitations. In 1944 the rise of tv was the biggest threat to the film industry. Film producers realized they could not continue to follow the Hays Code and continue to make films that would outdo all the new tv shows that were being produced. After careful consideration, in 1968 Jack Valenti switched from The Hays Code to the rating system we still use today. The rating system consists of 5 different ratings, such as G, PG, PG-13, R, and NC-17. With these new ratings set in place, film makers could continue to film whatever they wanted without any restrictions, and it was now up to the audience to decide what they believed was appropriate for them to watch.

Spoonmore, JP. “How the Hays Code Defined Old Hollywood.” YouTube, 25 Jan. 2025, youtu.be/qs8h_ed1CFE?si=0HbhMPeo9dCV7HZA.

Sources:

Rosenfeld, Jordana. “Hays Code | Hollywood History, Films, Years, Rules, Era, & Definition | Britannica.” Britannica, 28 Oct. 2024, www.britannica.com/art/Hays-Code.

Goldberg, Matt. “The Hays Code: History, Rules, and Why It Ended | Backstage.” Backstage, 17 Sept. 2024, www.backstage.com/magazine/article/hays-code-rules-history-77748/.

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1939 - The Wizard of Oz (Giovanna Ordonez)

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1939 - The Wizard of Oz (Giovanna Ordonez)

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Released on August 25, 1939, The Wizard of Oz is one of the most well-known films of the 1930s. According to the Library of Congress, it is considered the most-watched movie in history, mainly because of how often it has been shown on television over the years. The film came out just days before the start of World War II, at a time when many audiences were looking for lighthearted and comforting stories.

The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and was filmed entirely on soundstages at MGM’s Culver City studios in California. Judy Garland starred as Dorothy, along with Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Ray Bolger. While all of the actors had successful careers before and after the film, The Wizard of Oz ended up being the role most people remember them for. The production went through several directors during filming, including Victor Fleming, Richard Thorpe, George Cukor, Norman Taurog, and King Vidor, with Mervyn LeRoy serving as the producer.

The Wizard of Oz is a musical fantasy based on L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Although it did not make a profit right away, the film was still popular with audiences and became even more successful in the 1950s when it started airing regularly on television.

One of the most important aspects of the film was its use of the three-strip Technicolor process. This technique recorded color using red, green, and blue filters on separate strips of film, creating brighter and more vibrant images. The filmmakers used this process in a meaningful way by showing Kansas in sepia tones and Oz in full color. This contrast made Dorothy’s journey feel more magical and helped audiences clearly see the difference between the real world and the fantasy world.

The way color was used in The Wizard of Oz helped change how filmmakers thought about visual storytelling. Kansas represented the familiar and ordinary, while Oz symbolized adventure and discovery. By using color to support the story, the film showed that color could be more than just decoration. Its success helped make Technicolor more popular in Hollywood and influenced future fantasy films and musicals, which is a big reason why The Wizard of Oz is still considered an important moment in cinema history.

Clip of Dorothy stepping into Oz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6D8PAGelN8

Citations:

“Filming Locations for the Wizard of Oz (1939), in Los Angeles.” The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations, The Worldwide Guide To Movie Locations, www.movie-locations.com/movies/w/Wizard-Of-Oz.php. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.

Namehavar, Hassan. “How the Wizard of Oz Revolutionized Color Film: Technicolor’s Legacy Explained.” Pixflow Blog, Pixflow, 1 Jan. 2026, pixflow.net/blog/how-the-wizard-of-oz-revolutionized-color-film-the-technicolor-legacy-explained/.

“The Wizard of Oz (1939).” Filmsite, Filmsite LLC, www.filmsite.org/wiza.html. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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Film History Virtual Timeline - 1939; The Wizard of Oz (Giovanna Ordonez)

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A still from Double Indemnity or another classic noir.

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The Paramount Decision(1948)-U.S. vs. Paramount Pictures court case

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The Paramount Decision(1948)-U.S. vs. Paramount Pictures court case

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Alice Guy-Blaché Directs One of the First Narrative Films Student: David Maddox

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Alice Guy-Blaché Directs One of the First Narrative Films Student: David Maddox

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In 1896, Alice Guy-Blaché directed La Fée aux Choux (The Cabbage Fairy), which is considered one of the earliest narrative films ever made. At a time when most motion pictures simply recorded everyday events, Guy-Blaché recognized that film could be used to tell stories. Her work helped transform cinema from a technological novelty into a storytelling medium.

Working for the French company Gaumont, Alice Guy-Blaché became one of the first filmmakers to experiment with fictional narratives, special effects, hand-colored film, and synchronized sound. Over her career, she directed or produced hundreds of films and played a major role in shaping the development of early cinema.

Despite her groundbreaking contributions, her achievements were often overlooked by film historians for many years. The documentary Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché helped restore recognition to her legacy and highlighted the role gender discrimination played in her exclusion from many historical accounts of cinema.

Why It Matters:
Alice Guy-Blaché demonstrated that film could be more than a recording device. Her innovations helped establish the foundation of modern filmmaking and storytelling techniques that continue to influence movies today.

Suggested Image:
Photo of Alice Guy-Blaché or still image from The Cabbage Fairy (1896).

Sources:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, "Alice Guy-Blaché."
Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (2018).
Moving Pictures, Chapter 1: A Brief History of Cinema.

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1950, All About Eve, Female Rivalry Expressed Through Dialogue in the Hollywood Studio System
When did it happen:
Released on October 13, 1950.
Where did it develop:
Produced in Hollywood by 20th Century Fox using the classical Hollywood studio system. The plot, on the other hand, takes place in New York’s Broadway theater world.
Who did it:
The female rivalry at the center of the film is performed by Bette Davis as Margo Channing and Anne Baxter as Eve Harrington, with Marilyn Monroe playing as Miss Casswell. The film is also supported by George Sanders as Addison DeWitt and Gary Merrill as Bill Simpson. It was written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck.
What was it:
The film explores complex feelings between two female leads who face each other as one actress at the top of her career and another who manipulates her way into success, who started as a fan of her. Ambition, power, and rivalry within the Broadway theater world create an ironic but compelling plot. Eve Harrington, who initially appears to humbly admire the star Margo Channing, gradually manipulates her way into taking over what once belonged to Margo. The tension and rivalry are primarily expressed through dialogue, with much of the conflict delivered verbally rather than through action.
Why/How did it happen:
All About Eve was released at the height of the Hollywood studio system. During this time, 20th Century Fox focused on investing in prestige films with strong storytelling rather than emphasizing visual spectacle alone. By setting the film in the Broadway theater world, the movie reflects on ambition and competition within performance industries which also imply reflection of Hollywood itself. 
IMPORTANCE IN CINEMA HISTORY:
All About Eve is a landmark film for dialogue-driven drama in classical Hollywood cinema. The film’s significance lies in how psychological conflict is delivered and how complex feelings of rivalry expand from individual careers and personal lives to reflect the realities of the industry itself. By portraying ambition and layered emotional dynamics, the film also challenges the simplified gender roles that were common in earlier studio-era productions.

Salt, Barry. Film Style and Technology: History and Analysis. Starword, 2009.
American Film Institute. “All About Eve.” AFI Catalog, www.afi.com.
Turner Classic Movies. “All About Eve (1950).” TCM, www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/67057/all-about-eve/.
Mankiewicz, Joseph L., director. All About Eve. 20th Century Fox, 1950.

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Marlon Brando and the Rise of Method Acting- Mariana Munoz

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Marlon Brando and the Rise of Method Acting- Mariana Munoz

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Marlon Brando and the Rise of Method Acting

While method acting was not invented by Marlon Brando himself, he certainly made it known to the world with his 1951 performance in A Streetcar Named Desire, a film based on the screenplay by Tennessee Williams and directed by Elia Kazan. There were other releases, like 1953’s The Wild One and 1954’s The Waterfront, but A Streetcar Named Desire was the first major impact in the film industry. This transformation first began with the Broadway version of Streetcar at the Actors’ Studio in New York City, where he studied method acting under Stella Adler who was using the Stanislavski Method, and later at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. We have to keep in mind that audiences were more used to the Broadway style of acting, a bit more polished and composed despite whatever the script may indicate. Method acting, on the other hand, allows the actor to immerse themselves in their character in order to make the performance rawer and more believable. They study the circumstances surrounding each scene in order to gain understanding and empathy for the character, thus reinforcing their performance. Brando’s performance in Streetcar particularly shocked audiences due to his intensity and exaggeration he brought to the performance in order to show the ugliness, unpredictability, and violence of his character. Brando’s influence completely changed acting, and he helped actors move away from the previously rigid studio performances and instead focus on the psychological depth of the character and their circumstances, which brought that sense of realism that helped bring characters to life, something that we still see to this day. His work definitely marked a turning point in 1950s cinema, with method acting not just influencing the storytelling itself, but also casting, directing styles, and character development.

Citations

1.     Olsen, Cameron. “For Better or Worse, Marlon Brando’s Role in ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ Popularized Method Acting.” Collider, Collider, 27 Aug. 2021, collider.com/streetcar-named-desire-marlon-brando-method-acting/.

2.     Bfi. “Birth of the Method: The Revolution in American Acting.” BFI, BFI, 31 Oct. 2014, www.bfi.org.uk/sight-and-sound/features/birth-method-revolution-american-acting.

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1950s- The Rise of Widescreen Cinema ( CinemaScope)- Wido Canales

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1950s- The Rise of Widescreen Cinema ( CinemaScope)- Wido Canales

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In the early 1950s, Hollywood introduced CinemaScope, a widescreen film format intended to draw consumers back to theaters. A image from The Robe (1953), the first picture released in CinemaScope, illustrates this progression, with its wide panoramic frame. CinemaScope was officially introduced in 1953. The technology was created in the United States, especially at 20th Century Fox Studios in Hollywood. 20th Century Fox developed CinemaScope, which is based on an optical lens technology invented by French engineer Henri Chretien. Sypros P. Skouras, a Fox executive, promoted its use as a way of reviving the declining film industry. CinemaScope used widescreen lenses to compress a wide image onto regular 35mm film while filming and then expand it when projected. This resulted in a significantly wider aspect ratio than previous films, allowing for larger scale graphics, epic landscapes, and more dynamic compositions. Unlike prior attempts at widescreen, CinemaScope was very inexpensive and compatible with current film stock, making it suitable for widespread use. By the early 1950s, movie theater sales had decreased due to the rapid introduction of television. Studios looked for a way to provide something that television could not. Widescreen formats such as CinemaScope gave a visually immersive experience, encouraging customers to leave their homes and visit theaters. The popularity of The Robe persuaded other studios to use similar widescreen technology. CinemaScope improved film aesthetics and storytelling. Directors had to reconsider staging, blocking, and composition to fit the larger frame. The format was particularly important for genres like epics, westerns, and musicals, which benefited from large graphics. The success of CinemaScope resulted in the widespread adoption of widescreen formats in the industry. Almost all recent films now utilize widescreen aspect ratios, making CinemaScope an important step in the growth of modern cinematic style.

Sources:

Belton, John. Widescreen Cinema. Harvard University Press, 1992.

Cook, David A. A History of Narrative Film. 5th edition., W.W. Norton & Company, 2016

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ALFRED HITCHCOCKS PSYCHO: AN AMERICAN HORROR REVOLUTIONIZER

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ALFRED HITCHCOCKS PSYCHO: AN AMERICAN HORROR REVOLUTIONIZER

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WHEN

Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho (1960), considered a low-budget thriller at the time, is recognized as a film that influenced and changed the tone of American Horror movies. In comparison to the predictable, corny, and trope-filled American films that came before, Psycho shocked Americans through Hitchcock's unapologetic use of major plot twists, nuanced characters, obscenity, graphic violence, and psychological terror. By challenging censorship and the conservative standards of horror, Hitchcock plays a large role in how grotesque new age American horror has become. Essentially, Psycho pioneered the “slasher” genre.

WHO

The film was developed and produced in Hollywood, California, with one of the iconic settings being the Bates Motel. Director: Alfred Hitchcock, Screenwriter: Joseph Stefano, Based on the novel by Robert Bloch, Main Cast: Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, Studio: Paramount Pictures. The film was largely funded by Hitchcock.

PLOT

“Marion goes to work, where she is given forty thousand dollars to deposit. Instead, she steals the money and runs. A rainstorm hits, and she pulls into the rundown Bates Motel. A young man, Norman Bates, checks her in and offers her dinner later, but Marion soon hears an old woman yelling from his house that she will not allow it. Norman brings Marion sandwiches and says that he wishes he could run away. However, he becomes defensive when Marion suggests that he make a life away from his mother. When Marion undresses in her room, Norman watches through a peephole. Later, as she showers, a female figure enters and stabs her repeatedly. He puts Marion’s body into her car and sinks it in the swamp. Marion’s sister Lila, Sam Loomis, and a detective named Arbogast search for Marion. Arbogast sneaks into the Bates’ house, where a woman stabs him, and Norman drowns him in the swamp.

After the sheriff reveals that Norman’s mother died more than ten years ago, Lila and Sam check into the motel. Lila slips into the house where she discovers the skeleton of an old woman, and is attacked by a woman wielding a knife. Sam struggles with the woman, who is revealed to be Norman, dressed in a wig and gown. Later, a psychiatrist explains that Norman killed his mother and that he has a split personality. The mother part of his personality killed any woman he was attracted to, and now that part of his personality has taken over. As Norman sits in his cell, his mother thinks that she will not let Norman accuse her of these crimes, nor will she even kill a fly that lands on her hand.”

WHY

In my research, I came across a virtual gallery which explored the 1960s' artists' movement to challenge high-end art, through “diverse styles of Pop, Op, Minimalism and Conceptual art, and artists working in abstract styles responded to the influences of earlier artists.”

All of these artistic styles emerged through the critiquing of the boom of consumerism happening in the 60s, as well as the shaky political climate (much art was created in response to the Vietnam War and the Cold War). Many people in America were also challenging conservatism, with LGBT, Feminist, and Black rights movements actively protesting. Hitchcock definitely broke barriers between high-end and low-end movies by having Psycho become so successful, and this is important to American art because it was an effective effort to humanize film (twisted fears and truths, real, carnal turmoil in characters, disturbing gore, uncertainty), not just produce another cookie-cutter cutter predictable horror.

Hitchcock created this film to spite what was called “The Motion Picture Production Code of 1930.” This code outlined the boundaries American popular films could not push. The general principles were: “1. No picture shall be produced which will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence, the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil, or sin. 2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented. 3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.” In Psycho, Hitchcock defies this by giving his characters more nuance (a pitied criminal, a psychologically challenged murderer), implying nudity, voyeurism, showing a toilet flush on screen (very controversial), explicit death, and gore.

“Psycho (Film) | EBSCO.” EBSCO Information Services, Inc. | Www.ebsco.com, 2022, www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/psycho-film.

Dayton Art Institute. “Changing Times: Art of the 1960s.” Dayton Art Institute, 12 Sept. 2021, www.daytonartinstitute.org/exhibits/changing-times-art-of-the-1960s/.

‌““Complete Nudity Is Never Permitted”: The Motion Picture Production Code of 1930.” Historymatters.gmu.edu, historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5099/.

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The Meteoric Rise and Fall of a Hip Genre, Jack!

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Spike Lee’s groundbreaking film turned up the heat in Brooklyn-and in cinema history. Set on the hottest day of the summer, it confronts race, tension, and justice in a way that still resonates today. Bold visuals, unforgettable characters, and a story that challenges us: Do the Right Thing changed the way America sees itself-and film.

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WHEN did it happen

Do the Right Thing was released in June 1989, during a period of heightened racial tension in the United States and at the end of a decade marked by debates about civil rights, urban inequality, and police violence.

WHERE did it develop

The film was developed and shot primarily in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, a historically Black neighborhood. Spike Lee deliberately chose this setting to ground the story in a real urban community rather than a Hollywood abstraction of city life.

WHO did it

The film was written, directed, and produced by Spike Lee, who also starred as the character Mookie. It was produced by 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks and distributed by Universal Pictures.

WHAT was it (in more detail)

Do the Right Thing is a fictional narrative that takes place over the hottest day of the summer in Brooklyn. It explores racial tensions among Black, Italian American, Korean American, and white residents centered around Sal’s Famous Pizzeria. Through sharp dialogue, bold visual style, and music-especially Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”-the film builds toward a tragic climax involving police violence. Rather than offering a clear moral resolution, the film forces audiences to confront uncomfortable questions about racism, anger, and justice in America.

WHY / HOW did it happen

Spike Lee created the film as a response to systemic racism, police brutality, and the lack of authentic Black voices in mainstream American cinema. Inspired by real-life events such as the death of Michael Stewart in police custody (1983), Lee wanted to depict how racial tensions simmer and explode under social pressure. The film’s confrontational tone and refusal to provide easy answers were intentional choices meant to provoke dialogue rather than comfort.

IMPORTANCE IN CINEMA HISTORY

Do the Right Thing is widely regarded as one of the most important American films ever made. It challenged Hollywood norms by centering Black perspectives, using innovative cinematography (high-saturation colors, canted angles), and blending social realism with stylized filmmaking. The film paved the way for more politically engaged cinema and influenced generations of filmmakers tackling race and social justice. Its themes remain painfully relevant, making it a cornerstone of both film studies and American cultural history.

MEDIA

Video:

Official trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb6iY9B4h5E

AFI discussion clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0K4Wj2kQ6A

Further Reading (Links):

IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097216/

Criterion Collection Essay: https://www.criterion.com/films/286-do-the-right-thing

(Optional voice/video commentary not recorded.)

Works Cited

Lee, Spike, director. Do the Right Thing. Universal Pictures, 1989.

Maslin, Janet. “Review/Film; Spike Lee’s Look at Race and Rage.” The New York Times, 30 June 1989.

Criterion Collection. “Do the Right Thing Essays.” The Criterion Collection, www.criterion.com.

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1990 | Jennie Livingston & The Complicated Legacy of PARIS IS BURNING  | Jaiku Neoj

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1990 | Jennie Livingston & The Complicated Legacy of PARIS IS BURNING  | Jaiku Neoj

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in process...

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1990 | Jennie Livingston & The Complicated Legacy of Paris is Burning | Jaiku Neoj

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1990 | Jennie Livingston & The Complicated Legacy of Paris is Burning | Jaiku Neoj

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Paris Is Burning by Jennie Livingston was a documentary that captured what is described as the “Golden Era” of the New York Ballroom Scene during the 1980s with special focus into the lives of Octavia St. Laurent, Dorian Gray, Pepper LaBeija, Willi Ninja, and Freddie Pendavis. It revolutionized cultural documentation; challenged the idea of whose story needed to be told & how. It was a collection of intimate interviews with Ball footage across categories. Storytelling that was shot from a place of bearing witness instead of sensationalizing. To academics or critics, it is regarded as a solid exploration of intersectionality (gender, sexuality, race and class within America) but to those like me; it was call to live and create authentically. For many Black/Latinx/Queer artists/creators/filmmakers that ever felt othered, it reminded them that their voices matter; that they (and their loved ones) deserve to be seen on the screen. There is no denying that Paris is Burning was a masterpiece. It’s true impact cannot be quantified; for generations of queer youth that loss their elders to the AIDS epidemic, it bridged the gap between worlds. It was more than a documentation of survival; it was a celebration of truth, colorful pursuit of finding joy. Jennie shot Paris Burning on 16mm film; there was over 78 hours of footage but was cut down to 78 minutes. Jennie was originally a photography student but pivoted once she crossed paths with some voguers from the scene in Washington Park.

The subjects of Paris is Burning gave their all; The Ballroom community opened up their doors. Ballroom was created to provide a safe space, a refuge for Trans/Queer identified individuals who were kicked out and needed community and found family. You were documenting people experiencing poverty, homelessness, battling the AIDS crisis; individuals systemically oppressed and forced into sex work in order to survive. One of the subjects was murdered during the filming of the project. You exposed an entire underground community and don’t think to use your privilege to empower them and bring them out of the shadows? In what world do you capture their reality, bring “awareness”, collect your awards and not feel the need to assist or properly compensate them? The film made over 4 million on a 500K budget. They were not compensated until they threatened to take them to court afterwards. To ease the tensions 55K was split amongst 13 people, after they signed the release. This left a bitter taste for many in the ballroom scene; many felt exploited and angered that they still could not enjoy the fruit of their labor but saw others cashing in on their influence.

Can be watched at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI7EhpY2yaA

Works Cited

Clark, Ashley. “Burning down the House: Why the Debate over Paris Is Burning Rages On.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 24 June 2015, www.theguardian.com/film/2015/jun/24/burning-down-the-house-debate-paris-is-burning.

“How Paris Is Burning Left an Indelible Mark on Pop Culture.” Literary Hub, 24 Jan. 2022, lithub.com/how-paris-is-burning-left-an-indelible-mark-on-pop-culture/.

“Paris Doesn’t Always Have to Be Burning.” Public Books, 14 Sept. 2020, www.publicbooks.org/paris-doesnt-always-have-to-be-burning/.

Parkerson, Michelle. “Paris Is Burning: The Fire This Time.” The Criterion Collection, 25 Feb. 2020, www.criterion.com/current/posts/6832-paris-is-burning-the-fire-this-time?srsltid=AfmBOorwU5_ei06IJw1rvp41a58SwEV6x5SY_8c9eXkCsQZevcx0qOu4. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Raval, PJ. “Jennie Livingston’s “Paris Is Burning.”” International Documentary Association, 13 June 2019, www.documentary.org/column/jennie-livingstons-paris-burning.

“The Unintentional (Therefore, Even Sadder) Increased Othering of the Other in Paris Is Burning - as a Journal.” As a Journal, 2024, asajournal.lt/articles/the-unintentional-therefore-even-sadder-increased-othering-of-the-other-in-paris-is-burning/.

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The Fifth Element (1997): Visual style, Special Effects, and 1990 Science Fiction Cinema 

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The Fifth Element (1997): Visual style, Special Effects, and 1990 Science Fiction Cinema 

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The Fifth Element, was released in 1997 and directed by Luc Besson, is a science fiction film known for its bold visual style and imaginative world-building. It was set in the 23rd century city, the film blends science fiction, action, comedy, and fantasy elements. The use of vibrant colors, the elaborate costume designs by Jean Paul Gaultier, and the advanced special effects made it stand out from other science fiction films of the decade. The movie gained a strong cult following and it became one of the most visually science fiction films of the 1990s.

The Fifth Element helped push the boundaries of visual storytelling in 1990s cinema by combining European art film aesthetics with Hollywood's blockbuster production. It demonstrated how science fiction films could be both visually experimental and commercially successful, which then influenced later futuristics and stylized sci-fi movies.

With the production of this movie there was advanced use of miniatures, CGI and practical effects taking place. There were highly styled costumes designs and productions, the futuristic cityscapes that influenced the visuals for the later sci-fi visuals and there was an integration with the fashion into the film storytelling.

Although they were initially met with critical reviews. The Fifth Element became a cult classic and remains one of the most visually recognizable science fiction films of the 1990s. Its popularity highlights how its originality and artistic risk can leave a long term mark on cinema history.

Sources:

The Fifth Element 1997, IMDb

History of Cinema lecture/video

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2000-Gladiator- Revival of the Epic Film and Digital Cinema

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2000-Gladiator- Revival of the Epic Film and Digital Cinema

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Gladiator, directed by Ridley Scott, arrived at the turn of the millennium and single-handedly revived the historical epic—a genre Hollywood had largely abandoned since the mid-20th century due to its cost and risk. Set in Ancient Rome, the film follows Maximus Decimus Meridius, a general turned enslaved gladiator whose personal loss becomes a quiet rebellion against political corruption, spectacle, and empire.

What made Gladiator revolutionary was not just its scale, but how that scale was achieved. Scott blended practical sets, live stunt work, and early CGI to digitally reconstruct Ancient Rome—most notably the Colosseum—ushering in a new era where history could be re-imagined with technological precision rather than theatrical excess. This balance of realism and spectacle reshaped the way epic films were made and paved the way for future historical and fantasy blockbusters.

To critics and academics, Gladiator is often discussed as a meditation on power, masculinity, and empire—how spectacle is used to pacify the masses, and how violence becomes entertainment under authoritarian rule. The Roman crowds mirror modern audiences, raising questions about complicity, consumption, and the cost of cheering for bloodshed. The famous line, “Are you not entertained?”, functions less as bravado and more as an indictment.

For many viewers, however, Gladiator was deeply emotional. Maximus is not driven by conquest but by grief, loyalty, and moral resistance. His quiet dignity stood in contrast to the invincible action heroes of the 1990s and marked a shift toward more vulnerable, emotionally grounded protagonists in blockbuster cinema. Hans Zimmer’s score amplified this emotional weight, transforming violence into tragedy rather than triumph.

Yet the film is not without criticism. While praised for craft and influence, Gladiator has been critiqued for historical inaccuracies and its romanticized depiction of Rome. Like many epics, it simplifies complex political realities to serve narrative clarity, reminding us that historical films often reveal more about the era in which they are made than the era they portray.

Still, Gladiator remains a cultural milestone. Winning five Academy Awards—including Best Picture—it proved that audiences were hungry for stories that combined spectacle with substance. Its legacy lives on in the resurgence of epic cinema throughout the 2000s and beyond, standing as a reminder that even within mass entertainment, film can grapple with loss, power, and resistance.

References:

https://dreamworks-picturesfilms.fandom.com/wiki/Gladiator_(2000)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladiator_(2000_film)

https://www.scribd.com/document/547322168/James-Monaco-How-to-Read-a-Film

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Contributors to DreamWorks Pictures Wiki

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Gladiator is a 2000 epic historical drama film directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Franzoni, John Logan, and William Nicholsonfrom a story by Franzoni. It stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen, Oliver Reed, Derek Jacobi, Djimon Hounsou, and Richard Harris. Crowe portrays Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed when Commodus, the ambitious son of EmperorMarcus Aurelius, murders his father and seizes the throne. Reduced to slavery, Maximus becomes a…

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2007 - The start of streaming services - Sthefany H. 

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2007 - The start of streaming services - Sthefany H. 

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On August 29, 1997, in Scotts Valley, California, Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph created what we know as Netflix. Since they had received a $40 late fee from blockbuster, they wanted to create something similar but different that would not have all the fees but offer the same experience, if not even better. Although a lot of people only know of Netflix as the streaming service we use today, but Netflix only provided DVD movie rentals by mail at the start of their career. In 1999 Netflix started to offer a monthly subscription program where customers could choose from 925 different movies and shows. As the internet became more accessible and worked a lot faster, Netflix was able to go from offering rentals to being able to offer streaming in 2007. Today Netflix is the most popular streaming service with 325 million active memberships in more than 190 countries. Netflix was able to produce their first very own show in 2013 which turned out to be a huge success which is why we now have all the popular shows and movies we see today. When Netflix began producing their own content, they opened the doors to creators who wanted to create something new, something different for the world to see. Thanks to Netflix allowing for new productions of films in different genres, there have been 73 Netflix original movies, documentaries, and shorts nominated for the Oscars since 2014. They allowed the film industry to grow even farther than it already was; it allowed new methods of filming and storytelling. Not only did they allow for new storytelling to be told by new people, but they also allowed films and shows to be shown to people all over the world making all sorts of movies, documentaries, and shows accessible to over 190 countries such as Japan, Spain, and Mexico. With access to Netflix, these stories can be seen by millions of people all over the world allowing new creativity to be seen by new people and hopefully, having some sort of impact on their life. Overall, the success of Netflix's streaming service helped the film industry blossom more by opening new doors.

https://youtu.be/pMZPTnWpaWk?si=RaxUlKW8Ia3f0Kzy

Sources:

Kasey Moore March 3rd, 2025 “Netflix at the Oscars: How Many Nominations and Wins Does the Streamer Have?” What’s on Netflix, 11 Apr. 2025, www.whats-on-netflix.com/news/netflix-oscar-wins-nominations/.

“A Detailed Look at the History of Streaming Services.” Shentel, 16 Jan. 2025, www.shentel.com/en/news/2025/january/history-of-streaming-services.

“Netflix: The Streaming Revolution That Changed Entertainment.” Informative, 7 Oct. 2024, scalar.usc.edu/works/informative/netflix-the-streaming-revolution.

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James Cameron's film, Avatar, was one of the most groundbreaking films released in the 2000's. Though there are many reasons as to why Avatar was so successful, one of the main and biggest correlations with the films success was the breathtaking 3D technology and designs incorporated into the film. Developed and produced in Wellington, New Zealand, Weta FX (formerly known as Weta Digital) created the CGI and virtual production. The film's advanced use of motion capture and CGI had created a breathtaking world (Pandora) unlike anything seen before, and even allowed actors to perform on a bare stage and have their movements translated to the Na'vi characters in real time. The film also utilized advanced rendering techniques to create the photorealistic look of the Na'vi characters and the world of Pandora. Avatar was one of the first films to use 3D technology during its new wave of success in cinema,  giving the audience both an immersive and visually stunning experience.

Though some may wonder why such advanced technology was created specifically for Avatar, it is important to note that the film would not have been as successful with regular camerawork and CGI. James Cameron attempted to increased the realism of the film through motion capture because it makes 3D easier, but especially to achieve the fully immersive 3D world of Pandora. The goal was to transport the audience to a completely new world, and James Cameron was successfully able to do so with the new advances of the technology created for his film. Existing technology could not create the level of detail, lighting, and texture required for Pandora's ecosystem, creating new, advanced digital techniques.

Avatar's revolutionized film cinematography by introducing high quality 3D virtual cameras and performance capture, forcing the film industry to adopt digital and immersive technology. Another part of Avatar that draws in audiences is Cameron’s ability to reach different demographics. Avatar appeals to more than a young male demographic- everyone can watch the film and find something to love about it. The film gained so much popularity that it even led to the creation of Disney's "Pandora- World of. Avatar" theme park.

Sources:

Leu, Julian. "Why AVATAR Was Such a Big Deal in 2009". The Monthly Film Festival, 2015. https://tmff.net/why-avatar-was-such-a-big-deal-in-2009/. Accessed 30 January 2026.

Kingbird, S.E. "The Significance of Avatar (2009) and its Cultural Impact". The Medium, 11 December 2024. https://medium.com/@sekindberg/the-significance-of-avatar-2009-and-its-cultural-impact-508876e0e0bb. Accessed 30 January 2026.

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The First Subtitled Movie to Win 4 Academy Awards

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The First Subtitled Movie to Win 4 Academy Awards

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WHEN did it happen

Parasite was released in 2019, while its historical impact occurred in 2020, when the film won four Academy Awards, including the Best Picture award.

WHERE did it develop

It was developed in South Korea, and the plot also takes place in South Korea, focusing on two very different families, CEO Park’s family and driver Kim’s family, due to their wealth and positions in society. The movie especially highlights their social positions throughout the scenes by using their physical homes, scents, and even personal characteristics.

WHO did it

Parasite was directed by Bong Joon-ho, who is also the co-writer of the movie. The cast includes Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam. Most of the cast members are well known for their in-depth careers in the industry. Additionally, Bong Joon-ho is widely regarded as a distinct filmmaker whose work blends genre conventions with social critique.

WHAT was it (in more detail)

Parasite is a dark comedy, thriller, and drama. The plot follows the Kim family’s journey of gradually infiltrating the lives of the successful Park family by replacing their house employees with themselves. It becomes difficult to separate the characters into “good” or “bad” because the film shows how conflicts between social classes are fundamentally based on capitalist structures.

WHY / HOW did it happen

The film was inspired by the director’s personal experience tutoring wealthy families and by the inequality that Korean society experiences. I believe the movie certainly has universal themes, brilliant storytelling, and strong visual suspense.

IMPORTANCE IN CINEMA HISTORY: What was the effect on the overall development of the film medium/industry

I believe Parasite made an important mark in film history because it was the first non-English-language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Its success challenged the assumption that subtitled films could not reach mainstream audiences and helped expand visibility for foreign films. In addition, the film demonstrates how genre films can be used to address social issues, leaving a lasting impact on modern filmmaking.

MEDIA include at least one additional image, one video, two links for more information

Bong, Joon-ho, director. Parasite. CJ Entertainment, 2019.

IMDb. Parasite. IMDb, www.imdb.com/title/tt6751668/

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Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. “The 92nd Academy Awards.” Oscars, www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/2020

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Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xH0HfJHsaY

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The Explosion of Young Adult Novel Adaptations in the 2010s

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The Explosion of Young Adult Novel Adaptations in the 2010s

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The Explosion of Young Adult Novel Adaptations in the 2010s

The first hint of the phenomenon that was to come was first seen in 2008, with the film adaptation of the novel Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the teen dream saga we all know and may remember fondly today. This did not seem to truly take form and be seen for what it was, however, until 2010 and onward, continuing throughout the 2010s decade and exploding into a massive phenomenon that truly impacted the way book publishers and movie studios handle themselves today. All of this developed in Hollywood but was distributed internationally, and was supported by major studios like Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment, and 20th Century Fox. As I mentioned earlier, some of the biggest contributors to this phenomenon were books such as the Twilight saga by Stephenie Meyer, John Green novels such as The Fault in Our Stars and Paper Towns, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, and the dystopian trifecta, The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, and the Maze Runner series by James Dashner. The phenomenon itself describes the sudden explosion of films in the 2010s that were adapted from young adult novels, a genre that gained popularity extremely fast due to its themes of dealing with grief, mental health, friendship, and identity, all much-needed concepts in these coming-of-age stories during this decade. This was the decade of honesty through escapism, after all. You as a teen didn’t necessarily want to air your dirty laundry out for the whole world to see it, but it was nice to see that others were going through the same things you were, especially if you weren’t much of a reader and visuals were more your thing. Social media also played a huge part in making this trend as big as it was, because of how much it amplified fan engagement. Readers could now promote these adaptations, talk among themselves about who their ideal casting choice would be, and turn these film releases into cultural events now that everyone could join in, not just the crème de la crème invited to the premieres. It also showed that YA adaptations didn’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles some movies do to succeed commercially, specifically with films like The Fault in Our Stars and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, films that were extremely realistic in terms of emotion, and showcased a side of vulnerability that proved it really is just “us teens” against the world. I think that this YA adaption boom definitely impacted 2010s cinema in a positive way because while it reinforced franchise production which is always good for the film industry, it also took teens’ narratives and not only gave them their own space, but it validate them and showed teens that they were not alone in what they were feeling, and that life could be as fantastical as you make it out to be. It also destigmatized previously taboo subjects such as mental health and illness.

Citations

1.     Miller, Laura. “Young Adult Fiction Entered the Decade like a Lion. Now It Seems to Be Eating Itself Alive.” Slate Magazine, Slate, 17 Dec. 2019, slate.com/culture/2019/12/decade-in-young-adult-fiction.html.

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Get Out (2017)- The start of Elevated Horror - Jennifer De Jesus

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Get Out (2017)- The start of Elevated Horror - Jennifer De Jesus

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In 2017, Get Out, directed by Jordan Peele, hit theaters and marked a major turning point in cinematic history. Never before has anyone witnessed that the horror genre could be used for storytelling and social commentary. Director Peele, who is mostly known for directing other films in the comedy genre, took a turn in his career. In February of 2017, he worked with Blumhouse Productions, under Universal Pictures, to develop a film that would mark a new era of filmmaking and shed light on a pressing issue at the time: racial inequality. The film Get Out had a budget of around $5 million, but went on to become a worldwide success. This film follows a black man named Chris Washington as he meets his girlfriend's white family for the first time. In the beginning, we learn just how nervous he really is about meeting them. He believes they won't like him because he is a black man, however, his girlfriend does her best to reassure him that her family isn't racist and will treat him like family. A few days into his stay with them, he discovers that the family is actually full of dark secrets. They are involved in uses of hypnosis, brain manipulation, illegal kidnapping, and the exploitation of Black individuals. They are trying to insert their brains into black people's bodies, creating a “superior” human who has the physical qualities of a black man with the genius of a white man. The importance of this film to cinematic history lies in its reinterpretation of storytelling and cultural impact. Peele was able to use a movie to showcase the social issues of racism within America. Starting a new wave of films that were later known as “social thrillers,” films that used storytelling to spread messages about real-world issues. Storytelling, especially in the horror genre, has evolved into something deeper. Movies gained greater meaning by focusing on symbolism, cultural themes, and psychological depth. The film left its mark on cinema, demonstrating that film can be a powerful tool for critiquing society.

Video: https://youtu.be/22Vz00YYGeQ?si=__L3L9u3ir_ccuw_

Sources:

-Arogundade, Abdul. “‘Get out’ the Little Movie with a Big Message | by Abdul Arogundade | The Baseline | Medium.” Medium, Medium, 17 Dec. 2017, https://medium.com/the-base-line/get-out-the-little-movie-with-a-big-message-3152f34cd6d6. Accessed 6 February 2026.

-Chow, Kai-Ming. “Get out (2017): The Horrors of Internalized Racism | by Kai-Ming Chow | Cinemania | Medium.” Medium, Medium, 14 Dec. 2017, https://medium.com/cinemania/get-out-2017-the-horrors-of-internalized-racism-48ff96ae0e9c.  Accessed 6 February 2026.

-Namehavar, Hassan. “How Jordan Peele Redefines Horror Genre: Get out Film Analysis.” Pixflow Blog, Pixflow Blog, 19 Dec. 2024, https://pixflow.net/blog/how-jordan-peele-redefines-horror-genre-get-out-film-analysis. Accessed 6 February 2026.

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When Did It Happen? This disruption began in early 2020 when COVID‑19 spread globally. Movie theaters closed between March 2020 and early 2021, with many reopening slowly under restrictions throughout the rest of 2021.

Who Did It / Who Was Involved?

The shutdown was not caused by a single person. It resulted from worldwide public‑health responses involving governments, health agencies, film studios, theater chains like AMC and Regal, and streaming companies such as Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.

What Was It?

The COVID‑19 pandemic forced nearly every movie theater in the world to close temporarily. Film productions stopped, release dates were postponed, and many movies were moved directly to streaming. For the first time ever, the Academy Awards allowed streaming‑only films to qualify for Oscar consideration.

Why / How Did It Happen?

Theaters closed because COVID‑19 spread easily in indoor, crowded spaces. Governments issued stay‑at‑home orders, and studios halted filming to protect cast and crew. With theaters shut down, streaming became the safest and most accessible way for audiences to watch new movies. This pushed studios to experiment with hybrid releases and direct‑to‑streaming premieres.

Importance in Cinema or History

The pandemic permanently changed the film industry. It accelerated the rise of streaming, reshaped how movies are released, and changed audience habits. It also transformed filmmaking practices, introducing new safety protocols and increasing the use of digital tools and virtual production. The events of 2020–2021 mark a major turning point in film history, defining the beginning of a new era in how movies are created, distributed, and experienced.

Video Link:

CNN – “How the pandemic changed movies forever”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QX2b9Z5wO9E (youtube.com in Bing)

⭐ Works Cited (MLA Format)

Motion Picture Association. Theme Report 2020. Motion Picture Association, 2021.

Rubin, Rebecca. “Box Office Plunged to 40-Year Low in 2020.” Variety, 12 Mar. 2021.

Sharf, Zack. “Oscars Change Eligibility Rules, Allow Streaming-Only Films for 2021 Ceremony.” IndieWire, 28 Apr. 2020.

Whitten, Sarah. “Movie Theaters Struggle as Pandemic Speeds Up Shift to Streaming.” CNBC, 15 Dec. 2020.