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/. 

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.

Sources:

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

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

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.

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.

in process...

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.

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

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

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. 

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. 

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

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/.

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

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

.

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

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.

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

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.

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.