Effect of Film on History (1920s 1940s)
Effect of Film on History (1920s-1940s)The evolution of film throughout time has been a fascination to many. Just like retracing the steps of famous painters, poets and authors, following the history of film, actors and directors is a science in itself. Throughout the century the art known as film making has evolved as directors such as D.W. Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille Orson Welles, and Steven Spielberg have all left their mark on the film industry and the hearts of millions. As time has gone by film has changed drastically. The arrival of sound at the end of the twentieth century completely altered the state of film. Movie studios such as Paramount and Universal were made and broken during this time period and the movie industry people know today was born.
Films have come and gone but some have left their marks more than others have. Epic films such as The Ten Commandments and unforgettable, action packed stories like Star Wars have made their mark on generation after generation of movie goers. People have always been entertained by movies and have been fascinated by the lives of the imaginary characters that fill them. What prompts writers and directors to put out the films they do?
During the twenties and thirties different kinds of films were produced for different audiences. While some people pushed for films that depicted utopias and perfection, others wanted to see reality and current events discussed in films. It is through this that film makers began to express their opinions on current issues and offered different ideas to their audiences. Starting with the post World War I era, throught the Great Depression and with a short look at gangsterdom, it is easy to understand that film makers drew their inspiration from real life and the events going on around them. While films in the early twenties presented the dreams of a populous fresh out of war, the films of the depression offered a sobering cup of reality to their viewers. In both cases, films became an interpretation of the world around their makers and became more important to people than they had before.
The �gRoaring Twenties�h, as they were called, brought about a time of prosperity in America that was sensed all around. People felt they had been bound by unjust laws during the war years and broke free during the twenties leading to a period of �gsexual promiscuity, faithlessness in marriage, divorce, bad manners, the hip flask and general cynicism (Jacobs, 399)�h. No one cared about their responsibilities anymore but instead tried to stay as far away from them as possible. The times were changing and so were the tastes of the public. People became more interested in recreation that serious activity. Opinions were changing and the public was now in control. The movie industry came in and reinforced the public opinion constantly putting out movies dealing...
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