Classical Hollywood cinema shaped American filmmaking in the early 20th century. It established conventions that still influence modern movies, reflecting broader cultural trends in storytelling and visual arts.

This era saw the rise of the studio system, the transition to sound, and the development of narrative structures that became standard. It also created the star system and genre conventions that continue to impact how we consume and interpret films today.

Origins of Classical Hollywood

• Classical Hollywood cinema emerged as a dominant form of filmmaking in the early 20th century, shaping the landscape of American film production and storytelling techniques
• This era established conventions and practices that continue to influence modern cinema, reflecting broader cultural and artistic trends in humanities

Silent film era

• Developed innovative visual storytelling techniques to compensate for lack of synchronized sound
• Relied heavily on expressive acting, intertitles, and musical accompaniment to convey narrative
• Iconic figures like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton pioneered comedic timing and physical performance
• Technological advancements in cameras and film stock improved image quality and production capabilities

Studio system emergence

• Major film studios (MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros.) established vertical integration, controlling production, distribution, and exhibition
• Implemented assembly-line approach to filmmaking, standardizing production processes and roles
• Created a star system to market films and build audience loyalty
• Developed distinct studio styles and specialties (Warner Bros. for gritty crime dramas, MGM for lavish musicals)

Transition to sound

• Introduction of synchronized sound with "The Jazz Singer" (1927) revolutionized the film industry
• Necessitated significant changes in production techniques, equipment, and actor training
• Led to the decline of many silent film stars unable to adapt to the new medium
• Expanded storytelling possibilities through dialogue, sound effects, and musical scores
• Created new genres like the movie musical, leveraging the full potential of sound technology

Narrative structure

• Classical Hollywood narrative structure forms the foundation for storytelling in American cinema, influencing global filmmaking practices
• This approach to narrative emphasizes clarity, coherence, and emotional engagement, reflecting broader cultural values in storytelling across various art forms

Three-act structure

• Divides narrative into setup, confrontation, and resolution
• Act 1 introduces characters, setting, and central conflict
• Act 2 develops conflict through rising action and complications
• Act 3 presents climax and resolves main storylines
• Provides a familiar and satisfying story arc for audiences

Cause and effect

• Events in the narrative logically follow from previous occurrences
• Characters' actions drive the plot forward, creating a chain of causality
• Emphasizes clear motivation for character decisions and plot developments
• Minimizes coincidence and arbitrary events to maintain narrative coherence

Goal-oriented protagonists

• Main characters have clear objectives that drive the story forward
• Protagonists face obstacles and conflicts in pursuit of their goals
• Character development often tied to the achievement or reassessment of initial objectives
• Allows audience to easily identify with and root for the main character
• Creates narrative tension through the struggle to overcome challenges

Visual style

• Classical Hollywood visual style prioritizes clarity and seamless storytelling, influencing the aesthetics of film and other visual media
• These techniques create a sense of continuity and realism, shaping audience expectations and visual literacy in the broader context of visual arts

Continuity editing

• Ensures smooth transitions between shots to maintain narrative flow
• Employs techniques like match cuts, eyeline matches, and shot-reverse-shot sequences
• Establishes spatial and temporal relationships between characters and events
• Aims to make editing "invisible" to keep audience immersed in the story
• Utilizes establishing shots to orient viewers in new scenes or locations

180-degree rule

• Maintains consistent screen direction by keeping camera on one side of an imaginary line between characters
• Prevents disorientation by ensuring characters always appear to face the same direction
• Allows for shot-reverse-shot dialogue sequences without confusing spatial relationships
• Can be intentionally broken for dramatic effect or to signify disorientation
• Applies to movement and action sequences as well as dialogue scenes

Shot composition techniques

• Emphasizes balanced framing and clear focal points to guide viewer attention
• Utilizes the rule of thirds for aesthetically pleasing and dynamic compositions
• Implements deep focus to keep multiple planes of action in sharp detail
• Employs lighting techniques (three-point lighting) to create depth and mood
• Incorporates camera movements (pans, tilts, tracking shots) to reveal information or follow action

Genre conventions

• Genre conventions in Classical Hollywood cinema provide familiar frameworks for storytelling and audience expectations
• These conventions reflect broader cultural narratives and archetypes, connecting film to other forms of literature and art in the humanities

Western vs film noir

• Western: Set in American frontier, themes of civilization vs wilderness, moral clarity
  • Iconic elements include cowboys, gunfights, and vast landscapes
• Film noir: Urban settings, moral ambiguity, themes of crime and betrayal
  • Characterized by low-key lighting, femme fatales, and hard-boiled detectives
• Westerns often employ wide shots and outdoor locations, while film noir uses shadows and claustrophobic interiors
• Both genres explore American identity and values from different perspectives

Musical vs melodrama

• Musical: Integrates song and dance numbers into narrative, often with upbeat themes
  • Showcases elaborate choreography and set designs
  • Frequently deals with themes of love, ambition, and show business
• Melodrama: Focuses on emotional conflicts and dramatic situations
  • Emphasizes heightened emotions and moral dilemmas
  • Often centers on family dynamics or romantic relationships
• Musicals tend to have brighter visual styles, while melodramas use lighting and music to enhance emotional impact

Screwball comedy

• Characterized by fast-paced dialogue, slapstick humor, and romantic plots
• Often features mismatched couples from different social classes
• Explores themes of gender roles and class dynamics through comedy
• Utilizes rapid-fire banter and physical comedy to create humor
• Notable for strong female characters who often drive the plot

Star system

• The star system played a crucial role in shaping the cultural impact of Classical Hollywood cinema
• This system influenced public perceptions of celebrity and personal image, extending beyond film into broader cultural and social spheres

Studio contracts

• Actors signed long-term exclusive contracts with specific studios
• Studios controlled actors' career choices, public image, and personal lives
• Provided stability and consistent work for actors but limited creative freedom
• Allowed studios to groom and market actors as specific "types" or personas
• Contract system eventually declined due to antitrust legislation and changing industry dynamics

Typecasting

• Actors often associated with specific character types or genres
• Studios cultivated and marketed these personas to create audience expectations
• Limited actors' range but created strong brand identities (John Wayne as the tough cowboy)
• Some actors successfully broke typecasting, while others struggled to change public perception
• Influenced casting decisions and script development to match star personas

Publicity and image management

• Studios employed extensive publicity departments to manage star images
• Controlled media access and crafted carefully curated public personas for stars
• Used fan magazines, public appearances, and promotional tie-ins to build star appeal
• Managed personal scandals and controversies to protect star reputations
• Created larger-than-life mythologies around stars to increase audience fascination

Production code

• The Production Code significantly impacted the content and themes of Classical Hollywood cinema
• This system of self-censorship reflected broader societal values and concerns, influencing cultural discourse beyond the realm of film

Censorship guidelines

• Established in 1930 to self-regulate film content and avoid government censorship
• Prohibited explicit violence, sexual content, and "immoral" behavior on screen
• Mandated that criminals must be punished and authority figures respected
• Restricted depictions of drug use, interracial relationships, and controversial political topics
• Required married couples to be shown in separate beds to maintain "decency"

Impact on storytelling

• Forced filmmakers to develop creative ways to imply mature themes without explicit depiction
• Led to the use of symbolic imagery and double entendres to convey sexual content
• Influenced character development, often resulting in clear-cut heroes and villains
• Shaped genre conventions, particularly in crime films where criminals had to face justice
• Created a sanitized version of reality that often glossed over social issues

Code enforcement

• Administered by the Motion Picture Production Code Administration (PCA)
• Required all films to obtain a certificate of approval before release
• Implemented a system of script review and final cut approval
• Enforced through financial penalties and distribution restrictions for non-compliant films
• Gradually weakened in the 1950s and 1960s due to changing social norms and competition from television

Auteur theory

• Auteur theory emerged as a critical approach to analyzing Classical Hollywood cinema
• This concept influenced film criticism and production, elevating the status of directors and shaping discussions about artistic vision in cinema and other collaborative art forms

Director as artist

• Posits that the director is the primary creative force behind a film
• Emphasizes the director's unique vision and style across multiple works
• Challenges the collaborative nature of filmmaking by focusing on directorial input
• Originated in French film criticism and gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s
• Influenced the rise of the "New Hollywood" movement and independent filmmaking

Recurring themes

• Auteur directors often explore consistent thematic elements across their filmography
• Alfred Hitchcock's preoccupation with guilt, suspense, and the "wrong man" scenario
• John Ford's exploration of American mythology and the tension between wilderness and civilization
• Howard Hawks' focus on professional groups and male camaraderie
• Themes serve as a director's signature, allowing for deeper analysis of their body of work

Visual signatures

• Auteur directors develop recognizable visual styles that distinguish their films
• Orson Welles' use of deep focus and low-angle shots
• Billy Wilder's noir-influenced lighting and cynical worldview
• Vincente Minnelli's vibrant use of color and elaborate set designs
• Visual techniques become associated with specific directors, creating a unique aesthetic identity

Golden age

• The Golden Age of Hollywood represents a period of unparalleled creativity and commercial success in American cinema
• This era significantly influenced global popular culture and established enduring cinematic traditions

Major studios

• "Big Five" studios dominated: MGM, Paramount, Warner Bros., RKO, and Fox
• Vertically integrated structure controlled production, distribution, and exhibition
• Each studio developed a distinct house style and specialized in certain genres
• Competed for talent, stories, and audience attention through innovative marketing
• Smaller studios like Universal, Columbia, and United Artists provided additional competition

Iconic films

• Produced enduring classics that defined American cinema (Casablanca, Gone with the Wind)
• Showcased technological advancements like Technicolor and widescreen formats
• Launched the careers of legendary actors and directors
• Adapted popular literature and stage plays for the screen
• Created new film genres and refined existing ones (film noir, screwball comedy)

Box office dominance

• Studios produced a high volume of films to meet audience demand
• Implemented block booking practices to ensure theater chains showed their entire slate
• Used star power and genre familiarity to attract consistent audiences
• Benefited from the escapist appeal of movies during the Great Depression and World War II
• Reached peak attendance in the 1940s before television competition emerged

Decline of Classical Hollywood

• The decline of Classical Hollywood marked a significant shift in the American film industry
• This transition reflected broader societal changes and technological advancements, impacting cultural production and consumption patterns

Television competition

• Rise of television in the 1950s provided free entertainment at home
• Studios initially resisted TV, then began producing content for the medium
• Led to a decrease in movie theater attendance and closure of many theaters
• Forced studios to focus on spectacle and epic productions to differentiate from TV
• Eventually resulted in synergies between film and television industries

Antitrust legislation

• 1948 Paramount Decision forced studios to divest their theater chains
• Ended vertical integration and the studio system's monopolistic practices
• Weakened studios' control over distribution and exhibition
• Led to the rise of independent producers and a more competitive industry
• Contributed to the decline of the contract player system and studio-driven star creation

Changing audience tastes

• Post-war audiences sought more realistic and socially relevant content
• Rise of youth culture in the 1950s and 1960s created demand for new types of films
• Foreign films gained popularity, introducing new storytelling techniques and themes
• Counterculture movement challenged traditional Hollywood values and narratives
• Led to the emergence of "New Hollywood" and more experimental filmmaking approaches

Legacy and influence

• The legacy of Classical Hollywood cinema continues to shape modern filmmaking and cultural production
• Its influence extends beyond cinema, impacting television, digital media, and broader artistic practices

Global film industry

• Established Hollywood as the center of global film production and distribution
• Influenced filmmaking techniques and narrative structures worldwide
• Created a model for studio systems in other countries (Bollywood, Nollywood)
• Established English-language dominance in global cinema
• Continues to impact international co-productions and global film markets

Modern Hollywood practices

• Many Classical Hollywood storytelling techniques remain standard in mainstream cinema
• Studio system evolved into conglomerate ownership of major production companies
• Star system transformed but continues to play a crucial role in film marketing
• Genre conventions adapted for contemporary audiences and blended in new ways
• Technological advancements (CGI, digital distribution) built upon Classical Hollywood foundations

Nostalgia and homage

• Contemporary filmmakers often reference or pay tribute to Classical Hollywood styles
• Period films recreate the look and feel of Golden Age cinema (La La Land, The Artist)
• Remakes and reboots of classic films maintain connections to Hollywood's past
• Film preservation efforts ensure the legacy of Classical Hollywood remains accessible
• Academic study and film criticism continue to analyze and reinterpret Classical Hollywood cinema