Discuss what are the main characteristics of the so-called “classical cinema”, as well as the main problems associated with that terminology. Consider what contributed to shaping the style, as well as what might have made it successful to this day.
REPLY TO
Based on the lectures and screenings for this week, the characteristics that are notable for the term “classical cinema” include specific stylistic forms and most importantly a the existence of a narrative form. After reading the assigned articles for this week it is evident that the transition away from Vaudeville-like film action and style was because audiences demanded something more sustainable to captivate their longstanding attention. As companies began paying studios by the length of their film roles, films became in increasingly longer and with that a narrative form had to have evolved. With the film we watched for this week this narrative style is nascent but still present within the storyline. Marking the adjustment away from the silent era this film has dialogue differing between one character to another. Again, this all factors into the captivating narrative to keep the audience engaged.
