The Golden Age of Hollywood

     

          When we speak of Hollywood movies today, we think of productions that are done elaborately, grandeur and innovative. These are possible with the help of our technology. But when we go back to the late 20's to 60's which is called the "golden age" of Hollywood, we can see how American cinema before is different from what we have today. Classical Hollywood cinema is based from the ideas of the Renaissance, and its main point is commonly the revival of mankind. Filmmakers do the production as seamless as possible, or what they call the "invisible style". This is important to smoothen the inherent discontinuity of the editing process and to establish a logical coherence between shots.

             Mostly, classical Hollywood style is adapted from the western. From what I've observed last meeting, characters in the movies speak in a formal language, like of that when you watch western films today. A production is considered a success if the audience are taken to a different world. From the editing of the movie, to the way it is delivered to the audience, is a vital work. All part of the production staffs help to achieve this harmony. Old Hollywood is like a factory, everybody is influencing one another.  The directors, producers and specially the actors should do their job on its best. This is where the "point of view" comes in. Audience reception is important, that is why cinematographers do things to assume expectations from the audience. Point of view should be exactly as it is seen as a person. The way how the camera acts with the scene, the way the actors act out their characters, the way the music blends with the appeal, are all important to retain that classical Hollywood style. Take for example the movie "E.T" by Steven Spielberg, the emotional point of view is strong and clearly presented. It draws the audience along with the story.

E.T Film by Steven Spielberg

            One part of the Hollywood classical style is exaggerating characters in the story, particularly the way they speak with one another. Simple dialogue will only bore the audience. Many films before were successful in capturing the attention of the viewers such as Casablanca, Gone with the wind, Chinatown and many others. All of life's riddles are answered in movies. No wonder why American cinema was among its peak during the time these films were produced.

            I believed that classical Hollywood style has not yet ended today, what was changed are the tools you work on. Elements of style from classical time to our generation today are developing. Cinematographers, directors, producers and such, should experiment forward movement, creating, and improving Hollywood style from time to time.