Here are a few descriptions of some film eras in which film has evolved through and matured. This list is adapted from self-proclaimed critic, Philip C. Congleton.
The Pioneer Era: (1895 to 1910)
The beginning of it all. This era was the first of it’s kind with the first camera, first actor, first film stock etc. Techniques were brand new, experimentation abounded, and there was no sound to be heard at this time. Most films took the root of documentary, or as a way to show news or record plays or live action. The first narrative dramas were around five minutes long and this gained popularity in 1905.
George Melies was one of the first pioneers with “A Trip to the Moon” made in 1902. He used illusion and film as a way to show magic, and this became a way to show “trick” films. This was his background and so it went will with the techniques he used and the stories he would weave.
1902 classic film “A Trip to the Moon” (Une Voyage dans la Lune) by George Melies
Edison and Lumiere also showed to be pioneers in this era. Although these clips might seem to be documenting silly things, or things that are too over-the-top or rather, boring, remember that this is the first instance of anything of its kind. To create films like showed to be quite an undertaking at the time.
The Silent Era: (1911 to 1926)
This era took the skills that were put together in the pioneer era and use them to create something a little more complex. This complexity came in the form and idea of film editing. Although the era is called the silent era, the theatres wouldn’t be pin-drop quiet. Sound tracks were used, as well as special effects. Sometimes these effects would go on behind the screen, or they would use a gramophone to project music. A live orchestra or band playing to accompany a little film wasn’t that uncommon!
Stage recordings were still going on but narratives started to take the spotlight in the form of dramas and even short comedies. These “silent epics” starred the biggest roles of the time, and were directed by equally known names: Chaplin, Pickford, Griffith, DeMille. The idea of the “star” was born and celebrity status was first invented. More capital was brought to the silver screen and the quality began to improve.
The Pre W.W.II Era: (1927 to 1940)
Mostly known as the “talkies” era, however some do not like this term since it classifies film into two very broad topics. In this era, the first sound film was introduced. The “Jazz Singer” was created in 1927. To learn more about this film, and see a clip of the Jazz Singer check out RLLillis’ lesson on The Start of Sound.
This revolutionized film and in some cases, caused some of the stars from the silent era to be phased out, because their voices just didn’t translate well to the sound film media. Others though, like Mary Pickford thrived in the transition and continued to make blockbuster hits. Sub-genres also started to sprout up, covering many different and distinct techniques and types of films. It was no longer just dramas, there was the technology and the creativity to take film to new levels. Color film was starting to bud out as well, using the technique of actually hand-colouring each frame of film. Animation also took root and gained popularity.
1936 film “Modern Times” starred in and directed by Charlie Chaplin
Money was booming in this era and theatres began to grow in size and grandness. Matinees became common and movie-going was becoming a staple part of many people’s lifestyles. The Star System and celebrity madness soared in this era. It was common for fans to want to know everything about their favourite stars. Comedies became popular as well, and other forms and genres started to become mainstream. Gable, Capra, Ford, Hayes, Laurel and Hardy all made the transition to sound as well and their films did very well. The Oscars were born, as were the Academy Awards. The distinction between high budget and low budget became very apparent. This was the era for the movie-lover. Theatres and selection reigned supreme.
The Golden Era of Film: (1941 to 1954)
Named the golden era because it was right in the thick of the evolution of film, World War II resulted in many changes in the film scene not only in North America but all over the world. Budgets changed, production costs were high and so the distinction between those who had money and those who didn’t were large. Assembly line type films started making their way into the industry, which generated great revenue and were made very cheaply.Musicals danced onto the silver screen, as did other genres of horror and slapstick become popular. Gangster films, science fiction and detective films started to emerge. The few big names of this era consists of Abbott and Costello, Grant, Bogart, Hepburn, Cagney, Fonda, Stewart, Astaire and Rogers according to one critic.
1941 film “Citizen Kane” by Orson Welles
The Transition Era: (1955 to 1966)
Philip C. Congleton calls this the transition era because this marks a time when film really begins to mature. Film of the Avant-garde, experimental films and those with not too much narrative connection began to come about. Art films that experimented with shapes on film, sounds and surrealist tendencies within film were very much explored. Up to this point, Hollywood was a big player in film making and production, but it is in this era where film from all over the world begins their recognition. Television also changes the face of film in this era, creating new competition for people’s entertainment options. Film production, distribution, exhibition, etc is re-looked. Colour film is still growing, slowly becoming the option over black and white film. The topics cover in this era tend to be more mature, the quality continues to improve. Social issues are brought to the fore-front of the screen. The format of film and classical Hollywood style are established, continuity’s importance is shown. When the cold-war begins a blacklist of movies from different countries is put into effect. Some big names in film of the time were Hitchcock, Taylor, Bardot and Munroe.
1958 film “Vertigo” by Alfred Hitchcock
The Silver Era: (1967 to 1979)
This can be called the dawn of the modern film where we start to see a refined classical Hollywood style. Movies like “Bonnie and Clyde” pave the way for other films, with use of special effects, jump cuts, and a very large amount of gore. The MPAA is created to regulate the mature content within films and Bonnie and Clyde are not susceptible to its rules. Spielburg begins coming onto the film scene and makes a buzz. Black and white film is now rarely used and the quality of filmmaking is much more impeccable.
1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde” directed by Arthur Penn
The Modern Era: (1980 to 1995 and beyond!)
This is the era when computers, home videos, cable come into play. Starting with “Star Wars”, we find ourselves in an era where saying a film is a blockbuster really means that it costs more than a few million dollars to produce. It is within this era that filmmakers can take the film history they have seen and the techniques that have come before them and integrate them as homage within their films. From then till now, films continue to be made and push the envelope as far as technology goes. The thrill of entertainment in film continues to hold strong, who knows what the next era will bring!
References
Congleton, Philip C. Critics Corner. “A Film Critic’s Guidebook”.
Incredible lesson Krista! I find it interesting how all forms of entertainment follow a similar historical aspect. For example, the golden and silver eras of comic books fall on approximately the same year… which makes sense.
But I’d like to add- maybe we need to split up the modern era. Recent films are a lot different than 1980’s films, both in terms of technology and production and in terms of plots and themes (well, in respect, you could argue that since the Shakespearean times nobody really came up with any original plots). I suggest we call it the HD Era, where the only reason to watch a film in the theatres is the IMAX experience.
I would definitely agree. It’s hard to say where the line would be drawn, but there is a huge distinction between say Star Wars and Wall-e in terms of many aspects. Technology being the biggest one. With CG animation and film becoming more and more of a computer based medium, films like that should take an era of its own.
