The rise of the blockbuster, format wars and multiplexes
(1972-84)
- the emergence of the multiplex / megaplex cinemas in out-of-town locations / shopping centres / retail parks in the UK and the decline of city / town centre ‘fleapit’ cinemas
- the arrival of ‘blockbuster’ films and related sequels, e.g. The Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), Superman (1978) and the ensuing developments in production, distribution and exhibition
- the dawning of the home video age, format wars (VHS and Betamax), the moral panic about uncensored and unregulated content* and the ensuing move to statutory regulation of film in the home
What is a blockbuster...
- How do we define a blockbuster?
- Has what we identify as a blockbuster always been the same?
- What similarities with today's blockbusters can you identify?
- What differences are there?
- Can you identify any film theory evident? (Propp, Todorov)
The exam board expect you to analyse how film has changed during certain eras, according to...
Sociological contexts
Economic Contexts
Technological Contexts
More detail explaining each context on blog… http://f631.blogspot.co.uk/p/section-b-topic-areas.html
1970 - 1980s Blockbusters
Before I reveal the content from the OCR Film Studies Specification, try and predict the content we will cover in this section of the exam…
- List as many films as you can that could be examples of significant ‘blockbuster’ films during this period…
- Make a claim for what you personally believe to be THE most significant, and justify why…
- Make a list of as many other factors that could be significant during this time… (If you are stuck, think technological, sociological, economical)
From the OCR Spec...
For this topic area candidates should study the following:
- the emergence of the multiplex / megaplex cinemas in out-of-town locations / shopping centres / retail parks in the UK and the decline of city / town centre ‘fleapit’ cinemas
- the arrival of ‘blockbuster’ films and related sequels, e.g. The Godfather (1972), Jaws (1975), Star Wars (1977), Superman (1978) and the ensuing developments in production, distribution and exhibition
- the dawning of the home video age, format wars (VHS and Betamax), the moral panic about uncensored and unregulated content* and the ensuing move to statutory regulation of film in the home
Why did cinema attendance grow during the late 1920s-40s?
Hollywood's success grew during the Great Depression, possibly because films helped audiences escape their personal difficulties.
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s
US President Franklin Roosevelt said "When the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, during this Depression, it is a splendid thing that for just fifteen cents an American can go to a movie.”
There were few other sources of entertainment. No TV, no internet. The cinema was the default choice for young people looking for some escapism.
In an era of little technology, going to the cinema with big screens was quite a visual feast and made a welcome escape from long hours in the job.
Led to a monopoly by ‘The Big Five’
These factors led to an increase in cinema as a commercial activity.
It allowed early adopters a chance to form a monopoly over others.
What do we mean by ‘The Big Five’ or ‘The Majors’ when we talk about Hollywood, during this era?
One of the techniques used to support the studio system was block booking, a system of selling multiple films to a theater as a unit. Such a unit - five films was the standard practice for most of the 1940s - typically included only one particularly attractive film, the rest a mix of A-budget pictures of lesser quality and B movies.
The Old Hollywood Studio System 1960s
Make notes on any significant factors.
What are the benefits to the studio, when it comes to this model?
What are the disadvantages of this model
… for actors?
… for other filmmakers?
… for audience members?
Paramount Decree 1978
How does it provide benefits to institutions?
Exam Question
Based on everything we have so far, plan initially, then craft 2-3 PEEL paragraphs for the following question…
“What factors led to the rise, and then subsequent breakdown of the Golden Age studio system?”
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