The development of Hollywood films have become a major impact in the culture of
commercialism. This implication of film culture in the commercialism existed when the Great
Depression caused major economic and infrastructure loss. Therefore, some filmmakers and
businessmen thought that making films are one of the assets of economic development.
Franklin Roosevelt established The National Recovery Administration, where film
productions hired societies in working, as well as creating several big movie productions which
created oligopoly and money trusts. From these policies the Hollywood development has
formed a major impact in Hollywood films. In addition, many film productions strive to get
more income for every productions. As a result, one of the classic approaches to commercialism
is to segment stories, stars and camera movement into the target market. However, due to
some decreases of viewers, MGM made B movies into more luxurious.
So what is the special characteristic of Hollywood films? Mostly, they put famous stars
as a highlight of their film. It proves that there are some long lasting famous actors in several
leading movie productions. For instance, Greta Garbo, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Katharine
Hepburn, Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy and Marie Dressler. All of them are the stars of MGM, and
because of them, MGM gets more income, especially for the theater. In addition, movie
theaters also made some sales promotions during ‘low season,’ by adding popcorn, and buy 1
get 3 movies.
The difference between the development of German movies and Hollywood movies is
that German uses the power of investments to film, until they made an economic recovery,
while Hollywood movies formed commercialism as a part of culture, from its story elements
until movie distribution and sales. Also, due to the long development, US has the power to
distribute films by doctrine people for almost the entire world. Due to the story, camera
movements invention and star quality, as a result Hollywood films can be one of the most
powerful and influential in the world.
Rabu, 07 November 2018
French Impressionism and Surrealism
The effect of Depression lead France to created several films that are inspired by
Depression, such as suicidal, prostitution, as well as sad endings. But that was not the case;
French films have their own specialties because they have different standards of quality
comparing to American films during 1910 above. In this reflection paper, the explanation would
indicate the comparison between American films and French films, as well as how the historical
issues lead to different approach of filming during World War times, until as the way they are
now.
French films mostly focus on the quality of surrealism and artistic approaches, by
which means film makers put ‘weird’ scenes as a symbol to show message to the audience,
comparing to American films, because American films usually focus too much on the stars
quality, in order to increase market sales. In terms of story and artists, most American films
portray social problem issues; which means there is a moralistic message in the story. If you
don’t want to get trouble on drugs, then don’t do drugs. Comparing to French films, usually film
makers focus on the journey of a character. However, in France art creations are supported by the
government, while most American stories might be slightly mainstream, because the culture of
film is set by marketers, and based on public consumption. As a result, inspired by the German
invasion and the monetary crisis, many French films were created in an aesthetically manner,
which are surrealism and poetic realism.
The reason why French films put the element of surrealism is because they wanted to
convey message that France needs to stop the war. Also through the film makers’ psychoanalysis
(self-contemplation for instance), therefore one of the films have greatly shocked the audience at
that time, such as Un Chien Andalous. Another thing that influences the form of French film is
through poetic realism, which means that most endings are set realistically. For instance, one of
the newest films, Blue is The Warmest Color portrays a sad ending when Adele met Emma, her
ex-girlfriend, she secretly hoped that Emma will rekindle their relationship during Emma’s
gallery exhibition, but Emma already brought a new girlfriend, Lise, until Adele finally went
away. This sad ending idea might be caused by the effect of Great Depression, due to the fact
that the ending is very real.
In conclusion, based on these comparisons before, with French movie characteristics it
focuses on poetic realism, as it is been reflected on the last paragraph. Will this approach be
applicable for today’s market? I believe poetic realism is suitable for today market, especially in
this pop culture era. Because nowadays, the effect of globalization assimilates many people in
the world, so that every story does not have to be from cause & effect perspective, but how and
why the character does certain action, whether it is a good deed or a bad deed.
Depression, such as suicidal, prostitution, as well as sad endings. But that was not the case;
French films have their own specialties because they have different standards of quality
comparing to American films during 1910 above. In this reflection paper, the explanation would
indicate the comparison between American films and French films, as well as how the historical
issues lead to different approach of filming during World War times, until as the way they are
now.
French films mostly focus on the quality of surrealism and artistic approaches, by
which means film makers put ‘weird’ scenes as a symbol to show message to the audience,
comparing to American films, because American films usually focus too much on the stars
quality, in order to increase market sales. In terms of story and artists, most American films
portray social problem issues; which means there is a moralistic message in the story. If you
don’t want to get trouble on drugs, then don’t do drugs. Comparing to French films, usually film
makers focus on the journey of a character. However, in France art creations are supported by the
government, while most American stories might be slightly mainstream, because the culture of
film is set by marketers, and based on public consumption. As a result, inspired by the German
invasion and the monetary crisis, many French films were created in an aesthetically manner,
which are surrealism and poetic realism.
The reason why French films put the element of surrealism is because they wanted to
convey message that France needs to stop the war. Also through the film makers’ psychoanalysis
(self-contemplation for instance), therefore one of the films have greatly shocked the audience at
that time, such as Un Chien Andalous. Another thing that influences the form of French film is
through poetic realism, which means that most endings are set realistically. For instance, one of
the newest films, Blue is The Warmest Color portrays a sad ending when Adele met Emma, her
ex-girlfriend, she secretly hoped that Emma will rekindle their relationship during Emma’s
gallery exhibition, but Emma already brought a new girlfriend, Lise, until Adele finally went
away. This sad ending idea might be caused by the effect of Great Depression, due to the fact
that the ending is very real.
In conclusion, based on these comparisons before, with French movie characteristics it
focuses on poetic realism, as it is been reflected on the last paragraph. Will this approach be
applicable for today’s market? I believe poetic realism is suitable for today market, especially in
this pop culture era. Because nowadays, the effect of globalization assimilates many people in
the world, so that every story does not have to be from cause & effect perspective, but how and
why the character does certain action, whether it is a good deed or a bad deed.
The Rise of American Film
The development of film in the United States has turned the great history of lifetime.
Ever since French, German and Italy joined Word War I, the States used that chance to optimize
film industry as a propaganda, as well as made film rolls from their last war equipment. As a
result, D.W Griffith, the pioneer of film maker, created one of the best-selling movie after Judith
of Bethulia (1913), which is The Birth of a Nation. This film had greatly attracted many
audiences due to controversy regarding race segregation, as well as making several films that are
embedded in a historical setting; such as Intolerance (1916) and Broken Blossome (1919). The
production of Griffith was one of the most everlasting creation, until the World War I caused
production loss.
After World War I, Griffith and his informal student, Mark Sennett, tried to make a
comedic film, which is called Slapstick, until it boomed greatly at that time, in order to create
laughter for audience. In addition, Charlie Chaplin also produced and played his film, that he
became famous for his funny pantomimes. However, many independent films grew, therefore
more rivalries emerge until the Motion Pictures Patent Company must had to face bankruptcy.
As a result, more genres emerge several years later, including film distributions, the rise of
famous stars and the rise of sound.
As it is seen from the brief history, I think Griffith has a very genius strategy in forming
film history from United States into almost the entire world, not just because of the controversial
stories, yet he knew how to market the stories in a right time. For instance, The Birth of A Nation
became very controversial because the practice of race segregation was very related to their
everyday lives. Even the black actors are actually artificial. It was played by white guys but they
painted into black. Although the film was (in the end) banned. However many people would dare
to watch it. Moreover, after World War I Griffith and Sennett created comedy films, which I
assume that they want to make people experience joy. Especially when it comes to the era of
sound.
People might wanted joy at that time, therefore they adapted musical theatre stage play into film, in order to make the audience happy. In conclusion, I think Hollywood has made a film
production into a promising entertainment business into an international scale. This is scary but
true, as a result Hollywood films has successfully pioneered people’s movie consumption.
Ever since French, German and Italy joined Word War I, the States used that chance to optimize
film industry as a propaganda, as well as made film rolls from their last war equipment. As a
result, D.W Griffith, the pioneer of film maker, created one of the best-selling movie after Judith
of Bethulia (1913), which is The Birth of a Nation. This film had greatly attracted many
audiences due to controversy regarding race segregation, as well as making several films that are
embedded in a historical setting; such as Intolerance (1916) and Broken Blossome (1919). The
production of Griffith was one of the most everlasting creation, until the World War I caused
production loss.
After World War I, Griffith and his informal student, Mark Sennett, tried to make a
comedic film, which is called Slapstick, until it boomed greatly at that time, in order to create
laughter for audience. In addition, Charlie Chaplin also produced and played his film, that he
became famous for his funny pantomimes. However, many independent films grew, therefore
more rivalries emerge until the Motion Pictures Patent Company must had to face bankruptcy.
As a result, more genres emerge several years later, including film distributions, the rise of
famous stars and the rise of sound.
As it is seen from the brief history, I think Griffith has a very genius strategy in forming
film history from United States into almost the entire world, not just because of the controversial
stories, yet he knew how to market the stories in a right time. For instance, The Birth of A Nation
became very controversial because the practice of race segregation was very related to their
everyday lives. Even the black actors are actually artificial. It was played by white guys but they
painted into black. Although the film was (in the end) banned. However many people would dare
to watch it. Moreover, after World War I Griffith and Sennett created comedy films, which I
assume that they want to make people experience joy. Especially when it comes to the era of
sound.
People might wanted joy at that time, therefore they adapted musical theatre stage play into film, in order to make the audience happy. In conclusion, I think Hollywood has made a film
production into a promising entertainment business into an international scale. This is scary but
true, as a result Hollywood films has successfully pioneered people’s movie consumption.
Early Cinematic Origins and the Infancy of Film
The birth of film began to be popular during the times of industrial revolution,
particularly around the late 1880’s and the early 1890’s. It was firstly recorded by Thomas Alva
Edison, where he started to shot vaudeville and circus acts, by which means the actors play in a
stage act only, until he made a first, commercial film production in New York called Edison
Company. This invention of film was magical at that time because at first he invented electric
light bulb and phonograph (as one of his inventions), as a result the project of light helped him to
record motion pictures for vaudeville and circus acts. However the picture was categorized as a
silent film because there was no sound at that time, until Lumière Brothers discovered another
kind of motion picture.
From Lumière Brothers portable camera, they started to observe real life objects where
they can project a real movement which relates to reality, such as The Arrival of Train (1895).
The reaction of people were astounded when watching this film, as the train came right towards
the audience. From this moment Lumière Brothers created stories which is set in a real life
setting, which are L’arroseur Arrosé (1895) and A Game of Cards (1896). In addition, George
Mèlies, a magician, created first special effects on his films, and created many fairytale films.
One of them is called A Trip to the Moon.
In 1903, Edwin S. Porter created two films, where he combined several shots in one
scene through editing, in order to see the detailed action in one shot. He made Life of An
American and The Great Train Robbery, as well as David Griffith, who invented film language
in order to give signs in every shot, which are long-shot to describe a situation, medium shot for
expressing relation and connection (conversation) and close up shot for detailed expression.
All of these developments form many good films that can be entertained and learned by
many audiences in the world, from just a telling picture, until it became a storytelling picture.
These stories developed are not just inspired by real life experiences, but from literature as well.
Therefore, when creating a story for film the element of realism and formalism could not be
separated because humans also might adapt some stories from daily life, no matter how
imaginative they are.
particularly around the late 1880’s and the early 1890’s. It was firstly recorded by Thomas Alva
Edison, where he started to shot vaudeville and circus acts, by which means the actors play in a
stage act only, until he made a first, commercial film production in New York called Edison
Company. This invention of film was magical at that time because at first he invented electric
light bulb and phonograph (as one of his inventions), as a result the project of light helped him to
record motion pictures for vaudeville and circus acts. However the picture was categorized as a
silent film because there was no sound at that time, until Lumière Brothers discovered another
kind of motion picture.
From Lumière Brothers portable camera, they started to observe real life objects where
they can project a real movement which relates to reality, such as The Arrival of Train (1895).
The reaction of people were astounded when watching this film, as the train came right towards
the audience. From this moment Lumière Brothers created stories which is set in a real life
setting, which are L’arroseur Arrosé (1895) and A Game of Cards (1896). In addition, George
Mèlies, a magician, created first special effects on his films, and created many fairytale films.
One of them is called A Trip to the Moon.
In 1903, Edwin S. Porter created two films, where he combined several shots in one
scene through editing, in order to see the detailed action in one shot. He made Life of An
American and The Great Train Robbery, as well as David Griffith, who invented film language
in order to give signs in every shot, which are long-shot to describe a situation, medium shot for
expressing relation and connection (conversation) and close up shot for detailed expression.
All of these developments form many good films that can be entertained and learned by
many audiences in the world, from just a telling picture, until it became a storytelling picture.
These stories developed are not just inspired by real life experiences, but from literature as well.
Therefore, when creating a story for film the element of realism and formalism could not be
separated because humans also might adapt some stories from daily life, no matter how
imaginative they are.
Senin, 13 Juli 2015
Easy to be Said, Not Easy to be Done
Teenagers. They roam around as far as they could to explore life, enjoy, seeking acceptance, yet wasting time as if time never existed. Falling in love, running to places in the heart of emptiness, searching for the meaning of life in different ways, or even stay inside the dark, fearing the world and society will put you down in alienation. Just like me. I live in a world where everybody likes to make sense of everything. But in my case, searching for companion is one of the top priorities.
Sometimes, searching for companion turns out to be ironic. It is ironic when you think that the person you love have the same feeling for you, but actually he/she doesn't, or still into you, but too tired to stay. No replies, rejecting messages, and unresponsive reply when looking at your face. Although logically this response implies you to let go, sometimes the ego would like to win, because the relationship seems to have mutual connection, where you talk about random stuff for hours, share laughter and good reciprocity, just like in romantic movies. But when the fate doesn't grant your wish, the best escape to run away from problems.
Running away is the best escape I think, rather than making a fool of yourself by still chasing someone you love, but it will be the worst escape for your soul. The process of self-acceptance is long, and it is okay to look back and cry, as a process of learning, because the best love is the love that you can never receive. That way you will appreciate the meaning of a person's presence, and the meaning of a person's departure. Maybe there is someone who experiences as same as you, however there's no mutual feelings from you either, and you are not willing to be connected to him/her. Try to appreciate them, if you have this kind of experience. Put yourself in their shoes.
After that look around you. There are many kinds of love that needs to be cherished. The love of family, friends, pet, even unfortunate, innocent children who's in the need of love. Sometimes spending time with someone close to you is the best one. Although your feeling might feel empty, but abundance can be found in other kinds of perspectives. Try to cherish the new cycle of love, no matter how hurtful it is to let go. Probably, the best companion is someone who's right in front of you.
Note: Every people do have different values, so this point-of-view may not applicable to all people. But if there's any experience if this similar feeling, please do share your thoughts.
Minggu, 28 Juni 2015
Kacamata Hitam: Not a Conforming Example of Jakarta Street Culture
It is a short thought of me when it comes to bring up one topic that I think it was funny. One thing that comes up on my mind is about sunglasses, or you can say "Kacamata Hitam." According to Wikipedia literally, the term of sunglasses is to prevent damaged eyes due to the brightness of sunlight.
Sunglasses or sun glasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are colored, polarized or darkened. In the early 20th century they were also known as sun cheaters (cheaters being an American slang term for glasses).[1]
Well, as you can see, it is very logical right? Sunglasses are good to protect your eyes from eye damage and help you protect under sunlight exposure. But the unofficial rule doesn't quite happen in Jakarta street culture, specifically to middle class citizens from B-D who mainly prefers to take public transportation daily. This morning, I tried to wear my sunglasses and guess what? Many people stared. In a weird way. How ironic it is when this is a tropical climate while the culture seems contradicting.
Rabu, 20 Mei 2015
POSTMO: When Theater World is Mean to You
The audition started when the sun came down. Many contestants were waiting in line for an audition of musical theater, yet some people got nervous. I looked at some people who were apparently are dancers. They were so graceful and sharp when practicing their body before audition, and while everyone had a turn for auditions I felt that they had greatly impressed the judges. While me? I am basically started in fine arts theater, that means I am not yet qualified in singing and dancing. I went to several musical auditions before, and the luck is not on me now. Then I talked to my friend who was sitting next to me, watching one of the contestants singing beautifully, but actually have no feeling with the character. I asked, “How come those contestants have better possibility to be accepted but she didn’t put the character into it?” She replied, “Because they search for people like that. That’s why I would not care if they won’t be accepted.”
The era of postmodernism relies on the drastic state of rebellion against modernism during 1970’s, since the era of modernism gave many disadvantages on people’s lives. Postmodernists believe that people needs more than logic. Moreover they believe in the existence of pluralism, existence of information based on individuals’ critic and point-of-view; from architecture, literature, arts and theater. As a result theater practitioners changed the method from the old style (Brechtian) into the era of modernism and postmodernism (Stanislavski & Antonin Artaud). For instance, during Brechtian era, the acting style of old theaters are mostly implemented mechanically, which means all bodies and facial expressions dominate the stage play. However the acting seems very rigid, therefore Stanislavski implemented the new system of naturalism, where actors focus on interpreting feelings into the character, as well as the world of spontaneous acting.
But what about broadway? According to Dr. Raymond Sener from Centre for Socio-Eco-Nomic Development, Broadway theaters involve less emotional approach, because Broadway focuses on consciousness and much less emotional experience, political criticism and simple entertainment. It is okay because postmodernism takes varieties on many types of theater. That’s why, in Indonesia most musical auditions count more on the style of singing and dancing rather than the acting, while fine art theaters encourage actors to improve acting skills. In additions, most theater auditions aim to find people who are fit in with the character. So, if you are not accepted in an audition, it doesn’t mean that you are not eligible, it’s just that the character doesn’t fit in; and if you want to sign up for an audition, just decide which audition might fit in for you.
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