The Birth of the Feature Film: Crash Course Film History #6

TL;DR

Explores transition from short films to feature-length movies.

Transcript

If you’ve been joining me from the beginning of our journey through the history of film, you might’ve noticed something. None of the films that I’ve talked about so far look like the movies you see today. Yes, Ryan Gosling got very little play in the late 1800s. But what I really mean is: We haven’t talked much about story. Character. Narrative. Li... Read More

Key Insights

• The film industry evolved from short novelties to feature-length films due to technical and narrative advancements.
• D.W. Griffith played a pivotal role in developing film language, introducing techniques like close-ups and cross-cutting.
• Studios, distributors, and exhibitors formed a vertically integrated system, which was later deemed a monopoly.
• The Motion Picture Patents Company, or 'the Trust', controlled film production and distribution, leading to resistance from independent filmmakers.
• Feature films gained popularity through successful longer films like 'The Crusaders' and 'Quo Vadis', breaking away from the one-reeler format.
• Griffith's 'Birth of a Nation' was a landmark in feature films but faced criticism for its racist portrayal of history.
• Independent filmmakers, including African American directors like Oscar Micheaux, created films challenging the racial narratives of the time.
• The transition to feature films marked the end of the Silent Shorts era, paving the way for more complex storytelling in cinema.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role did D.W. Griffith play in the evolution of film?

D.W. Griffith was instrumental in the evolution of film through his innovative use of cinematic techniques such as close-ups, cross-cutting, and flashbacks. These techniques helped develop the film language that shaped modern cinema. His work, particularly 'Birth of a Nation', was a milestone in feature-length filmmaking, although it was also criticized for its racist content.

Q: How did the Motion Picture Patents Company influence the film industry?

The Motion Picture Patents Company, or 'the Trust', exerted significant control over the film industry by monopolizing production and distribution. It restricted access to film stock and dictated which films could be made and screened. This led to resistance from independent filmmakers, who eventually moved to Hollywood to escape the Trust's influence and create longer, more innovative films.

Q: What impact did 'Birth of a Nation' have on the film industry?

'Birth of a Nation' had a profound impact on the film industry by demonstrating the commercial viability of feature-length films. It showcased advanced cinematic techniques and narrative complexity, setting a new standard for filmmaking. However, its racist portrayal of history sparked protests and highlighted the need for diverse narratives in cinema.

Q: How did independent filmmakers respond to the control of the MPPC?

Independent filmmakers resisted the control of the Motion Picture Patents Company by forming their own groups and moving their production facilities to Hollywood. This allowed them to escape the MPPC's restrictions and create longer, more creative films. Their efforts ultimately contributed to the breakup of the MPPC's monopoly and the rise of feature films.

Q: What were the characteristics of early feature films?

Early feature films were characterized by their longer running times, typically between 70 and 130 minutes, which allowed for more complex storytelling and character development. They often featured advanced cinematic techniques, such as cross-cutting and close-ups, which enhanced narrative engagement. Successful early features included 'The Crusaders' and 'Quo Vadis', which demonstrated the commercial potential of longer films.

Q: What challenges did filmmakers face during the transition to feature films?

Filmmakers faced several challenges during the transition to feature films, including the restrictive practices of the Motion Picture Patents Company, which limited film length and access to film stock. They also had to convince studios of the commercial viability of longer films. Despite these obstacles, successful early features and innovative directors like D.W. Griffith helped pave the way for the feature-length format.

Q: How did the film industry's structure change over time?

The film industry's structure evolved from vertically integrated systems, where studios controlled production, distribution, and exhibition, to a more competitive landscape following the breakup of monopolies like the Motion Picture Patents Company. This allowed for greater innovation and diversity in filmmaking, as independent filmmakers gained more freedom to create and distribute their work.

Q: What role did location play in the development of the film industry?

Location played a crucial role in the development of the film industry, particularly with the move to Hollywood. The geographical distance from the MPPC's headquarters in New Jersey allowed independent filmmakers to escape its control. Hollywood offered year-round sunshine and diverse landscapes, making it an ideal location for film production and contributing to its establishment as the center of the film industry.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The evolution of film from short novelties to feature-length productions was marked by significant technical and narrative advancements. D.W. Griffith emerged as a key figure, pioneering techniques that shaped modern cinema. However, his most famous work, 'Birth of a Nation', was controversial for its racist themes.

• The early film industry was dominated by vertically integrated studios that controlled production, distribution, and exhibition. This monopoly was challenged by independent filmmakers, leading to the rise of Hollywood and the creation of longer, more complex films.

• Feature films became the new standard as filmmakers experimented with longer narratives, breaking away from the one-reeler format. This shift was driven by successful longer films and the innovative work of directors like Griffith, despite the contentious nature of some of their content.