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

Summary

This episode of Crash Course Film History explores the evolution of cinema from a technical curiosity to a powerful storytelling medium. It discusses the rise of studios, distributors, and exhibitors, and the monopolistic practices of the Motion Picture Patents Company. The script highlights the importance of D.W. Griffith, who, despite his controversial and racist film 'Birth of a Nation,' was a pioneer in film language and narrative techniques, ultimately influencing the industry's shift towards feature films.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The early films were more of a technical curiosity rather than the narrative-driven stories we know today.
• 📽️ The transformation of film from a novelty to a storytelling medium was marked by the development of editing techniques and longer, more complex narratives.
• 🏭 The film industry's structure evolved to include studios, distributors, and exhibitors, which were initially vertically integrated.
• 🚀 The growth of the film industry was rapid, with studios focusing on quantity over quality, producing 'one reelers' at a fast pace.
• 🤝 Thomas Edison's control over early film patents led to the formation of the Motion Picture Patents Company, which attempted to monopolize the industry.
• 🏭 Independent filmmakers resisted Edison's monopoly by moving to Hollywood, California, and pushing for longer, feature-length films.
• 🌟 D. W. Griffith was a pivotal figure in the evolution of film, innovating techniques like close-ups, insert shots, and cross-cutting to enhance storytelling.
• 🎬 'Birth of a Nation' was a groundbreaking feature film that demonstrated the commercial viability of longer films but was also deeply racist in its portrayal of history and race relations.
• 📈 The success of films like 'The Crusaders' and 'Quo Vadis' challenged the MPPC's restrictions on film length and contributed to the rise of feature films.
• 🚨 The end of the MPPC's monopoly and the rise of feature films marked a shift in audience expectations and the potential for more complex cinematic storytelling.

Q & A

What significant change occurred in the film industry that led to the development of more complex and narrative-driven films?

The film industry evolved from a technical curiosity into a powerful visual storytelling machine, with artists, technicians, and engineers devising ways to make films longer, more complex, and more narrative.

How did the development of the film industry lead to the establishment of film studios and movie theaters?

As film's physical and economic imprint became more stable, so too did its visual language, leading to the creation of film studios and the proliferation of movie theaters.

Who is D. W. Griffith and why is he significant in the history of film?

D. W. Griffith was a failed actor-turned-filmmaker whose work was crucial in the arrival of the feature film. He made significant innovations in film techniques, including close-ups, insert shots, flashbacks, and cross-cutting, all in service of character and story.

What was the role of the Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) in the early film industry?

The MPPC, also known as 'the Trust,' was an effective monopoly on film production and distribution in the United States, controlling which films were screened, how often, and in which theaters.

Why did independent filmmakers move their production facilities to Hollywood, California?

Independent filmmakers moved to Hollywood to resist Edison and the MPPC, taking advantage of the year-round sunshine and diverse natural landscapes for filming.

What was the impact of the United States Supreme Court's decision on the MPPC in 1918?

The Supreme Court broke up the MPPC and ordered film studios to sever their distribution and exhibition branches, ending Edison’s control as the gatekeeper of American film.

What are the three films that paved the way for feature films by proving their commercial success?

The three films were 'The Crusaders' (1911), 'The Loves of Queen Elizabeth' (1912), and 'Quo Vadis' (1913), each being longer than the standard one-reeler films and demonstrating commercial viability.

How did D. W. Griffith's film 'Birth of a Nation' influence the film industry?

'Birth of a Nation' was successful both financially and in terms of its scope and attention to character, emotion, and story, leading to a demand for more feature-length films and setting a new standard for the industry.

What is the controversial aspect of D. W. Griffith's 'Birth of a Nation'?

The film is deeply racist, offering a sympathetic view of white southern former slaveholders and portraying the Ku Klux Klan as heroes, which faced protests and was met with counter-narratives from the African American film industry.

How did the film industry's structure, including studios, distributors, and exhibitors, evolve from the early days to the present?

Initially, many companies were vertically integrated, controlling production, distribution, and exhibition. Later, due to antitrust laws, studios were forced to separate these functions, leading to the current structure where these roles are often distinct entities.