Film History: Rise of the Studio System - Timeline of Cinema Ep. 2

Summary

In this episode of "A Timeline of World Cinema," host Bradley Weatherholt explores the rise of the studio system, beginning with the dominance of French studio Pathe and the establishment of the Motion Pictures Patent Company by Thomas Edison. Key figure Adolf Zukor of Paramount revolutionized film production through vertical integration and the Hollywood Star System, responding to competition both domestically and abroad. The video highlights the impact of global events, including World War I, on American cinema's rise and contrasts it with the Soviet filmmaking techniques, particularly montage theory exemplified in Sergei Eisenstein's "Battleship Potemkin." The episode sets the stage for understanding Hollywood's Golden Age.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The rise of the studio system in cinema was largely a response to the dominance of French studio Pathé and Thomas Edison's 'The Trust'.
• 💰 Thomas Edison established the Motion Pictures Patent Company to control film production and pricing through stringent patent rights.
• 🌍 Independent producers emerged as a reaction to 'The Trust', with Adolf Zukor of Paramount becoming a pivotal figure in the industry.
• 📈 Zukor's success stemmed from vertical integration, where he controlled production, distribution, and exhibition by acquiring theaters.
• 🌟 Zukor's mastery of the 'Star System' led to a shift in public perception, allowing studios to promote their stars effectively.
• 🏛️ The ownership of elaborate theaters became crucial for attracting audiences and enhancing the movie-going experience.
• 🌎 American studios took advantage of the political landscape during World War I to expand their influence in international markets.
• ⚔️ The opening of the Panama Canal and the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand played significant roles in the economic conditions favoring Hollywood.
• 🇷🇺 The USSR opposed American cinematic dominance by producing counter-films and developing unique filmmaking theories, such as montage.
• 🎥 Sergei Eisenstein's 'Battleship Potemkin' exemplifies the power of montage and had a lasting impact on both political propaganda and global filmmaking.

Q & A

What was the primary aim of the Motion Pictures Patent Company (The Trust)?

The Trust aimed for complete control over the film industry, emphasizing patent rights, standardizing the price per foot, and scheduling film releases.

Who were the 'Independents' and how did they respond to The Trust?

The 'Independents' were a new type of producer who began to exhibit films outside the control of The Trust, achieving success by 'roadshowing' foreign films across the nation.

What factors contributed to Adolf Zukor's success in the film industry?

Zukor's success can be attributed to his mastery of the industrialized factory production system, appealing to Wall Street for financial backing, and his strategic ownership of theaters.

How did the opening of the Panama Canal impact Hollywood's rise to power?

The opening of the Panama Canal allowed America to control the largest domestic market and trade route, enabling Hollywood to focus resources on enhancing production quality and competitiveness.

What significant political event in 1914 contributed to the rise of American cinema?

The assassination of Arch Duke Ferdinand led to World War I, which disrupted a unified European film movement, allowing American studios to establish production hubs in Europe.

What was the purpose of United Artists, established by Chaplin and others in 1919?

United Artists was created as a studio to provide independence from the traditional studio system, although it eventually struggled to keep up with the production pace of larger studios.

How did the USSR respond to the dominance of American cinema?

The USSR sought to undermine American films by releasing knock-off versions, and they aimed to develop their own cinematic style, highlighting political themes distinct from American narratives.

What was Constantin Stanislavski's contribution to Russian cinema?

Stanislavski developed an acting method that focused on internalizing performances, emphasizing the motivations and objectives of characters.

What is the significance of Sergei Eisenstein's film 'Battleship Potemkin'?

'Battleship Potemkin' is highly regarded for its pioneering use of montage and its political message, illustrating the struggle of the Bolsheviks against the oppressive Czarist regime.

Why was the Hollywood 'Classical System' more widely emulated than the Russian theory of montage?

The Hollywood 'Classical System' was easier to mimic and offered a comprehensive editing style that effectively exploited the 'Star System,' leading to its dominance in global cinema.