Module Information

This module focuses on the classical period of Hollywood cinema (1917-1960). It explores the history and outputs of the studio system between 1917 and 1960 and the emergence of the classical Hollywood style of filmmaking. During this period that the codes of cinematic storytelling were established, and to which, some theorists/historians argue, all later filmmakers respond, either by duplicating these codes themselves, or by rejecting and disrupting them. It therefore offers a crucial introduction to a Film Studies degree.

We look at a network of factors that need to be understood as influencing these cinematic norms, including aesthetic histories, industrial organisation, economic considerations, technological developments, sociological factors, and political/ideological elements. At the end of the course, we will think about whether classical Hollywood actually still exists, as some have contended, or whether Hollywood fundamentally changed after 1960. This will lead students – if they choose – onto the second year module, Hollywood Cinema (1967- now).

Course delivery:

10 x 1 hour Lectures
10 x 1 hour Seminars

This is the indicative content of a number of topics that will be studied on this module:

Early silent cinema
Film authorship
Censorship
Hollywood genres
Classical Hollywood Style
Film Noir
Challenges to Hollywood cinema
Gender and race
Social, political and cultural contexts
Stardom and performance