Meaning and Response

Meaning and Response in Classical Hollywood Film (1930-1960)

Interpretation of Narrative and Themes

  • Genre: Recognise the distinct genres typical of the period; these include westerns, film-noir, musicals etc. Understand the conventions, expectations and implications of each genre.

  • Narrative structure: Distinguish the cause-effect narrative structure often employed in classical Hollywood films: a setup, confrontation and resolution. This can be recognised in many classic films like Gone with the Wind or Casablanca.

  • Symbolism: Identify symbols and motifs that are often used to convey deeper meanings, comment on societal values or foreshadow events.

  • Themes: Recognise the recurring themes like love, war, good vs. evil, societal progress often present in these films and how they might resonate with the audience.

Reception of Classical Hollywood Film

  • Audience Context: Acknowledge the societal context during 1930-1960 which influenced the audience perception. This ranges from the aftermath of Great Depression, World War II to the start of Cold war.

  • Audience Expectation: Understand how the audience expectations and norms in terms of content, morality and presentation shaped the cinema during this period.

  • Censorship: Know about The Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC), also known as the Hays Code, which regulated the content of Hollywood films. This code heavily influenced what could be depicted, implicitly or explicitly, on screen.

  • Star-power: Recognise the importance of “star system” and how audience’s admiration for certain stars could dictate a film’s success or failure.

Influence and Impact of Classical Hollywood Film:

  • Cinematic techniques: Understand how Hollywood’s innovative techniques shaped the future of cinema in terms of narrative, camerawork, editing and sound.

  • Subsequent Genres/IPs: Identify the ways in which Classical Hollywood has lent itself to modern genres and intellectual properties. Many of today’s popular genres can trace their roots back to this era.

  • Cultural Impact: Understand the broader cultural impact of classical Hollywood films, including how they promoted certain ideologies, stereotypes or societal views.

  • Influence on World Cinema: Recognise how the golden age of Hollywood shaped the narrative, styles and genres of world cinema.

Better understanding of these elements will assure more accurate reflection of ‘meaning and response’ as one analyses a classical Hollywood film.