American Film And Society Since 1945 4Th Edition by Leonard Quart, Albert Auster
Since the end of World War II, American movies and moviegoing have undergone radical changes. At the war’s end, most studios were located in New York and Hollywood, and they continued to produce movies in black and white. But by the early 1950s, a new generation of filmmakers—including such directors as Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Wilder, John Ford, and Orson Welles—were experimenting with color film stocks and techniques.
These directors also began to make use of location shooting (on-site rather than in studios), which added an element of realism to their films. In addition, many of these directors were influenced by European cinema—particularly that of France and Italy—and they brought a new level of artistry to American filmmaking.
Since 1945, American film and society have been intimately linked. In this fourth edition of American Film and Society since 1945, Leonard Quart and Albert Auster explore the ways in which films both reflect and shape our social world.
Looking at a wide range of popular movies, from The Godfather to Titanic, the authors examine how film can illuminate important aspects of American life.
They also consider the role of the film industry in creating and perpetuating stereotypes.
Whether you are a casual moviegoer or a serious cinephile, this book will give you a new appreciation for the power of film to influence our culture.
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What are the Major Changes in American Film And Society Since 1945
1945 was a major turning point in American film and society. The changes that took place during this time were largely due to the end of World War II and the beginning of the Cold War. American films became more reflective of the country’s new role in the world, and social issues such as racism and sexism began to be addressed more openly.
The Hollywood studio system also underwent a major change, with many independent filmmakers emerging during this period.
How Have These Changes Affected the Way Films are Made And Consumed
In recent years, there have been major changes in the film industry in terms of both how films are made and consumed. One of the biggest changes has been the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which have changed the way that people watch films. Previously, people would generally go to the cinema to watch new releases, or wait for them to come out on DVD or Blu-ray.
However, now many people choose to stream films instead, either through a subscription service or by renting or buying them online. This has had a big impact on both the film industry and cinema attendance rates.
Another change that has occurred is an increase in the number of independent and low-budget films being made.
This is partly due to the fact that it is now easier than ever before to make a film thanks to advances in technology, but also because there is now a market for these types of films thanks to streaming services. Independent films are often more niche than studio blockbusters, but they can still find an audience online.
These changes have affected the way that films are made and consumed in a number of ways.
Firstly, they have made it easier for people to watch films in their homes without having to leave the house or spend money on tickets. Secondly, they have increased opportunities for independent filmmakers to get their movies seen by a wider audience. And finally, they have changed how studios approach making movies altogether, with some opting to produce fewer big budget blockbusters in favour of lower cost projects that can still be profitable thanks to online distribution channels.
What Genres of Films Have Become Popular Since 1945, And Why
Since the end of World War II, a number of different film genres have become popular with audiences around the world. One of the most popular genres is the war film, which often deals with the aftermath of conflict and the effects it has on those who lived through it. Other popular genres include musicals, westerns, and films noir.
Each of these genres has its own unique appeal that has helped it to become one of the most enduring forms of entertainment.
How Have Changing Social Attitudes Towards Race, Gender, Sexuality, And Other Issues Been Reflected in American Film Since 1945
Since the end of World War II, American film has been a barometer for social attitudes. The 1950s saw the rise of the family-friendly sitcom and the wholesome Hollywood musical, while films like Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) tackled more controversial topics like juvenile delinquency and homosexuality. The 1960s brought a new wave of social consciousness to American cinema with films like The Graduate (1967), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), and In the Heat of the Night (1967), which addressed issues of race, class, and gender.
The 1970s saw an explosion of diversity in American film. Films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967), The Godfather (1972), Chinatown (1974), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Rocky (1976), and Annie Hall (1977) all dealt with different aspects of the human experience, reflecting changing social attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality, and other issues. The 1980s marked a return to more traditional values in American cinema, but films like Fatal Attraction (1987) still pushed boundaries by dealing with taboo subjects like adultery and mental illness.
The 1990s saw a continued diversification of American film. Pulp Fiction (1994), Forrest Gump (1994), Braveheart (1995), Titanic(1997), Saving Private Ryan(1998), Boys Don’t Cry(1999) all dealt with different aspects of life in America, reflecting changing social attitudes towards race, gender, sexuality, violence, and other issues.
The 2000s have continued this trend with films like Brokeback Mountain(2005), Crash(2004), Babel(2006), Juno(2007), Slumdog Millionaire(2008).
These films reflect America’s increasing diversity as well as its evolving attitude towards social issues. As we move into the 2010s it will be interesting to see how these trends continue to play out in American cinema.
What Trends in American Film History Since 1945 Can We Expect to See Continue into the Future
It is difficult to predict which trends in American film history will continue into the future and which will fade away. However, there are a few trends that seem likely to continue.
One trend that has been evident since the end of World War II is the increasing popularity of movies from other countries.
American audiences have always been interested in foreign films, but in recent decades this interest has grown exponentially. In the past, it was mostly art-house audiences who sought out foreign films, but now mainstream audiences are also seeking out these movies. This trend is likely to continue as more and more people become interested in stories from other cultures.
Another trend that seems likely to continue is the increase in independent filmmaking. In the past, most movies were made by major studios with large budgets. However, in recent years there has been a boom in independent filmmaking.
This is due in part to advances in technology that have made it easier and cheaper to make movies without studio backing. Additionally, audiences have become more receptive to independent films, thanks to the success of movies like “The Blair Witch Project” and “Paranormal Activity.” This trend is likely to continue as more people try their hand at making their own movies.
Finally, another trend that has been evident in recent years is the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. These services have changed the way people watch movies, and they are only going to become more popular in the future. More and more people are cutting cable and watching TV shows and movies online instead.
Conclusion
In American Film and Society Since 1945, Leonard Quart and Albert Auster explore the ways in which film has shaped and been shaped by American society since the end of World War II. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the impact of television to the rise of independent filmmaking, and provides a detailed history of the American film industry. In addition to discussing specific films and filmmakers, the authors also consider the social, political, and economic forces that have influenced both the content and form of American cinema.
