What is Queer Theory? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

Queer theory is a complex, multi-faceted subject that’s difficult to cover in a single post. So we’re going to try to break it down into more digestible pieces. We’ll give you a basic overview of Queer Theory, but mainly we’ll provide some examples from films and TV shows that have been groundbreaking in terms of Queer representation. Continue reading What is Queer Theory? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

What is Pre-Code Hollywood? The Most Risque Pre-Code Movies Explained

From 1929-1934, Hollywood produced some of the 20th century’s most progressive films. This period of time — and the films that were made within it — is widely known as Pre-Code Hollywood. But what is Pre-Code Hollywood? It was more than just a few years in cinema history — it was a liberal shift in culture. We’re going to look at the history of Pre-Code movies and how it was shut down. But before we get into the Pre-Code examples, let’s remind ourselves of the period’s general history. Continue reading What is Pre-Code Hollywood? The Most Risque Pre-Code Movies Explained

Blacklist Definition and Meaning — The Hollywood Blacklist Explained

Imagine one day you’re writing movies or acting in a major studio’s film, and the next, you can’t find work anywhere. Such is the way of blacklisting. The practice, in one form or another, is still active today but not nearly as rampant as it once was. For an accurate Hollywood Blacklist definition, we need to go back to the '40s & '50s in Hollywood. But what does blacklisted mean and how much of an issue is it today? Let’s dive into the concept that upended the careers of Charlie Chaplin, Dalton Trumbo, and many others. Continue reading Blacklist Definition…

What is CinemaScope? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

Have you ever asked yourself, "What is CinemaScope?" It’s a widescreen lens and projection system that has become a popular choice for filmmakers and is now an industry standard. Most audiences around the world had never seen anything like it, and it started the widescreen revolution that, literally, changed the shape of movies forever. So, what is CinemaScope, exactly? And just how important was it to the cinema landscape both then and now? Continue reading What is CinemaScope? Definition and Examples for Filmmakers

What is New Hollywood? The Revolution of 1960s and ‘70s Hollywood

What is New Hollywood? There’s a scene in Orson Welles’ The Other Side of the Wind that can answer that for us. It shows a group of young directors going to the home of a Hollywood Golden Age titan to express their admiration. This scene shows what the Hollywood New Wave was really about; an unwavering appreciation for Film that inspired these filmmakers to take it in a new direction. Essentially, New Hollywood was American cinema reborn by the Film School Generation.Continue reading What is New Hollywood? The Revolution of 1960s and ‘70s Hollywood

What is Mumblecore? An American DIY Film Movement

Starting in the early 2000s, mumblecore helped keep independent filmmaking afloat amongst a growing slate of big-budget blockbusters. But what is mumblecore? How did it begin, and what’s the state of it now? Anyone who is a fan of the Duplass brothers will want to keep reading because we’re diving into the history and influence of the mumblecore film movement.  Continue reading What is Mumblecore? An American DIY Film Movement

What Was Cinerama — The Ultimate Widescreen Experience

In the 21st century, widescreen cinema is a given, from the televisions we have in our homes to the movies we see at the theater. It seems widescreen is everywhere we look, but it was not always this way. Televisions used to have a square aspect ratio, looking a lot like the movies of the day; this meant many people could enjoy movies at home without losing too much in the process. Add in the rise of suburbs and expendable money for more leisure activities, and you are looking at an American public that had more to do besides go…

Soviet Montage Theory — Definition, Examples and Types of Montage

Soviet Montage Theory is one of the most technically influential film movements of all time. In this article, we’re going to define what Soviet Montage Theory is, then break down the five different types with examples from Russian cinema history. Continue reading Soviet Montage Theory — Definition, Examples and Types of Montage