THE EVOLUTION OF FILM

After watching this video, what do you notice about the evolution of filmmaking? How did it all begin? How far have we come? In your opinion, where are we headed?

   I noticed that we have truly advanced into a great era in filmmaking. Our angles, shots, stories, special effects, and acting has improved. Sadly, you see many filmmakers try to homage many great films from the past, when we should make films that future generations will try to homage. Technically, it all started since the dawn of man. John Campea once said, "We as a species have always been story tellers." Which is very true. It's just the way we tell these stories that evolves more and more. People see VR as the next way we will tell stories. I believe it is possible but we will never forget the way we tell them now.

MABEL NORMAND

What was Mabel famous for? What were three significant events or films that she made? What was her downfall? What surprises you about her?

   She was known for starring in over one hundred and sixty-seven short films and twenty-three full-length films. She was one of the earliest silent actors to work as her own director. She was also one of the first leading performers to be on film without a previous experience in a theatre. She ad her own studio. She was also named in her film's titles. She became an alcoholic and people harassed her. Her career ended. I'm surprised as to how popular she became.

CHAPLIN

Where did Chaplin get his start? What were some of his talents? What do you admire most about him? Write about three things that find unique about his work.

He got his start during a tour of the U.S. He was seen on stage and was signed onto a film contract. 150 dollars a week for the movies. He rose to fame with films such as A Night Out, The Champion and The Tramp. I admire the fact that he starred in, wrote, produced and directed. He became some of the highest payed people in the world. "The Kid" became the second highest grossing film of the year. It was truly biographical. After the release of "The Great Dictator" they considered Chaplin a warmonger for advocating the U.S. getting involved in WWII. In 1972 Chaplin returned to U.S. to receive an honorary oscar. On December 25, 1977 the great Charlie Chaplin died in his sleep.

SILENT FILM IN THE BAY

What are the roots of silent cinema in the bay area? How did it play an important role in early cinema history? What famous personalities made films here?

   The old fashioned East Bay hamlet of Niles, in other words just a section of Fremont, California. About three blocks down, bounded by the hills on one side and a creek on the other, with a few blocks of the early 20th century downtown storefronts, it would be any village left and abandoned by the railroad years ago. The story of Niles was an opportunity for the Bay Area to become the film capital of the world. However, before Niles, one could say that the Bay Area was the birthplace of cinema itself. Even though the beginning of the Bay Area film industry didn't play out the way it did for Hollywood, to this day the pioneering spirit the Niles Essanay Museum and Stanford’s Muybridge collection celebrate is alive and satisfactory in the hands and work of Bay Area filmmakers.

BLOG QUESTION HOLLYWOOD THEN AND NOW

What do you notice about Hollywood then and now? What do you think changed? What do you think motivated the industry to move to Southern California? What effect do you think it had over New Jersey or Southern California?

   A few buildings that were around back then are still around now. They're just updated with modern architecture. Also, the roads are made of concrete instead of dirt. However, many of the lands, of course, have changed because of the different land owners and renovations.  However, a few laws enforced by Thomas Edison's Motion Picture Patents Co. sent the burgeoning industry in need of a new home. 

FROM NICKLEODEON TO MOVIE PALACE

What were nickelodeons like? What was the first movie palace? What influenced the transition to the movie palace? Why do you think the movie places became so important?

They were big rooms where the newest technology was being used for the motion pictures. Tally's Electric Theater in Los Angeles was the first official building built and purposed entirely to movies. The entertainment and originalitywas what kept it in its popular position

SMASHING PUMPKINS: TONIGHT, TONIGHT

What is this music video about? Why did the band and the filmmakers choose these images? Why are they significant? What do you think they are paying homage to or emulating?

It's about a couple who leave earth and go to space. They jump onto the moon and get captured by alien creatures. After escaping, by riding away on a rocket, they enter an underwater world. They're almost eaten by a big fish when suddenly, poseidon comes in to save the day. They then swim up and are rescued by a ship. I believe they choose these images because they are similar to George Melies' A Trip to the Moon. They're obviously paying a great homage to A Trip To The Moon. It has similar shots, sets, color, and events. However, the style is really what sells it all.