THE EVOLUTION OF THE LANGUAGE OF CINEMA. 6th Sem. Film Studies B. A. English. Calicut University

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive summary of Andre Bazin's essay "The Evolution of the Language of Cinema," tracing the development of cinema as an art form from the silent era to 1950. It highlights key concepts, historical stages, and significant filmmakers that shaped cinematic language, making it a valuable resource for film studies students.

Step 1: Understand the Historical Context of Cinema

• The essay outlines three primary stages of cinema evolution:
  1. Silent Era
  2. The Cinema of the 1930s
  3. The Cinema of the 1940s
• Recognize that Bazin regarded cinema as an art form, emphasizing the mechanics of film production over mere content.

Step 2: Explore the Silent Era

• Key filmmakers and their contributions:
  • Robert J. Flaherty: In "Nanook of the North" (1922), he captures reality through a naturalistic approach.
  • F. W. Murnau: Avoided montage and expressionism, focusing on structural depth, exemplified in the ship scene of "Tabu."
  • Erich Von Stroheim: In "Greed," he used long shots and close-ups to reveal the harsh realities of life.
• Takeaway: The silent era set the foundation for capturing objective reality without relying heavily on editing techniques.

Step 3: Analyze the Cinema of the 1930s

• This period is marked by the rise of Hollywood and diverse genres:
  • American Comedy
  • Burlesque Films
  • Dance and Vaudeville Films
  • Crime and Gangster Films
  • Psychological Social Dramas
  • Horror and Fantasy
  • Westerns
• The introduction of sound had two major impacts:
  • Enhanced content, making cinema a popular art form globally.
  • Achieved harmony between image and sound, enriching the viewing experience.

Step 4: Investigate the Cinema of the 1940s

• The 1940s saw the emergence of national schools of filmmaking, with little technological change from the previous decade.
• The introduction of panchromatic film allowed for greater flexibility in focusing techniques, eliminating the need for soft-focus backgrounds.
• Key takeaway: This period emphasized the importance of national identity and style in film making.

Conclusion

The evolution of cinema, as discussed by Andre Bazin, illustrates a transition from silent storytelling to a more nuanced use of sound and image. Understanding these stages provides insight into cinematic language and the artistic choices made by filmmakers. For further exploration, consider watching films from each era to observe these concepts in practice.