1.4 The Emergence of Narrative Filmmaking
7 min read•july 30, 2024
Early American cinema evolved from short, spectacle-focused films to narrative-driven storytelling. This shift was marked by experiments in combining shots and developing techniques like and parallel editing. The transition paved the way for longer, more engaging films.
's works exemplified the maturation of narrative filmmaking in the mid-1910s. His use of advanced techniques like close-ups and demonstrated cinema's artistic potential as a storytelling medium, leading to the rise of in American cinema.
Narrative Filmmaking's Evolution
Early Cinema's Emphasis on Spectacle
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- Early cinema (1895-1904) was dominated by short, single-shot films that emphasized spectacle and visual novelty over storytelling
- ' actualités captured real-life scenes and events (Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory, Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat)
- ' trick films used special effects and whimsical storytelling (A Trip to the Moon, The Impossible Voyage)
- These early films aimed to showcase the technological marvels of the new medium rather than prioritizing narrative coherence
Transition to Narrative Filmmaking
- In the early 1900s, filmmakers began experimenting with combining multiple shots to create coherent stories
- 's "" (1903) used multiple scenes and locations to tell a linear story
- Porter's film demonstrated the potential for cinema to convey more complex narratives
- The rise of nickelodeons and the increasing demand for longer, more engaging films encouraged the development of narrative techniques
- Intertitles were used to convey dialogue, narration, and expository information
- Parallel editing allowed filmmakers to cut between different actions occurring simultaneously in different locations
- Continuity editing techniques maintained spatial and temporal coherence between shots
Maturation of Narrative Filmmaking
- D.W. Griffith's films exemplified the maturation of narrative filmmaking in the mid-1910s
- "" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916) employed advanced techniques to guide viewer attention and emotional engagement
- Close-ups, cross-cutting, and a variety of shot sizes were used to create a more immersive and emotionally impactful viewing experience
- Griffith's films demonstrated the artistic potential of cinema as a storytelling medium
- The success of Griffith's features paved the way for the rise of feature-length narrative films as the dominant form of American cinema
Classical Hollywood Narrative Style
Emphasis on Clarity, Linearity, and Emotional Engagement
- The prioritizes clarity, linearity, and emotional engagement in storytelling
- Presents a coherent, character-driven story with a clear beginning, middle, and end
- Aims to create an accessible and emotionally satisfying viewing experience for a wide audience
- The forms the backbone of most Hollywood narratives
- Setup introduces characters, setting, and conflict
- Confrontation escalates the conflict and challenges the protagonist
- Resolution brings the story to a satisfying conclusion
Continuity Editing Techniques
- Continuity editing techniques create a seamless, spatially and temporally coherent narrative
- The maintains consistent screen direction and character placement
- is used for conversations, showing characters' reactions and maintaining spatial orientation
- ensure that characters' gazes align across shots, preserving the illusion of continuous action
- These techniques help maintain viewer orientation and engagement, allowing the audience to focus on the story and characters
Character-Driven Storytelling
- drive the narrative forward through their actions and decisions
- Protagonists often have clear desires or objectives that propel the story (Rick's quest for redemption in "Casablanca")
- show the protagonist's growth and change over the course of the narrative (Scarlett's journey in "Gone with the Wind")
- Clearly defined antagonists provide obstacles and conflict for the protagonist to overcome
- Antagonists may be individuals, groups, or forces that oppose the protagonist's goals (The Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz")
- The resolution of conflicts through character action and decision-making is central to the Hollywood narrative formula
Stylistic Elements Enhance Emotional Impact
- Music, , and other stylistic elements are employed to enhance the emotional impact of the story
- scores guide viewer emotions and underscore key moments (Max Steiner's score for "King Kong")
- Lighting is used to create mood, atmosphere, and visual symbolism (the shadowy lighting in film noir, such as "Double Indemnity")
- These elements work together to guide viewer interpretation and emotional response, creating a more immersive and engaging viewing experience
Theater and Literature's Influence
Adaptation of Literary Works
- Early narrative films often drew inspiration from popular literary works, adapting them for the screen
- Georges Méliès' adaptation of "Cinderella" (1899) brought the fairy tale to life using special effects
- Edwin S. Porter's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1903) adapted the famous novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe
- The practice of adapting literature for the screen continued throughout the classical Hollywood era
- "Gone with the Wind" (1939) adapted Margaret Mitchell's best-selling novel
- "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) brought John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel to the screen
Influence of Dramatic Structure and Character Archetypes
- The adoption of the three-act structure in Hollywood narratives reflects the influence of traditional dramatic structure in theater
- Aristotle's "Poetics" outlined the basic elements of dramatic structure, including the importance of a beginning, middle, and end
- The three-act structure provides a familiar and satisfying story arc for audiences
- Character archetypes and narrative tropes from literature and theater were readily incorporated into early narrative films
- , a common narrative pattern in mythology and folklore, was adapted for films like "The Wizard of Oz" (1939)
- The , popularized by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," was used in films like "Casablanca" (1942)
- The , exemplified by characters like Oedipus and Hamlet, was employed in films like "Citizen Kane" (1941)
Emphasis on Character Psychology and Development
- The emphasis on character psychology, motivation, and development in classical Hollywood narratives can be traced back to the influence of 19th-century realist literature
- Realist authors like Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy explored the inner lives and psychological complexities of their characters
- Hollywood narratives often focused on character growth, change, and the resolution of internal conflicts
- The emerging field of psychology in the early 20th century also influenced the portrayal of characters in Hollywood films
- Sigmund Freud's theories of the unconscious mind and the importance of childhood experiences were reflected in films like "Spellbound" (1945)
- Carl Jung's concept of archetypes was used to create recognizable and relatable character types in Hollywood narratives
Early Narrative Films' Significance
Establishing Hollywood as a Global Entertainment Industry
- The success of early narrative films demonstrated the commercial viability and audience appeal of story-driven cinema
- "The Great Train Robbery" (1903) was a major box office success, inspiring filmmakers to create more narrative-driven films
- D.W. Griffith's features, "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "Intolerance" (1916), were landmark films that showcased the artistic and commercial potential of feature-length narratives
- The popularity of these early narrative films paved the way for the rise of Hollywood as a global entertainment industry
- The emerged in the 1920s, with major studios like Paramount, MGM, and Warner Bros. producing a steady stream of narrative films
- Hollywood's global dominance was established by the 1930s, with American films being exported and celebrated worldwide
Providing a Template for Accessible Storytelling
- The establishment of the classical Hollywood narrative style provided a template for accessible, emotionally engaging storytelling
- The emphasis on clarity, linearity, and character-driven narratives made films more accessible to a wide audience
- The use of continuity editing, three-act structure, and goal-oriented protagonists created a familiar and satisfying viewing experience
- This template would dominate American cinema for decades to come, shaping audience expectations and influencing filmmakers around the world
Showcasing Cinema's Potential for Adaptation
- Early narrative films showcased the potential of cinema as a medium for adapting and popularizing literary works
- The success of early adaptations like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" (1903) and "Cinderella" (1899) demonstrated the appeal of seeing familiar stories brought to life on screen
- This set the stage for Hollywood's long-standing relationship with literature and theater, with adaptations remaining a staple of American cinema throughout its history
- The ability to adapt popular stories for the screen helped cinema reach a wider audience and establish itself as a mainstream entertainment medium
Laying the Foundation for Film Language and Genres
- The development of narrative techniques in early cinema laid the foundation for the evolution of film language
- Techniques like continuity editing, shot/reverse-shot, and the use of close-ups became essential tools for storytelling in cinema
- These techniques were refined and expanded upon throughout the classical Hollywood era, shaping the language of film
- Early narrative films also set the stage for the emergence of distinct genres in American cinema
- "The Great Train Robbery" (1903) established many of the conventions of the genre, such as the use of iconic locations, character types, and themes of law and order
- Melodramas like "The Cheat" (1915) and romantic comedies like "It Happened One Night" (1934) emerged as popular genres in the early decades of Hollywood cinema
- These genres provided a framework for storytelling and audience expectations, shaping the development of American cinema
Establishing the United States as a Major Force in Global Cinema
- The success of American narrative films in the early 20th century helped establish the United States as a major force in the global film industry
- The popularity of American films abroad, coupled with the efficient production and distribution systems of Hollywood studios, allowed American cinema to dominate the global market
- This dominance was further solidified by the decline of European film industries during World War I and the advent of sound in the late 1920s
- Hollywood's cultural and economic dominance would continue for decades, with American films and filmmaking styles influencing cinema around the world
- The classical Hollywood narrative style became the dominant mode of storytelling in global cinema, with filmmakers in other countries often emulating or adapting Hollywood techniques
- The global success of American films helped establish the United States as a cultural superpower, with Hollywood playing a key role in shaping global popular culture throughout the 20th century
Key Terms to Review (36)
180-degree rule: The 180-degree rule is a fundamental guideline in film editing and cinematography that helps maintain spatial continuity by keeping the camera on one side of an imaginary axis between two subjects. This rule ensures that the relative positions of the subjects remain consistent, making it easier for the audience to follow the action and understand the relationship between characters. Adhering to this rule is crucial in narrative filmmaking, where clear visual storytelling is essential for audience engagement.
Academy Awards: The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are a set of awards for artistic and technical merit in the film industry, presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. These awards recognize excellence in cinematic achievements and serve as a significant benchmark for filmmakers and films, influencing trends in the industry and shaping cultural discourse.
Adaptation of literary works: The adaptation of literary works refers to the process of transforming a written text, such as a novel or play, into a different medium, typically film. This process involves interpreting the source material, selecting key elements, and reimagining the story and characters to fit the visual storytelling format, often making significant changes to dialogue, structure, and character development.
American Identity: American identity refers to the shared values, beliefs, and cultural practices that define what it means to be American. This concept is often explored through the lens of national myths, collective history, and cultural representations in various forms of media, including film. The representation of American identity can be seen in narratives that depict frontier life, individualism, and the struggle between civilization and savagery, particularly in classic Westerns, as well as the evolution of storytelling techniques in early cinema.
Battleship Potemkin: Battleship Potemkin is a 1925 silent film directed by Sergei Eisenstein that is widely regarded as one of the greatest films in cinema history. The film depicts the mutiny aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin and the subsequent events that led to a revolutionary uprising in the city of Odessa, showcasing innovative editing techniques and strong political themes that had a profound impact on narrative filmmaking and cinematic storytelling.
Character arcs: Character arcs refer to the transformation or growth that a character undergoes throughout a narrative, shaping their personality, beliefs, or goals in response to the events of the story. This development is essential for engaging storytelling, as it provides depth to characters and makes their journeys relatable and impactful.
Character-driven storytelling: Character-driven storytelling is a narrative approach that prioritizes character development and emotional arcs over plot mechanics. This technique emphasizes the motivations, growth, and relationships of characters, making them central to the unfolding story. In this way, the audience becomes deeply invested in the characters' journeys, fostering a strong emotional connection that enhances the overall impact of the narrative.
Classical hollywood narrative style: Classical Hollywood narrative style is a filmmaking approach that emphasizes a clear and linear storytelling structure, focusing on character-driven plots and cause-and-effect relationships. This style aims to immerse the audience in the story by presenting events in a coherent sequence, often adhering to established conventions such as three-act structure, goal-oriented protagonists, and closure at the end. It played a crucial role in shaping the development of narrative filmmaking during its emergence in American cinema.
Color film: Color film refers to a type of photographic film that captures images in color, rather than in black and white. This advancement in cinema significantly changed the visual aesthetics and storytelling techniques in filmmaking, enabling filmmakers to create more vibrant and emotionally engaging narratives. The introduction of color film not only enhanced the viewer's experience but also contributed to the rise of iconic Hollywood stars, as their performances became more visually striking on screen.
Cross-Cutting: Cross-cutting is a film editing technique that alternates between different scenes or actions happening simultaneously in different locations. This technique enhances narrative depth by creating a sense of tension and connection between parallel storylines, often leading to a climax as the sequences converge.
D.W. Griffith: D.W. Griffith was an influential American film director and pioneer in the early 20th century, known for his innovative techniques and storytelling methods in cinema. He is often regarded as the father of modern filmmaking due to his contributions in narrative structure, editing, and the development of the feature-length film format, which transformed the industry and set a standard for future filmmakers.
Edwin S. Porter: Edwin S. Porter was an American film director and producer best known for his innovative work in early cinema, particularly in narrative filmmaking. He is recognized for directing 'The Great Train Robbery' (1903), which is often credited as one of the first narrative films to use multiple scenes and editing techniques to tell a cohesive story, marking a significant step in the evolution of cinema as a storytelling medium.
Eyeline matches: Eyeline matches are a film editing technique that creates a logical connection between a character's gaze and the object they are looking at. This technique enhances narrative clarity and helps the audience follow the story by establishing spatial relationships and character intentions. It allows viewers to understand what characters are seeing and feeling, which deepens emotional engagement with the narrative.
Feature-length narrative films: Feature-length narrative films are films that have a running time of approximately 60 minutes or longer and tell a cohesive story with characters, plot, and a structured narrative. These films emerged as a significant form of entertainment and artistic expression, blending storytelling with visual art to engage audiences over extended periods. They represent a shift from shorter, fragmented films to longer, more complex narratives that allow for deeper character development and thematic exploration.
Flashback: A flashback is a narrative technique that interrupts the chronological flow of a story to present events from the past, allowing the audience to gain insight into characters, plot, or themes. This device enhances storytelling by providing context and emotional depth, revealing how past experiences shape present actions and motivations.
Georges Méliès: Georges Méliès was a pioneering French filmmaker and illusionist, best known for his innovative contributions to the early days of cinema, particularly in the realm of fantasy and narrative storytelling. His works played a significant role in the development of narrative filmmaking, combining theatrical elements with cinematic techniques, paving the way for future filmmakers to explore new artistic possibilities.
Goal-oriented protagonists: Goal-oriented protagonists are central characters in narrative filmmaking whose actions and motivations are driven by specific goals or desires. These characters often face obstacles in pursuit of their objectives, leading to conflict that propels the story forward. Their journeys reflect the thematic elements of determination, conflict, and character growth, making them essential to the development of engaging narratives.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, profoundly impacting various aspects of life, including the film industry. This era created an environment of economic struggle that shaped the themes and styles of films, leading to significant changes in storytelling, character development, and audience expectations.
Intertitles: Intertitles are text screens that appear between scenes in silent films, serving to convey dialogue, narration, or context to the audience. They played a crucial role in bridging the gap created by the absence of synchronized sound and dialogue in early cinema, enhancing storytelling by providing necessary information and emotional cues.
Lighting: Lighting is a crucial element in filmmaking that involves the use of various light sources to create mood, highlight important aspects of a scene, and influence how viewers perceive characters and settings. The way light is manipulated can convey emotions, symbolize themes, and guide the audience's focus. Different lighting techniques contribute significantly to the aesthetics of silent films and the early narrative structure of cinema, enhancing storytelling through visual means.
Lumière Brothers: The Lumière Brothers, Auguste and Louis, were pioneering French inventors who played a crucial role in the development of early cinema. They are best known for creating the Cinématographe, a device that could both record and project motion pictures, which marked a significant advancement in film technology and helped to popularize moving images as a form of entertainment.
Musical: A musical is a genre of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, and dance to tell a story. It showcases the integration of music and narrative, becoming a significant part of American cinema, especially in the 1930s, where it reflected the cultural landscape of the time.
Shot/reverse-shot: Shot/reverse-shot is a film editing technique that alternates between two characters, usually in a conversation, allowing viewers to see the perspective of each character while maintaining spatial coherence. This technique is fundamental in narrative filmmaking as it helps establish relationships between characters and emphasizes their emotional responses, enhancing the storytelling experience.
Silent film era: The silent film era refers to the period of cinema history from the late 19th century to the late 1920s, during which films were produced without synchronized sound, relying on visual storytelling, title cards, and live music for audience engagement. This era laid the groundwork for narrative filmmaking and the development of cinematic techniques that would later evolve with the introduction of sound.
Sound technology: Sound technology refers to the various methods and equipment used to capture, manipulate, and reproduce sound in film and other media. This technology has evolved over time, significantly impacting the way stories are told on screen by enhancing the emotional and narrative depth through sound design, dialogue, and music. Innovations in sound technology have transformed filmmaking from silent films to the immersive audio experiences found in modern cinema.
Star-crossed lovers trope: The star-crossed lovers trope refers to a narrative theme where two characters are deeply in love but face significant obstacles that prevent them from being together, often leading to tragic outcomes. This trope highlights the tension between love and fate, suggesting that external forces, such as societal expectations or family conflicts, thwart their happiness. It has been a recurring motif in storytelling, showcasing the profound emotional struggles that arise when love is met with insurmountable challenges.
Studio system: The studio system refers to the dominant method of film production and distribution in Hollywood from the 1920s to the 1960s, where a small number of major studios controlled all aspects of filmmaking. This system included vertical integration, where studios owned production, distribution, and exhibition, leading to a highly formulaic approach to filmmaking that prioritized commercial success.
The American Dream: The American Dream refers to the national ethos of the United States, centered on the idea that prosperity and success are achievable through hard work and determination, regardless of one's background. This concept is deeply embedded in American culture and is often portrayed in cinema as both an aspirational goal and a complex reality, reflecting the hopes and struggles of individuals within society.
The Birth of a Nation: The Birth of a Nation is a 1915 silent film directed by D.W. Griffith, known for its groundbreaking cinematic techniques and controversial portrayal of race relations during and after the American Civil War. The film marked a significant moment in American cinema, illustrating the shift towards feature-length narratives while also sparking intense debate over its racist themes and historical inaccuracies.
The Great Train Robbery: The Great Train Robbery, released in 1903, is a silent film directed by Edwin S. Porter that is often credited as one of the first narrative films. The film depicts a group of outlaws robbing a train, showcasing a story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, which was revolutionary at the time. It significantly contributed to the evolution of the Western genre and influenced narrative filmmaking techniques, making it a pivotal work in early cinema history.
The hero's journey: The hero's journey is a narrative framework that outlines the typical adventure of a hero as they go on an epic quest, face challenges, and ultimately return transformed. This archetypal structure often includes stages such as the call to adventure, trials and tribulations, achieving a reward, and returning home with newfound wisdom. It serves as a foundational storytelling technique in narrative filmmaking, shaping the way stories resonate with audiences by tapping into universal themes of growth, struggle, and transformation.
Three-act structure: The three-act structure is a narrative framework commonly used in storytelling that divides a screenplay into three distinct sections: Setup, Confrontation, and Resolution. This structure helps to organize the plot, develop characters, and create a satisfying emotional journey for the audience, making it a foundational element of narrative filmmaking.
Tragic hero archetype: The tragic hero archetype refers to a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to their own destruction. This character is often noble in nature but flawed, facing downfall as a result of their own actions or fate. This archetype highlights themes of human suffering, the complexity of morality, and the consequences of personal choice, making it a powerful tool in narrative storytelling.
Venice Film Festival: The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world, established in 1932, held annually in Venice, Italy. It serves as a prestigious platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, particularly focusing on international cinema and art-house films. The festival plays a significant role in promoting new talent and innovative storytelling, influencing the landscape of narrative filmmaking globally.
Western: The Western is a film genre that typically portrays the American Old West, focusing on themes of rugged individualism, morality, and frontier justice. It often features iconic characters like cowboys and outlaws, set against vast landscapes, reflecting both the mythos of American identity and historical realities.
World War II: World War II was a global conflict that lasted from 1939 to 1945, involving the vast majority of the world's nations divided into two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. This significant event had a profound impact on American cinema, shaping its themes, narratives, and cultural reflections during and after the war.