The documentary offered a detailed insight into the secrets and history into making films through his own personal reflection and through the eyes of other film makers allowing me to gain a wider, more insightful knowledge of the history of film.
While watching the documentary, one key idea that really stood out to me was how studios flicker between various genres depending on the target audience and what is appealing to the public at the time from dramas, westerns to musicals and comedies.
Similarly it was fascinating to see how directors were able to shape and manipulate the audiences point of view on certain individuals such as the hero or the villain depending on the chosen genre and how they want the characters to be represented. It left me thinking how films really can be considered as biased as we are left believing the directors thoughts and POV.
The documentary also commented on changes and developments in technology including the camera, sound, colour, lighting etc to enhance the film and really appeal to the audiences senses which changed how we viewed film forever. From silent film illustrated through visuals to modern films we see today illustrated with graphics and use of green screen.
Things I took away from watching the documentary:
Martin was interested in Westerns
Directors have to work as a team
The vertically integrated Hollywood Studio Systems
Musicals are used as a form of escapism
The camera partakes in the choreography
Pinnacle of movies reached in the early 50s
High and low angle shots turn a good movie into a great one
Early 30s used fluid camera moves and long takes
Actors seem to blend into their surroundings- more striking illusion of reality
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