History vs. Hollywood - Unit 1 Test Flashcards
Film as a reflection of society
Learning focus:
Visual media such as film and television, have the power to influence people in many different ways.
Films have the power to influence society
On a surface level,
..films have influenced fashion and catchphrases
Ie. Breakfast at Tiffany’s, 7 Year Itch, Saturday Night Fever, Clueless, Friends
Films have the power to influence society
This also means that …
film has the power to influence how we view people
Ie. Indigenous Stereotypes
Noble Savage
In literature and film, the noble savage is an idealized concept of an uncivilized man, who symbolizes the innate goodness of one not exposed to the corrupting influences of civilization.
The Noble Savage was a dominant theme of the 18th and 19th centuries when colonialism was at its height.
The Ecological Indian
Ecological Indian is a stereotype often applied to Indigenous cultures as being idealistic and living in perfect harmony with nature, having a genetic disposition to mystical ecological knowledge, and feeling remorse for the necessities of life such as hunting due to a spiritual Interconnectivity of all things.
Today, we understand Indigenous knowledge relationships to the land and environment better as being shared through story, tradition, and spiritual practice as traditional ecological knowledge.
There are 5 common types of Indigenous Stereotypes in film and television
- Beautiful Maidens
- Stoic Indians
- Medicine Men
- Bloodthirsty Warriors
- Wild and on the Rez
- Beautiful Maidens
ie. Pochahontas
Beautiful Maidens
How might the way Indigenous women are depicted in these clips impact the way in which non-Indigenous peoples perceive Indigenous peoples?
Non-indigenous people may get the impression that indigenous women freely live outdoors like “savages” and are always dressed that way and appear provocative to European settlers
How might they impact the way in which Indigenous peoples perceive themselves and how society views them?
Society as a whole may believe that Indigenous peoples are always dressed are such and “forage” for food and etc, in the wild
Indigenous people may struggle to grapple with the dissonance between their own perceptions (regular human beings who do live in homes etc) and how society views them
Potentially leading to Indigenous people feeling disconnected from who they are “supposed” to be
- Stoic Indians
Unsmiling Indigenous peoples who speak few words can be found in classical cinema as well as in cinema of the 21st century.
This representation of Indigenous tribal members paints them as one-dimensional people who lack the ability to experience or display a similar range of emotions as other racial groups.
- Medicine Men
Indigenous males are often portrayed in film and television shows as wise men with magical powers. Usually performing as medicine men of some kind, these characters have little function other than to guide White characters in the right direction.
- Bloodthirsty Warriors
Hollywood has traditionally portrayed Indigenous peoples as tomahawk-wielding savages, ready to attack White characters and their families. These problematic representations also often have Indigenous characters engage in barbaric practices such as scalping people they have killed and sexually violating White women.
- Wild and on the Rez
In Hollywood films, Indigenous peoples are typically portrayed as living in the wilderness and on reservations. In reality, considerable numbers of tribal members peoples live off reservations, including major cities and just about everywhere else across Canada and around the globe.
What is authentic representation?
Like what we talked about with other misrepresentations in film and television, authentic representation involves people from the culture - actors, directors and writers who know and are a part of the filmmaking process.
The lack of gender and racial diversity in Hollywood, as highlighted by zero female director nominations at the 2020 Oscars and the dominance of white male perspectives, contributes to …
societal inequalities by perpetuating stereotypes and limiting representation.
This imbalance not only affects how women and minorities perceive themselves but also influences …
broader societal attitudes and behaviours.
Efforts to address these inequities include promoting inclusion riders, implementing policy solutions, focusing on off-screen roles, and advocating for gender-balanced representation in film scripts to …
create a more equitable and inclusive industry
Women
How are they represented?
Dumb Blondes
Man Stealer
Attractive Secretary
Love-obsessed best friend
Damsel in distress(when women are portrayed as needing a man to come and save them)
Women with kids are just seen as mothers(made to seem that they need to give up their lives for their children.
Used as sexual objects(gain attention)
Women
What is dangerous about this representation?
These representations create flawed ideas about what women are/can do/etc
The “dumb blonde” narrative makes it difficult for women to be taken seriously and obtain an education
Representing women as needy and eager to be in relationships creates beliefs that suggest women’s only role is to be defined by their relationship with a man
Sexualizes a woman down to merely an object
Women
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The narratives presented by these representations of women perpetuate patriarchal ideologies, reinforcing male superiority and female inferiority. They depict women as subservient, intellectually inferior, and dependent on men for validation. These narratives serve to justify existing power imbalances and restrict women’s autonomy, reinforcing traditional gender roles and hindering progress toward gender equality.
Men
How are they represented?
Films presented in today’s society depict men as being strong, self-sufficient, emotionless, and physically capable people.
Men
What is dangerous about this representation?
Men who don’t fall into these categories placed on them by society question themselves as being “true men”. This can lead to many mental health issues that arise from the feeling of being an outcast, as well as Body Dysmophria, negatively reinforced gender roles and stereotypes, and alexithymia (difficulty expressing emotions, inability to recognize them).
Men
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The narrative presented by the representation of men as strong, self-sufficient, emotionless, and physically capable individuals in today’s films reinforces traditional gender norms and stereotypes. It suggests that men must conform to narrow standards of masculinity, prioritizing traits like strength and stoicism while devaluing vulnerability and emotional expression. This narrative persists due to societal expectations of what it means to be a “real man,” but it can be damaging by limiting men’s emotional expression and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Asian
How are they represented?
Asians in film are commonly represented as…
weak, incompetent, impolite etc. or geeky, arrogant, sly etc.
Model minority
Tiger mom
Asian
What is dangerous about this representation?
The model minority stereotype is dangerous because it oversimplifies Asian experiences, ignoring diversity and systemic barriers. By portraying Asians as universally successful and hardworking, it erases issues like poverty, educational inequities, and racism, potentially pitting Asians against other minority groups and undermining solidarity.
The tiger mom stereotype is harmful as it reinforces rigid parenting expectations and pressures Asian children to excel academically at the expense of their emotional well-being. This can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, perpetuating intergenerational trauma within Asian families. Additionally, it overlooks diverse parenting styles within Asian cultures and perpetuates the stereotype of Asians as overly strict and controlling.
Asian
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
Both the model minority and tiger mom stereotypes idealize certain aspects of Asian culture like academic achievement and discipline, while oversimplifying individual experiences.
This narrative suggests that Asian success stems solely from hard work and obedience, ignoring systemic factors and downplaying individual contributions.
Relationships
How are they represented?
Heterosexual Relationships
Damsel in distress - The female character is portrayed as weak and in need of saving by a strong man. Women in these movies are not shown as dependable or strong willed
The makeover - The protagonist goes through a big transformation and is suddenly viewed as desirable by the people around them
The Love Triangle - Two people fighting for the love of the same person
LGBTQ+ Relationships in Film
Purely Sexual - There are never two Gay people in a movie or show that are depicted as having a purely platonic relationship with each other
Depicted as Impure or Satanic - Often shown as something that people should fear, especially in older films
Something to be Hidden - Queer relationships are usually shown to be something that the couple in question is hiding from the world around them
Relationships
What is dangerous about this representation?
In heterosexual relationships, portraying the female character as a damsel in distress perpetuates harmful gender stereotypes, suggesting that women are weak and dependent on men for their well-being. This reinforces patriarchal notions of male dominance and female passivity, undermining the agency and strength of women. Additionally, the makeover trope reinforces shallow beauty standards and suggests that a person’s worth is tied to their physical appearance, promoting unrealistic expectations and insecurities.
In LGBTQ+ relationships, depicting queer individuals as purely sexual or impure reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to stigma and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. It promotes the idea that queer relationships are deviant or abnormal, fostering fear and prejudice towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Furthermore, portraying queer relationships as something to be hidden perpetuates the marginalization of LGBTQ+ individuals and undermines their right to openly express their identities and love.
Relationships
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
In heterosexual relationships, these representations often present a narrative of traditional gender roles and romanticized ideals, where women are passive recipients of male protection and validation. This narrative reinforces patriarchal power dynamics and suggests that women’s worth is tied to their ability to attract and be saved by a man. It also promotes the notion that physical transformation is necessary for romantic success, perpetuating shallow beauty standards and insecurity.
In LGBTQ+ relationships, these representations often present a narrative of otherness and fear, where queer individuals are depicted as outsiders or threats to societal norms. This narrative reinforces heteronormative standards and suggests that queer relationships are abnormal or deviant. It also promotes the idea that queer individuals must hide their identities to avoid discrimination and persecution, perpetuating the marginalization and invisibility of LGBTQ+ experiences.
Arabs
How are they represented?
Arabs in film are often represented as the villain such as Jafar in the film Aladdin.
Arabs have also been portrayed negatively in films after 9/11. They are portrayed as terrorists, oil seekers, and overall evil people.
Even before 9/11, Arabs were seen in films as barbaric and violent.
Arabs
What is dangerous about this representation?
Portraying Arabs as villains, terrorists, and inherently evil perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters xenophobia and Islamophobia. It creates a narrative that demonizes an entire ethnic and cultural group, leading to prejudice, discrimination, and hate crimes against Arab individuals and communities.
Arabs
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The representation of Arabs as villains and terrorists presents a narrative of Othering and fear, where Arab individuals are depicted as outsiders and threats to Western society. This narrative aligns with historical and political contexts, such as the aftermath of 9/11 and Western imperialism in the Middle East, which have contributed to the demonization and dehumanization of Arab people. By portraying Arabs as inherently violent or barbaric, these representations justify Western intervention and perpetuate stereotypes of Arab inferiority, serving to maintain power imbalances and justify discrimination against Arab individuals and communities.
Italians
How are they represented?
Italians are seen as members of the Mafia as opposed to your average everyday citizen
Showcased as people who participate in a lot of organized crime which has become a common stereotype for Italians in the media
Italian people are seen as having very low patience and to the point
Represented groups together in gangs
Lots of organized crime is showcased which has become a common stereotype among Italians
Large criminal underworld
Italians
What is dangerous about this representation?
Portraying Italians predominantly as members of the Mafia or involved in organized crime perpetuates harmful stereotypes and fosters prejudice and discrimination against Italian individuals and communities. This representation not only distorts reality but also erases the diversity of Italian identities and experiences. It can lead to the stigmatization of Italians as inherently criminal or untrustworthy, contributing to bias and hostility towards Italian people.
Italians
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The representation of Italians as members of the Mafia or involved in organized crime presents a narrative of criminality and danger, where Italian individuals are depicted as threats to law and order. This narrative aligns with historical and cultural contexts, such as the prominence of organized crime in certain Italian-American communities, which have contributed to the perpetuation of stereotypes about Italian people. By focusing predominantly on criminality, these representations overlook the contributions and achievements of Italian individuals and communities, reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating discrimination against Italians.
Teenagers
How are they represented?
Nerd: Stereotyped to wear Glasses, have Braces, have Acne.
Jock: Stereotyped to Play Sports, Get hot girls (cheerleaders), Popular, cocky, full of themselves and bad grades.
Cheerleader: Normally dating the star football player (Jock), the hottest girl in school, Dumb, blonde, snooty and social media obsessed.
Bully: Stereotyped to have Family Problems, Anger issues, picks on the nerds, and being self-conscious.
Teenagers
What is dangerous about this representation?
Portraying teenagers through stereotypes like the nerd, jock, cheerleader, and bully can be harmful as it oversimplifies their identities and reinforces harmful stereotypes. This can lead to individuals being unfairly judged and marginalized based on superficial characteristics or perceived social roles. It also perpetuates divisions and hierarchies within teenage communities, fostering a culture of exclusion and discrimination.
Teenagers
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The representation of teenagers through these stereotypes presents a narrative of conformity and social hierarchy, where individuals are categorized based on superficial traits and social roles. This narrative reinforces the idea that people must fit into predetermined boxes or labels, limiting their individuality and potential. Additionally, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes about intelligence, athleticism, beauty, and social status, creating unrealistic expectations and perpetuating social inequalities. Overall, these representations fail to capture the complexity and diversity of teenage experiences and can contribute to negative self-image and social alienation among teenagers.
Russain Soviets
How are they represented?
Russians were stereotyped as the villains in film
It started after the Cold War as films started showing Western fears because Russians were seemed to be the bad guys during the war
Soviets were also stereotyped as the villains after the Cold War
Russian Women were stereotyped as prostitutes in Hollywood film
Russain Soviets
What is dangerous about this representation?
Russians are shown to be evil, and bad people due to the Cold War
This creates a stereotype for Russians which makes them feel less than due to something that happened in the past
Hollywood films still use Russians to represent the villains
These stereotypes could impact Russians’ mental health as they can cause a form of discrimination against them due to the representation
Russain Soviets
What narrative are they presenting? Why?
The representation of Russians and Soviets as villains, spies, or prostitutes presents a narrative of Othering and fear, where Russian individuals are depicted as threats to Western society. This narrative aligns with historical and political contexts, such as the Cold War, which have contributed to the demonization and dehumanization of Russian people.
Additionally, these stereotypes are often used as convenient plot devices in Hollywood films, exploiting Cold War tensions and perpetuating sensationalized narratives for entertainment purposes. Overall, the narrative presented in these representations reinforces harmful biases and prejudices, contributing to the marginalization and discrimination of Russian individuals and communities.
Pre-1920s Film History
Early Cinematic Origins, the Infancy of Film
Pre-1920s Film History
Magic Lanterns
Had been around for decades before movies: simply were projectors of one image at a time.
Pre-1920s
Phenakistoscope
Like a flip book, but in a strip or circle. Disc spun in front of the light source to produce an illusion of a moving image. From 1832.
Pre-1920s
Thomas Edison
Famous American inventor (who also invented the phonograph). 1888: patented the IDEA of a motion-picture machine; had not made it yet. Kinetoscope debuted in 1891 (“peephole” – the box ran the film through rollers). The first copyrighted “film” that survived is Edison “Sneeze” from 1894
Pre-1920s
Nickelodeons
This means “Nickel” theatres. Would play continuously; people came into a storefront to watch. 8, 000 nickelodeons in the USA by 1908.
Pre-1920s
First 35mm Film
This was filmed by a camera mounted on the front of a cable car in 1906. It was lost but has been found.
Pre-1920s Film History
Early Movie Milestones
The Great Train Robbery (1903)
Told a story
Edited images from simultaneous
10 minutes; 14 scenes
D.W. Griffith: first great “artist” of film as director (made 3-hour epic “Birth of a Nation” in 1915 about KKK)
Charlie Chaplin: “The Little Tramp” character established by the mid-1910s
Movies were silent; accompanied in theatres by a live piano player
Pre-1920s
Film Studios***
Making “Hollywood;” made the film business a big business
Big 5 were: Warner, Famous Players, RKO, Loews (MGM), Fox
Smaller studios didn’t own their own theatre chains (Universal, Columbia)
United Artists was formed in 1919 by Douglas Fairbanks (action star), Mary Pickford (“America’s Sweetheart”), Chaplin and Griffith
This led to the creation of genres because each studio was creating the same kind of movies to mass produce quickly
1920s Film History
The Pre-Talkies and Silent Era
1920s Film History
Clara Bow
First “it girl” (sex symbol)
Also a symbol of the 1920s “flappers”
Women ditched their corsets and cut their hair short and so the flapper was born. Rebellious and determined, flappers flirted, danced, smoked, and frequented speakeasies.
Highest-paid
Tragic: drinking, gambling, and a voice that didn’t work in the “talkies”
The first talkie was in
1927
1920s Film History
1929 - Disney Productions Established
Skeleton Animation
1920s Film History
Some Top Films of the 1920s
3rd - The Gold Rush
2nd - Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror
1st - Metropolis
1930s Film History -
The Talkies, the Growth of the Studios and ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood
1930s Film History
The Golden Age of Hollywood
The 1930s and the start of the 1940s are known as the “Golden Age of Hollywood”
Also had the first colour movies by the end of the decade
Top films: Wizard of Oz & Gone with the Wind (1939), Snow White (1937 – first Disney full-length feature
Why so successful during the Great Depression?
An escape from harsh realities
1930s Film History
The Wizard of Oz
Emphasis on colour - Ruby Slippers, Yellow Brick Road, Emerald City
One of the first films to be done using the new technology Technicolor
1930s Film History
Trends of the 1930s
Genres: Gangster, Western, Dance-Musical, Horror…
Strong Women: Katherine Hepburn, Mae West
Young Stars: Shirley Temple, Mickey Rooney
1930s Film History
Some Top Films of the 1930s
2nd - The Wizard of Oz
1st - Gone with the Wind
1940s Film History
The War and Post-War Years, the Beginnings of Film Noir
1940s Film History
Films:
- Casablanca (1942)
1940s Film History
Technological Developments:
- Technicolor: Widely used for colour films during this period, enhancing visual appeal.
- Improvements in sound technology: Better sound recording and playback systems were developed
- Advancements in special effects: Techniques such as matte painting and miniatures were refined, enabling more realistic effects.
1940s Film History
Genres/Movements:
Film Noir: Characterized by its dark themes, cynical characters, and stark cinematography, film noir dominated much of the 1940s.
War Films: Given the context of World War II, many films during this period focused on war-related themes and narratives.
1940s Film History
Major Stars:
Humphrey Bogart
Ingrid Bergman
Cary Grant
1940s Film History
Historical Events:
World War II: The impact of the war was reflected in many films of the era, both directly and indirectly, influencing themes and narratives.
Post-war anxieties: The aftermath of World War II shaped the tone of many films, contributing to the rise of film noir and darker narratives.
1940s Film History
Other Important Information:
The Hollywood Blacklist: During the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Hollywood Blacklist, fueled by McCarthyism, had a significant impact on the film industry, leading to the persecution of many industry professionals suspected of having Communist sympathies.
1950s Film History -
The Cold War and Post-Classical Era, the Era of Epic Films and the Threat of Television
1950s Film History
Films
- Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
- On the Waterfront (1954)
1950s Film History
Technological Developments:
- Cinemascope: a widescreen format that enhanced the cinematic experience, and led to the production of epic films.
- Eastmancolor: A new colour film stock, that provides improved colour reproduction and stability.
- Television competition: With the rise of television, Hollywood responded with innovations such as widescreen formats and colour film to attract audiences back to theatres.
