Exam #1 - Open Response

Question 1

In a paragraph of about six sentences, give a definition of Direct Cinema and explain what made this “observational cinema” different from what had come before. In your answer sure to describe five features of Direct Cinema.

Answer 1

Direct Cinema aimed to capture reality in all of its unpredictability and give a sense of immediacy. This contrasts documentaries that came before which were much more performative, polished, and staged. The filmmaker acted as an observer of events instead of framing them a certain way. Stylistically, it is a much more informal documentary made with smaller crews and handheld cameras. It avoids voice-over narration, restaging, and non-diegetic music. It also avoids a preplanned structure requiring viewers to take a more active role in determining meaning.

Question 2

In a short paragraph (about three sentences), give a definition of cinéma verité and explain how it differed from Robert Drew’s version of Direct Cinema. Then explain with two examples how Chronicle of a Summer is an example of this approach. (20 points)

Answer 2

Cinema verite contrasts Robert Drew’s direct cinema in that the filmmaker is not only an observer but a participant. The idea was not to come across a real situation and simply observe it but to take an active role in an event and find some hidden truths. A clear example of this in Chronicle of a Summer is the “are you happy interview style” which even though it is trapping people in an abstract question, reveals aspects of real life and the feelings of real people. Similarly, the watch party at the end allows the “characters” in the film to express their viewpoint on the film which even further blurs the line between real life and performance but still manages to reveal deeper layers to the people involved.

Question 3

In 6 full sentences, explain 3 different ways the business changed for the Major Hollywood studios between 1958 and 1966 (before films like Bonnie and Clyde). (15 points)

Answer 3

1. One way Hollywood began to change in the 60s was the new television market. The major studios started making films directly for television and television studios like ABC started experimenting with producing full length films.
2. Additionally, international distribution became more important as earning abroad surpassed domestic revenues for the first time in 1958. The major Hollywood studios would no longer have been able to survive solely on the revenues coming from the US and Canada.
3. Similarly, in 1960 40% of films financed by Hollywood majors were shot overseas. These films were called “runaway productions” and saved money by using cheaper labor and giving the studios subsidies and tax breaks.

Question 4

In 6 full sentences, explain 3 different major changes in the marketing and exhibition of Hollywood films starting in the mid-1970s (for example, with films like Jaws).

Answer 4

1. One major change that influenced the shift from new Hollywood to the blockbuster was the idea of the “pre-sold” product. This method including basing films on existing novels, writing novels for the purpose of turning them into films, casting stars that were already famous, and making series and sequels.
2. Another change was saturation booking or the intentional scheduling of film releases. Movies were simultaneously advertised and released across the country and major releases were timed to coincide with summer or the holidays.
3. A final change was the rise of merchandising and tie ins. Films were made to sell merchandise.