Podcast Summary
From individual to communal viewing experiences in film history: Technology has shaped film viewing from solitary to group experiences, influencing both culture and economics
The evolution of technology, particularly in the realm of media and entertainment, has consistently pushed and pulled between communal and individual experiences. From the early days of motion picture technology with Thomas Edison and the Lumiere Brothers, there was a shift from individual viewing in cabinets to communal viewing on a wall. This trend continued with the introduction of television, VCRs, and eventually smartphones, allowing for more personalized viewing experiences. The impact of these technological advancements on the art of film itself is a topic of ongoing interest for film historians. Listen to the podcast for a deeper dive into the history of motion picture technology and its cultural and economic implications.
Impact of technology on media consumption: Individual vs Communal: Technology enables individual viewing experiences but also fosters communal ones through shows like MST3K and movie hosts, satisfying the human need for connection and reaction to media.
Technology has significantly impacted the way we consume media, particularly films. With the shift towards individual viewing experiences, there has been a compensatory rise in communal experiences through riffing or TV hosts. Shows like Mystery Science Theater 3000 and movie hosts like Elvira and Joe Bob Briggs provide a pseudo-communal experience, allowing viewers to engage with each other and the film in a humorous way, even when watching alone. This push and pull between private and communal experiences is a human desire that technology both enables and challenges. Despite innovations that limit communal experiences in movie theaters, there remains a fundamental human need to connect and react to media together.
Early film pioneers as media producers: Edison, Dixon focused on short films, Lumiere brothers pioneered longer films with the Latham loop
The early pioneers of film technology were not only inventors but also media producers. They created their own films to showcase their new inventions, which led to the establishment of different film traditions. Edison and Dixon focused on short, entertaining films featuring circus acts and vaudeville performances, while the Lumiere brothers created documentaries of real life and one of the first fictional stories, "The Sprinkler Sprinkled." The Lumiere brothers' innovation, the Latham loop, allowed for longer films by reducing the strain on recording media, paving the way for motion pictures to evolve from a curiosity and technological spectacle to a fundamental medium for stories in mass culture.
Invention of the Film Loop Revolutionized Longer Movies: The Latham loop, a film innovation, enabled longer movies by using wheels to spool out a short, slackened loop of film, reducing tension and allowing for frame-by-frame advancement.
The invention of the film loop, or Latham loop, revolutionized the motion picture industry by enabling the creation of longer films. Prior to this innovation, films were limited to around 2 minutes due to the tension on celluloid film, which made it impossible to pull more than a hundred feet of film through a camera or projector without tearing it. However, the question of how to film and exhibit an entire boxing match, a lucrative proposition, led to the development of the Latham loop. This invention used wheels to spool out a short, slackened loop of film ahead of the camera or projector, allowing the film to be advanced frame by frame without putting excessive tension on the entire roll. This breakthrough was a game-changer for the film industry, making possible the creation of longer films and paving the way for the adaptation of longer, more complex stories into motion pictures. The Latham loop was a significant development that, according to film historian David Samuelson, was as groundbreaking as anything that had happened in film since.
The Latham loop revolutionized motion pictures into a storytelling medium and art form: The Latham loop, a film technology invention, transformed motion pictures from mere spectacles to a mainstream storytelling medium and art form, despite challenges from industry dominators like Thomas Edison.
The Latham loop, a crucial film technology invention in the late 1800s, revolutionized motion pictures from mere technological spectacles into a mainstream storytelling medium and an art form. The article in The Atlantic by Henry Giardina highlights this transformation, detailing how the Latham family's successful screening of a boxing match in New York City marked a turning point. However, the path to this development was not smooth. Thomas Edison, a dominant figure in the industry, employed aggressive tactics, including patent harassment and intimidation, to control the film industry and extract profits. Despite these challenges, independent filmmakers persisted, leading to the growth of the film industry in France and the United States. Ultimately, the Latham loop paved the way for longer films and innovative film editing techniques, setting the stage for the art form we know today.
The artistic value of new media technologies lies in their unique interactive experiences: New media technologies like video games and virtual reality are considered art due to their innovative use of mechanics and interactive experiences, setting them apart from traditional media forms
The perception of new media technologies as legitimate art forms depends on how the technology is utilized. Using the examples of video games and virtual reality, the artistic value lies not only in their visual design but also in the unique interactive experiences they offer. The mechanics and physical characteristics of these media are integral to their artistic expression, much like how film's use of editing sets it apart. Games like Soma, which rely less on cutscenes and instead allow players to control the story's progression, demonstrate this artistic potential. The debate over whether these technologies can be considered art is ongoing, but it ultimately comes down to the creativity and innovation shown in how they're used.
Games as a Form of Art: Games use artistic tools and techniques to engage and tell stories, blurring the lines between traditional mediums like painting or literature. The development of these techniques in commercial cinema and games paves the way for later artistic innovations.
Art and narrative are not limited to traditional mediums like painting or literature. Games, including those in the genre of fighting or shooting, can also be considered art due to their use of various artistic tools and techniques to engage and tell stories to audiences. These techniques have been developed and refined over decades of filmmaking and gaming, and they allow these mediums to capture our attention and manipulate our emotions in unique ways. While some may argue about the specific definition of art, it is clear that games, like films, use a wide range of artistic elements to create immersive experiences for players. Additionally, commercial cinema and games can pave the way for later artistic innovations. For example, the use of special effects and cinematic techniques in commercial films have influenced the development of art house cinema. Similarly, the use of advanced graphics and storytelling in popular games has opened up new possibilities for artistic expression in the gaming industry. Ultimately, the importance of these artistic tools lies in their ability to enhance the overall experience and deepen the connection between the audience and the medium.
Alice Guy Blache: Pioneering Film Artist: Alice Guy Blache, an employee at Gaumont's photography company, experimented with filmmaking as an art form, creating narratives despite most films being documentaries. Her gender may have contributed to her being overlooked, but her groundbreaking work paved the way for narrative films.
Alice Guy Blache, born in 1873, was a pioneering figure in the early film industry. She started working for Leon Gaumont's photography company in the mid-1890s and attended the Lumiere Brothers' film premiere in 1895. Inspired by the new medium, she began experimenting with filmmaking as an art form despite still being an employee at Gaumont's company. At a time when most films were short documentaries, she sought to create narratives. Her gender might have contributed to her being overlooked in cinema history. Today, her films, though often lost to history, can be found on YouTube, offering a glimpse into the early days of cinema as an art form. So, this Mother's Day, consider giving your mom the gift of premium cocktails with the Bartesian cocktail maker or the benefits of all-natural supplements from Symbionica. Or, if you're on the go, enhance your travel experience with AT&T In Car Wi-Fi. And remember, Alice Guy Blache's groundbreaking work paved the way for the narrative-driven films we enjoy today.
Pioneering Filmmaker Alice Guy Directs First Fantasy Film: Alice Guy, an early cinema pioneer, directed the first known fantasy film, 'The Cabbage Fairy,' in 1896. She went on to lead Gaumont's company, marry a camera operator, and found the Solax Company, producing over 1,000 movies throughout her career.
Alice Guy, a pioneering figure in early cinema, directed and produced the possible first fantasy film, "The Cabbage Fairy," in 1896. This film, which features a beaming fairy woman pulling babies out of giant cabbage heads, predates many other early fantasy films and showcases the speculative element that defines the genre. Guy's success with "The Cabbage Fairy" led her to direct and produce hundreds of films, eventually becoming the head of production when Gaumont's company transitioned into a full-fledged film studio. She went on to marry a Gaumont camera operator, Herbert Blache, and together they founded the Solax Company in the United States. Over her career, Guy wrote, directed, and produced over 1,000 movies, making her a prolific figure in early cinema. Despite her significant contributions, Guy was often overlooked in film histories until recent years, but there has been a revival of interest in her story, including a 2018 documentary, "Be Natural," narrated by Jodie Foster.
Pioneering filmmaker Alice Guy-Blaché challenged filmmaking norms: Alice Guy-Blaché was a trailblazer in early cinema, pushing boundaries with natural performances, color through hand-tinting, and early sound on film methods, despite commercial failures.
Alice Guy-Blaché, a pioneering figure in early cinema, challenged the norms of filmmaking by encouraging natural performances from actors, despite the limitations of the medium at the time. She was a trailblazer in various aspects of filmmaking, including the use of color through hand-tinted films and the implementation of early sound on film methods. Her focus on capturing emotional nuance in performances was ahead of her time, as most early films were more focused on spectacle and exaggerated motions. Despite the commercial failure of some of her innovative techniques, she continued to look ahead and push the boundaries of filmmaking. Her emphasis on natural performances is now a standard in modern cinema.
Georges Melies: From Stage Magic to Film Pioneer: Georges Melies revolutionized film by combining stage magic and movie technology, leading to longer narrative forms and the entertainment industry as we know it. Modern businesses can streamline operations and collaborate effectively using tools like Slack.
Georges Melies, a pioneer in early film history, saw the potential of film as a storytelling medium and brought the spirit of stage magic to the technology of the movie camera. Melies, who lived from 1861 to 1938, was a stage magician and theater director in Paris when he saw the Lumiere brothers' cinematograph and projector. Impressed, he acquired a camera of his own, founded a film studio, and started making movies. Melies' films, like "A Trip to the Moon," incorporated trickery, making them a spectacle and a perfect example of the transition from film as straightforward recording to longer narrative form. Today, businesses can streamline their operations and collaborate more effectively using tools like Slack, allowing them to save time and focus on growth.
Georges Méliès: The Magician of Film: Georges Méliès pioneered film special effects with jump cuts, double exposures, and live music, inspiring modern artists to rescore silent films and add new layers to classic works.
Georges Méliès, a magician, revolutionized filmmaking with his innovative use of special effects. He discovered the power of jump cuts and double exposures, creating the illusion of magic and trickery. Méliès' films, such as "The Man with the Rubber Head," showcased these techniques and often incorporated live music to enhance the viewing experience. In the modern era, silent films and older soundtracks are being rescored by musicians, adding a new layer to the classic films and allowing audiences to experience them in a fresh way. Air, Kraftwerk, and The New Pollutants are just a few examples of artists who have contributed to this phenomenon. Méliès' groundbreaking work in special effects set the stage for the magic and illusion that continues to captivate audiences in film and music today.
Exploring the power of films and rescored music: Films, especially when rescored, can engage up to 73% of the brain, providing cognitive stimulation and immersive experiences. German Expressionist films like 'The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari' and 'The Passion of Joan of Arc' have been rescored by artists like Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet to bring them to life for modern audiences.
Films, especially when rescored, can significantly enhance our cognitive functions and immerse us into the narrative. For instance, films like "The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari" and "The Passion of Joan of Arc" have been rescored by artists like Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet, bringing these classic silent films to life for modern audiences. The German Expressionist sets and surreal elements in these films are designed to manipulate our perception and transport us into a unique world. Moreover, films employ our most powerful senses, including sight and sound, to create a seamless and engaging experience. According to research, a good film can engage up to 73% of a viewer's brain, making it an effective medium for cognitive stimulation. Researchers like Tim J. Smith and Yuri Hasson have studied the psychological and neurological effects of film, shedding light on the ways in which films can captivate our attention and immerse us in the narrative. So, if you're a musician or an electronic artist, consider scoring a silent film to explore the creative possibilities and promote your work on our show.
Films' editing techniques impact our cognitive and emotional responses: Films' quick cuts and shorter shot durations significantly affect our brain activity and emotional engagement, with studies showing increased brain response to complex scenes from movies like 'Sophie's Choice' and 'The Ring 2'.
Films, through the use of editing techniques like quick cuts and shorter shot durations, can significantly impact our cognitive and emotional responses. This was discussed in relation to various studies and examples from movies like "Game of Thrones," "Transformers," and "The Ring 2." James Cutting, a psychology professor at Cornell University, noted the consistent decrease in average shot duration since the silent era, leading to more frequent cuts and faster pacing in modern films. This constant change can be overwhelming, as seen in fast-paced movies like "Transformers." However, it can also lead to increased brain activity and engagement, as shown in studies using fMRI. For instance, scenes from "Sophie's Choice" and "The Ring 2" produced complex responses deep within the brain, even if the films themselves may not be considered great works of art. Additionally, Talma Hindler's research on "Black Swan" revealed that certain scenes could create a schizophrenia-like state in the brain, with cognitive and emotional centers operating out of sync. Overall, films can alter our consciousness, much like certain drugs, and provide a unique and often engaging experience.
The Impact of Film Techniques on Horror Genre: From jump scares in the 1940s to psychedelic cinema in the 1960s, various film techniques have shaped the horror genre, creating both beloved and clichéd moments.
The evolution of filmmaking techniques, such as the jump scare, has significantly shaped the horror genre. While early examples like the Luton bus scene in "Cat People" from 1942 effectively used jump scares to startle audiences, it wasn't until the 1980s that filmmakers began overusing this technique, leading to its eventual cliché status. However, even hated clichés like the mirror scare can be effectively used to create tension and fear in horror films. Additionally, psychedelic cinema has also pushed the boundaries of filmmaking by manipulating viewers' perceptions of reality, with films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" leaving a lasting impact.
The Power of Jump Scares in Horror Movies: Jump scares remain a potent tool in filmmaking, transporting viewers to new worlds and keeping them engaged despite their overuse and potential irritation.
Jump scares in horror movies, despite being overused and sometimes irritating, still have the power to elicit a strong reaction from viewers. These moments, when executed effectively, can be as impactful in a solo viewing experience on a phone as they are in a packed theater. The jump scare is just one of many cinematic techniques used to engage audiences, and while it may be a cliche, it remains a potent tool in the filmmaker's arsenal. The history of cinema shows that these techniques often emerge from the practicalities of film production and the limitations of the medium. Ultimately, the continued appeal of jump scares and other cinematic tricks lies in their ability to transport us to new worlds and keep us on the edge of our seats.
Exploring Favorite Films and Filmakers Beyond the Episode: Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on films and film-related topics, and can stay updated on future episodes by subscribing, rating, and reviewing the Invention podcast. Sponsors include American Express, Visible, and Xumo PLAY, which offer exclusive benefits, affordable wireless plans, and free entertainment, respectively.
There are numerous favorite films and filmmakers outside of those discussed in the episode, and listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts on various film-related topics, such as jump scares and pairing new scores with old films. To stay updated on future episodes, listeners can subscribe, rate, and review the Invention podcast, available on various platforms including inventionpod.com. The show is produced by iHeartRadio, and sponsors include American Express, Visible, and Xumo PLAY. American Express offers exclusive benefits for cardholders, while Visible provides affordable, transparent wireless plans, and Xumo PLAY offers free, endless entertainment with a diverse selection of channels, movies, and TV series. Toyota's commitment to electrification and reducing carbon emissions also adds to the episode's theme, showcasing the importance of innovation and diversity in various industries.
