What is a Cinematograph? A cinematograph is a device used for capturing and projecting moving images. It combines a camera, film processing unit, and projector all in one machine. The term “cinematograph” is derived from the Greek words “kinema” (movement) and “graph” (to write), reflecting its ability to record and display motion. Who invented the … Read more
I. What is Queer Film Theory? Queer Film Theory is a critical approach to analyzing films through the lens of queer studies. It explores how gender, sexuality, and identity are represented in cinema and how these representations shape cultural norms and beliefs. Queer Film Theory challenges traditional notions of gender and sexuality, seeking to deconstruct … Read more
I. What is the Hays Code? The Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content in Hollywood films. It was named after Will H. Hays, who was the president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) from 1922 to … Read more
I. What is Pre-Code Hollywood? Pre-Code Hollywood refers to the era in American film history from the introduction of sound in the late 1920s to the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code in 1934. During this time, Hollywood produced films that were characterized by their bold and provocative content, including themes of violence, sexuality, … Read more
I. What are Serials? Serials are a form of entertainment that originated in the early days of cinema and were popular throughout the first half of the 20th century. They are a series of short films or episodes that are typically shown in theaters or on television in a serialized format, with each installment ending … Read more
I. What is Diasporic Cinema? Diasporic cinema refers to a genre of filmmaking that explores the experiences, struggles, and identities of individuals who have migrated from their homeland to other countries. These films often focus on the themes of displacement, cultural identity, and the challenges faced by diasporic communities living in foreign lands. Diasporic cinema … Read more
I. What is the Motion Picture Patents Company (Edison Trust)? The Motion Picture Patents Company, also known as the Edison Trust, was a conglomerate of major American film production companies formed in 1908. The companies included in the trust were primarily led by Thomas Edison’s Motion Picture Patents Company, which held numerous patents related to … Read more
What is a Nickelodeon Theatre? A Nickelodeon Theatre is a type of early movie theater that emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. The term “Nickelodeon” is a combination of the words “nickel” (referring to the five-cent admission fee) and “odeon” (a Greek word meaning theater). These theaters were small, storefront venues … Read more
I. What is Mise-en-scène? Mise-en-scène is a French term that translates to “placing on stage” or “putting in the scene.” In the context of film, mise-en-scène refers to everything that appears on screen, including the set design, lighting, costumes, props, actors’ performances, and the overall visual composition of a shot. It encompasses all the elements … Read more
What is film censorship? Film censorship refers to the process of restricting or suppressing certain aspects of a film, such as scenes, dialogue, or themes, that are deemed inappropriate or offensive by regulatory bodies or authorities. This can include cutting or editing scenes, adding warning labels, or outright banning a film from being shown in … Read more
