Since Thomas A. Edison’s invention of the motion picture in 1889, movies have always attracted
and fascinated the audience around the world. The unique combination of moving
pictures and sound had one great advantage in contrast to past cultural events like the vaudeville,
the musical or the theater: Its capability of reaching more people.
In the course of time, smart business people began to found studios in order to produce
full-length pictures. Up to 1948 the American film industry consisted of a certain number of
studios, the so called “Big Five”- Paramount, Twentieth Century-Fox, Warner Bros., RKO,
and MGM- and the “Little Three”- Columbia, Universal, and United Artists (Phillips 327).
Over decades these studios managed to produce the most influential and most profitable movies
worldwide.
Things changed, however, and the era of the studio-production drew to a close as production
of a feature film outside, meaning in the real world, became much cheaper than producing
the picture in expensive stagesets, which had often been special manufactured and
thus could only be used once. Changes were now unavoidable. After directors like Howard
Hawks, George Cukor, Sidney Lumet, Don Siegel, and others influenced the art of motion
picture in the first half of the century, others took over and led Hollywood to new fame and
wealth. At the end of the sixties a new generation of young American filmmakers developed
a more personal cinema, which was a combination of visions and marketing. Steven Spielberg,
George Lucas, Martin Scorsese, and Francis Ford Coppola were the most popular advocates
of the New Hollywood (Monaco 366). [...]
Table of Contents
- I. The influence of Hollywood decreased in the past years and the United States, especially Los Angeles, are not the center of film business anymore.
- A. More movies are produced overseas to reduce production costs.
- B. Foreign influence on American film industry – “strangers” take over important roles in front of the camera and behind it.
- 1. The Australian contributions to the 2002 Academy Awards.
- 2. Directors from abroad like Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Peter Jackson, and Marc Forster take over important roles in Hollywood.
- C. Foreign participation in the production of movies is becoming more and more important.
- II. Hollywood is still important, but its power and its position has changed.
- A. Although many films are produced abroad, Los Angeles maintains its leading role by being responsible for the majority of blockbusters.
- B. The Cooperation between U.S. and foreign production companies, especially European and Asian ones, are dominated by the American side.
- C. Hollywood stars are still the only ones who are popular nationwide and international, thus Hollywood can be described as the most important springboard for an international career.
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the changing influence of Hollywood in global film politics. It questions whether Hollywood has lost its dominance or simply adapted to new production methods and evolving audience tastes.
- The decline of Hollywood's dominance in film production.
- The rise of international film production and its impact on Hollywood.
- The changing tastes of movie-goers and their influence on film production.
- The collaboration and competition between Hollywood and international film industries.
- The enduring power of Hollywood stars and the studio system.
Chapter Summaries
I. The influence of Hollywood decreased in the past years and the United States, especially Los Angeles, are not the center of film business anymore.: This chapter argues that Hollywood's central role in the global film industry is diminishing. It supports this claim by citing the increased overseas production of films to reduce costs, the growing participation of foreign directors and actors in Hollywood productions (illustrated by examples such as the Australian contributions to the 2002 Academy Awards and the success of international directors like Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Peter Jackson, and Marc Forster), and the rising significance of foreign involvement in film production overall. The chapter sets the stage for a discussion about the evolving landscape of film production and the shift away from a solely Hollywood-centric model.
II. Hollywood is still important, but its power and its position has changed.: This chapter presents a counter-argument to the previous one, asserting that while Hollywood's influence has shifted, it remains a significant player. The chapter highlights Los Angeles' continued leadership in producing blockbuster films. It also emphasizes the enduring power of Hollywood's cooperative relationships with international production companies (particularly from Europe and Asia), which, despite the collaboration, are largely controlled by American entities. Finally, it points to the continued international appeal and marketability of Hollywood stars as a key element in maintaining its global reach and importance, arguing that Hollywood remains a critical launchpad for international careers.
Keywords
Hollywood, film industry, global film politics, international film production, blockbusters, movie-goers, foreign directors, actors, studio system, production costs, changing audience tastes, international collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Changing Hollywood Landscape
What is the main topic of this text?
This text analyzes the evolving influence of Hollywood in the global film industry. It examines whether Hollywood has lost its dominance or merely adapted to new production methods and changing audience preferences.
What are the key themes explored in the text?
The key themes include the decline of Hollywood's dominance in film production; the rise of international film production and its impact on Hollywood; the changing tastes of movie-goers and their influence on film production; the collaboration and competition between Hollywood and international film industries; and the enduring power of Hollywood stars and the studio system.
Does the text argue that Hollywood has lost its dominance?
The text presents a nuanced perspective. While it acknowledges the increased overseas production, the rise of foreign talent in Hollywood, and the growing importance of international film collaborations, it also emphasizes Hollywood's continued role in producing blockbusters, its control over major collaborations with foreign companies, and the enduring global appeal of its stars. Therefore, it suggests a shift in Hollywood's position rather than a complete loss of dominance.
What evidence is used to support the argument of Hollywood's declining influence?
The text points to the increased production of films overseas to reduce costs, the growing number of foreign directors and actors working in Hollywood (with examples like the Australian contributions to the 2002 Academy Awards and successful international directors such as Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Peter Jackson, and Marc Forster), and the rising significance of foreign participation in film production.
What evidence is used to support the argument of Hollywood's continued importance?
The text highlights Los Angeles' continued leading role in producing blockbuster films, the predominantly American control in collaborations with European and Asian production companies, and the continued global popularity and marketability of Hollywood stars, emphasizing their role as a springboard for international careers.
What are the chapter summaries?
Chapter I argues that Hollywood's central role is diminishing due to increased overseas production, the rise of foreign talent, and increased foreign involvement in film production. Chapter II counter-argues that Hollywood remains a major player, maintaining its leadership in blockbusters, controlling collaborations with international companies, and benefiting from the enduring appeal of its stars.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Hollywood, film industry, global film politics, international film production, blockbusters, movie-goers, foreign directors, actors, studio system, production costs, changing audience tastes, international collaboration.
What is the overall conclusion of the text?
The text concludes that while Hollywood's influence has shifted and evolved, it hasn't necessarily lost its dominance. Its role has changed, adapting to new global realities while maintaining significant power and influence within the film industry.
- Citar trabajo
- Anonym (Autor), 2002, The end of an era - Hollywood's decreasing, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/26729
