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Types of Classic Movies | Essay

Art is depicted through many forms and reflects the culture in which one lives. Films are an excellent example of modern culture and the shift from traditional to digital media throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. In recent years, there has been an abundance of head-spinning supernatural and action movies, as well as unnecessary sequels and remakes galore. However, there was a time when motion pictures possessed genuine concepts, took on true art forms, and conveyed emotions to the audience meant not only for entertainment purposes. The general film-goer looks past most classic films, immediately stereotyping each of them as dry, bland melodramas. Yet, there are certain genres which do stand out, including the bright and colorful world of musicals, the impactful and technical game-changers of film, and the influential, captivating movies which inspire the audience, causing a drastic shift in the world around them.

Melodramas

Although the universe of film has its ups, it must also have its downs. Melodramas are the generally thought-of genre when discussing classic movies. These soap opera-esque, waste-of-one's-time motion pictures typically turn out to be what everyone expects: a haunting, eerie black-and-white setting and a large, extensive residence (a mansion or city apartment, for example). Most importantly, do not forget the gorgeous female character whose glistening, ruby lipstick does not match the dullness of her personality, and her debonair lover whom she pines and whines over from a distance. Oftentimes, these films are quite over dramatic and do not always appeal to the senses of the audience. If they do, then most likely the audience is an emotional, middle-aged woman who longs for the dashing male character to sweep her off her feet.

Musicals

Musicals are sometimes viewed as Melodrama's louder, more annoying cousin. Of course, this is not the case, but they can indubitably seem that way for one who passes by the TV and hyperactive, caroling persons are jovially crossing the street of the screen without a care in the world. The fine line between what is real and what is false is tampered with in musicals; sometimes you just have to decide for yourself what you know to be the narrative or plot, separating that from the musical number where boundaries are often crossed in terms of what is true and what is not. An example of a movie wearing well the "musical" genre is none other than the classic: Singin' in the Rain. The plot is fairly basic: 1920s, an actor in Hollywood is tied to a woman he doesn't love, and is falling for someone else. But just what makes it a classic? Nothing in the plot is particularly memorable, nor would the characters be if they had been played by mediocre actors and actresses. Rather, it is the vibrant colors and the striking music and the superb choreography that bring the movie together: everything a musical needs. The next time you are watching a musical, think of it not as a rollercoaster riding up the hill of reality and down the hill of fantasy, but as an emotionally engaging and electrifying-to-the-senses experience. The purpose of the film is there, but one must feel it to comprehend it.

Game-Changers

Films have a unique language, and with all languages comes grammar, syntax, as well as other essential elements that help convey meaning to listeners, or in this case, the "audience." Game-changers are pictures which defined certain aspects of the language of film, coming up with the grammar movie-makers continue to use today. To illustrate, early films stayed on one frame for the entire movie, without moving between shots. But eventually audiences grew tired of one, prolonged shot, yearning for more. Edwin S. Porter, a pioneer in film-making, discovered a technique called "parallel action" where two shots can be rotated back-and-forth instead of staying on one for the entire movie. The first film to successfully accomplish this was Porter's Life of an American Fireman, where near the end of the movie, a fire rescue takes place and shots are going back-and-forth between the fire truck racing to a house and a family stuck inside, creating suspense for the audience. Ever since this marvel of an early film accomplished the technique, movies have continually utilized it, deeming it an essential element in translating the world of film to an audience.

Inspirational Films

While Game-changers were inspirational movies for filmmakers, certain classic films need not be overlooked in that they were inspirational to the audience of the time. Though not as influential today as it was when released in 1939, Gone with the Wind still radiates a powerful gleam over the audience of sheer human power in the face of adversity. The characters are strong and diverse, including Scarlett O'Hara, the main character, who was an emblem of strength and hope during World War II for all who watched the movie. It is based during the American Civil War, and Scarlett protects her home and family as their world changes forever. The film brought millions of dollars into Atlanta; the mayor even deemed the day it was released an official holiday. Not only was it influential for Southerners but for foreigners as well. While parts of Britain were oppressed by Nazi rule, the British people watched the movie and it brought them hope. The Nazis recognized the glimmer of hope in the movie and banned the people from watching it during the war.

Gone with the Wind and other classic films have their flaws, but they are never meant to be looked over or tossed aside. We can still learn from them even in today's world, whether you are a film major or if you are oppressed by today's society or if you are an average Joe. Together, the world must learn from the mistakes of past art and continue what was accomplished, improving always as a functioning world.