For years, people worldwide have been creating movies, short films, and animation to express how they feel. Individual movies changed society’s perception of things and were a form of protest.
Public Domain photo: Metropolis(1927)
Certain styles of cinema conveyed life, such as German expressionism, which meant ¨To convey the modern severity of life.¨ This style was meant to show that a person made it, and show the emotions of the human body. Nazis targeted the artists that drew in this style, still they drew to show their hatred for the horrible state that Germany was in. Movies that used this art style were The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Metropolis, both made in the 1920s. These movies are considered one of the greats of foreign cinema. Not only that, but they are prime examples of the style. Metropolis tells of a dystopian city where the city is heavily divided; the poor people slave while the rich flourish, with religious symbology stamped throughout the 2 hours. Dr. Caligari in American magazines was said to represent WWI, and each character was in their own form of distress
Charlie Chaplin: The Great Dictator.
Movies are a form of stating and telling what ¨you¨ believe in, they are historical documents of what people used to believe in, think, dress, and speak, The Great Dictator, Mr.Smith Goes to Washington, and Citizen Kane were all movies that spoke on the political beliefs of WWII, short films were made to let people know to not utter a word to strangers for their safety, The Great Dicator is a satrical film, however, it still impacted the people.
Public Domain: Tim Curry, Nell Campbell, and Patricia Quinn in The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Movies also show and represent certain groups of people, The Rocky Horror Picture show isn´t neccasrily a queer film yet it was a big step for queer cinema, especially in the 1970s, this film celebrates queerness, shows how people shouldn’t have to feel ashamed of who they like or what they want to be. Other films include: Different From The Others(1919), Cabaret(1972), and The Children’s Hour(1961). Different From The Others is the first known pro-LGBTQ+ film. This movie tells of how homophobia is the true bad thing, not homosexuality.
Public Domain Photo: Gone With The Wind poster.
Most importantly, movies shaped pop culture, with a film’s costume, movie poster, makeup, and overall style have permanently changed culture. Marilyn Monroes famous white cocktail dress lifting from the windy subways grating, movie lines like Clark Gables¨Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn¨ or Micheal Keaton tarrozing Shelly Duval in The shing ¨Here´s Johnny!.¨Actors/actresses have also been inspiration for music for roles they´ve played; Bela Lugosi and Dwight Frye both for their roles in the 1931 Dracula. Costumes include Audrey Hepburn’s black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany´s, and Judy Gardland´ś white and blue striped dress in The Wizard of Oz. This is just a few examples of how cinema shaped pop culture, helped people express themselves, and helped people.
