Media analysis assignment
Classical Hollywood Cinema
In the following essay I have been asked to write a 2000 word essay discussing the main characteristic features of the classical Hollywood narrative film. This is a style of clarity where the viewer should not be confused about space, time, events or characters motivations and although a number of classical narrative traditions have been modified, or even rejected, this unfussy style of making movies it is still very much alive today and remains the dominant way of telling the story so it reaches a wider audience. During the course of my research I found appropriate information in many places. The Balyfermot college resource room, as well as the local library, had a wide selection of helpful and informative books which aided me in finding the relevant notes needed for the essay. The Ballymun public library was also helpful as it had a small but effective supply of the necessary books. The public library in my home town, Castleblayney, also proved to be beneficial in acquiring the necessary information on the classical Hollywood system. Because of my research I now have good understanding of this subject and its various topics. Film scholars have long divided narrative fiction films into three stylistic categories: classical, realist, and formalist. In the following essay I intend to discuss in detail the characteristic features of the classical Hollywood narrative style of film making. The narrative structure of this style and its known traits will be included as well the well known genres of the Western and film noir as examples of how it is utilized. The use of iconography as a means whereby visual motifs and style in films can be categorized and analyzed will additionally be included. The gender representation, in particular the representation of women, will also be integrated.
References: 1. Double indemnity ( Billy Wilder, 1944, US) 2 3. Marnie (Alfred Hitchcock, 1964, US) 4 5. Searchers, The (John Ford, 1956, US) 6