Movie lovers!

Movies! Oh, what a dreary world it would be without the magic of those captivating moving pictures!

We have used this brilliant cinematic invention to depict and tell stories of the various aspects of our lives as well as bring to life our fantasies on screen.

Over time, movie creators and storytellers have leveraged this medium of visual arts to showcase and communicate their stories to audiences. This has played a significant role in shaping societal beliefs and values.

Without a doubt, movies have become an integral part of our daily lives, serving as one of the best sources of entertainment. So, to pay homage to the big screen industry, it’s fitting to explore its humble beginnings and journey through the world of movies.

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A brief history of the evolution of motion pictures

1800s: The pioneer inventors of motion pictures

Five prominent names emerge when discussing the pioneers of movie invention, as these innovators kickstarted the concept of motion pictures.

Eadweard Muybridge

He was an English photographer who is renowned for developing the zoopraxiscope. Muybridge’s groundbreaking zoopraxiscope lit up screens with illusory motion, projecting his meticulously captured photographs in rapid-fire sequence to vividly animate the world’s first moving images. His pioneering work focused on capturing the movement of horses. ¹

Etienne-Jules Marey

A French physiologist and chronophotographer, made a significant impact with his invention—the photographic gun. This device snapped 12 consecutive photos per second on a single glass plate, providing detailed insights into the movement of animals and objects. Marey’s groundbreaking work significantly advanced our understanding of locomotion and left an enduring mark on the study of motion. ²

Louis Le Prince

A French artist known as the “Father of Cinematography,” invented an early motion-picture camera. He is credited with potentially shooting the first moving picture sequence using a single-lens camera and paper film. His seminal work includes “Roundhay Garden Scene,” considered the first complete motion picture ever made. ³

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison, the renowned American inventor, revolutionized motion pictures with the invention of the Kinetoscope. This groundbreaking device allowed individual viewers to watch short films through a peephole, making it the first commercially successful motion picture device. Edison’s innovation forever shaped the course of cinematic history. ⁴

The Lumière Brothers

The breakthrough in cinematic history occurred when the Lumière brothers unveiled their revolutionary Cinématographe invention. Operating as a camera, projector and printer all in one device, the Cinématographe marked the authentic genesis of cinema. On December 28, 1895, the Lumière brothers held the first-ever public screening of their films in Paris – an event now regarded as the official birth of cinema. ⁵

1900s: The rise of iconic filmmakers

The arrival of the Cinématographe sparked remarkable technological advancements in cinema over the coming century. Here are the names worth mentioning for their iconic works that significantly contributed to the film industry.

Silent films

When we think of silent, comedic, and black-and-white films, we immediately think of Charlie Chaplin. Filmmakers of this era had to pioneer innovative storytelling techniques and visual styles to convey a narrative effectively without the aid of sound.

D.W. Griffith: “The Birth of a Nation” (1915).
Charlie Chaplin: “The Tramp.”
F.W. Murnau: “Nosferatu” (1922) and “Sunrise” (1927).

Sound films

This period marked a transformative introduction of sound and color, reshaping filmmaking and enhancing audience engagement. The addition of sound effects created a more immersive atmosphere, elevating the cinematic experience.

Warner Bros.: “The Jazz Singer” (1927)
Walt Disney: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) and “Fantasia” (1940).
Alfred Hitchcock: “The 39 Steps” (1935) and “Rebecca” (1940).
Orson Welles: “Citizen Kane” (1941).

Golden age of Hollywood

The Golden Age of Hollywood epitomized a period of unparalleled creativity, innovation, and diversity in filmmaking, mirroring the evolving social, cultural, and political landscape post-war.

Iconic films that emerged during this era include “The 400 Blows” (1959), “Breathless” (1960), “Bicycle Thieves” (1948), “Rome, Open City” (1945), “The Graduate” (1967), “Easy Rider” (1969), “Star Wars” (1977), and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (1977).

These landmark movies captured the changing times through bold new styles and techniques.

2000s: The rise of digital filmmaking

The 2000s marked a significant transformation in cinema, defined by major technological progress, the revival of classic genres, and the emergence of global movie franchises.

One innovation that truly made a significant change in moviemaking is computer-generated imagery, or what we commonly call CGI effects. With CGI, filmmakers can create virtual realities without the reliance on extensive physical elements traditionally needed in filmmaking.

This technology has revolutionized the industry, providing filmmakers with unprecedented creative freedom and the ability to bring imaginative worlds to life. Films like Avatar (2009), The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), and The Marvel Cinematic Universe (2008–present) heavily relied on CGI effects.

The evolution of media content delivery in the current digital age has been truly remarkable. The emergence of streaming services and digital platforms has revolutionized how the public consumes visual entertainment.

Individuals can now conveniently pay for and access movies, series, and various forms of visual arts from the comfort of their homes. Thanks to the rise of streaming services, you can now watch your favorite movies and series wherever you go.

The genres of movies

Now, we can’t discuss movies without mentioning their genres. Often, we rely on these categories when scrolling through our streaming apps to decide what type of movies to watch.

We have so many genres but here are a few favorites. To provide a unique perspective, we’ll be describing these genres based on the emotions they evoke during viewing.

Drama

This genre is a rollercoaster of emotions, making you shed tears, feel the weight of sorrow, experience sentimental moments, empathize deeply with characters, foster hope, and, in the end, perhaps find a well-deserved slice of happiness.

Romance

Enter the realm of desires, where emotions are painted in the hues of longing, happiness, and nostalgia. It inspires you to have a love life.

Comedy

Step into the realm of laughter and lightness. This genre invites you to chuckle, smile, be amused, and find humor in the mundane. It just gives you a breather from all that stress in your life.

Action and adventure

Buckle up for an adrenaline-fueled ride! This genre sweeps you off your feet, leaving you exhilarated, excited, thrilled, in awe, and dangling on the edge of suspense. It gives you that hype to crush your problems and explore new things.

Horror and suspense

Brace yourself for the spine-chilling experience that is horror and suspense. These genres take you on a journey through fear, tension, shocks, and occasional disgust. It throws you into a full-on paranoia mode when you walk into an empty dark room.

Science fiction and fantasy

Embark on a journey of boundless imagination. This genre sparks curiosity, cultivates wonder, elicits awe, and brings excitement. It unlocks the doors of your imagination, beckoning you to explore the vast possibilities and mysteries that lie in the great beyond.

LGBTQIA+

Introducing a fresh addition to the diverse array of genres. This one invokes deep understanding, empathy, sparks anger against prejudice, encourages acceptance, celebrates freedom, and embraces love. It’s high time for this community to rise, advocating for equal treatment and recognition.

What to watch

Resources:

¹Eadweard Muybridge – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eadweard_Muybridge

²Étienne-Jules Marey – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89tienne-Jules_Marey

³Louis Le Prince – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_Le_Prince

⁴Thomas Edison – Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison

⁵The Lumière Brothers, Pioneers of Cinema: https://www.history.com/news/the-lumiere-brothers-pioneers-of-cinema