A Century Of Cinema Susan Sontag Summary

Films are a large part of our lives here in America where we depend on them to do when we’re bored with nothing to do, or when the snow or rain is falling. We all use movies as a common way to go on dates and be with friends. However, there has become an abundance amount of movies that we can all enjoy throughout our lives. Although not all movies are interesting to all viewers depending on their personality and what they like to watch. I can say for myself that a film that I really enjoy would be “Mean Girls”. In the two thousand four film “Mean Girls” there is a sense of entertainment that helps in combining all the aspects found in a classical film. Classical films having a entertaining and dramatic plot, and a excellent cast.

Notions surrounding the “death of cinema” have been infiltrating cinema discourses for many years now. As we move away from cinema in its ‘purist’ form, we have almost completely transitioned into the digital age, and with this transition, ideas and opinions on the ultimate fate of cinema have become more popular and important. Many contribute technological advances in film as the driving force behind the dissolution of cinema’s distinctive art form. Yet this involuntary “transformation” of cinema is but one “death” in a group of discourses. As Michael Witt (1999) summarizes in his article The death(s) of cinema according to Godard, cinema has suffered not a single death, but “a series of deaths”. Jean-Luc Godard has for many decades been at the forefront of the discussion surrounding the death of Cinema.

In the digital era of convergent media, the most obvious about the change of cinema is the storage which rely on celluloid that you can touch in the past. Now, however, it is stored as electronic packets of 1s and 0s which is virtual. The changes of the cinema is not only about the film storage, but also the production，post-production, exhibition and distribution which is the main part of the film industry structure. In the era of celluloid, the four steps of movie is relatively independent and has its sequence. In digital movie, whereas, the connection and integration among four parts of industry structure are ever close.

Mulvey, Laura. Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema (1975) - Laura Mulvey. Thesis. N.d. N.p.: Laura Mulvey, 1975. Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema (1975) - Laura Mulvey. NG Communications, 2006. Web. 20 Feb. 2014. .

It has been observed that many movies have gained or lost its reputation over the years. The values, attitudes and actions of people have changed as years have gone by, which is reflected in their changing opinions and expressions; the changing society behavior is responsible for the gain or loss of reputation of a particular movie over a period of time.

“The point of theatre is transformation: to make an extraordinary event out of ordinary material right in front of an audience 's eyes. Where the germ of the idea came from is pretty much irrelevant. What matters to every theatre maker, I know, is speaking clearly to the audience 'right now. '” This quote by English playwright and screenwriter, Lee Hall, from an essay he published in the Times of London, is central to the connection between theatre and motion picture technology. Since the rise of film in the early twentieth century, these elements have been influencing each other, and working together, to elevate the storytelling and experience of each medium and, in turn, better connecting them to the modern audience. The collaboration of these two mediums has resulted in a new form of theatre, known as digital theatre, that shows “theatrical entertainment does not have to be either purist (involving only ‘live’ actors on stage), or be consumed by the dominant televisual mass media, but can gain from the strengths of both types of communication.”(Masura). Throughout this paper, the intersection of theatre and motion picture technology will be explored through their effect on each other, in storytelling and experience, and the product of their collaboration—digital theatre.

So, now the question of how they could entertain without offending anyone come into play. Films from this period have been named the "Cinema of attractions" by film scholar Tom Gunning, in part, because they treat show over narrative. The popularity of film in its first decade was for some, a cause for concern. It faced challenges to produce longer pictures, which not only would advance their profitability, but also needed to be narrative, which in turn allowed films to carry ethical and good messages.

In “Could This Be the Year Movies Stopped Mattering?” by Brian Raftery, Raftery empathizes how present-day individuals are constantly absorbed towards social media and discover other alternatives to satisfy their entertainment needs. This led to the belief that movies are considered less significant. Furthermore, the author provides us with examples for instance, music, considered an unappreciated category of entertainment, yet unexpectedly, it is a resurgence and recurring item in today’s pop culture, and television, cinema’s long-time competitor in the entertainment industry. He also blames the sudden advancement based on the unexpected deaths of talented artists and a surplus of must hear albums from present artists. Meanwhile, in the year

In the article “Reinvent the Movie Theater: Wifi, Outlets, Lowlights, Second Screen Experience” by Hunter Walk, the author reveals the cinema's inability to adapt to a modern concept. By integrating advanced technology into theater experiences, Hunter Walk believes it would further elevate the ambiance; consequently, attracting a broader audience. This belief is built upon the fundamental principle of wants and needs. Walk conveys the idea of segregating similarly minded viewers into “environments which meet our needs” ultimately, optimizing pleasure. Walk communicates throughout his article, that creating a multifunctional space permitting the use of all technology will increase productivity. If the cinema introduced “wifi, outlets, lowlights”

Going to the movie theaters to watch the newest blockbuster hit is nothing out of the ordinary in todays era. This was not always the case, when motion picture’s first came to life it was more than just another film, it had audiences astonished and amazed at what they were seeing in front of their eyes. Very few people in todays generation go to view a film and look at it as an art form, this is not surprising with modern special effects and non stop explosions. Tracing cinema to its roots leads you to the 35mm film camera, the true foundation of modern cinematography. Technology is improving and expanding faster than ever

The essay has three sub-points, the first being how videos released for home viewing have amounted almost equal to the same film released in theaters. This is very contrary, because film was first invented and believed to be enjoyed in a movie theater on a big screen surrounded by strangers all focused solely on what is being projected on the screen in front of them. A quote in the essay, “we have “sacrificed” image quality and communion in the dark for increased selection, convenience, and wider geographic distribution of titles.” showcases how movies being released for home viewing have changed the way people watch and sometimes creates a less memorable experience while watching the film. While also providing access to films in

The world of film has changed dramatically over the years and will likely continue to change along with technological and professional developments. Like many modern innovations, film has changed substantially over a rather short period of time, from black and white movies to modernized color films. Still, it is impressive to think how far film has come, and looking back into the near past affords an appreciation of the technology that no longer exists. Thus my viewing experiences towards film have tremendously changed in recent years as I have become more and more immersed in its world.

Watching a film on TV is better than watching in theaters this how I’m going to prove my comparisons. It's annoying when you hear from friends what happens in the movie and it ruins the whole thing. It just isn't the same! It depends on, how good your surround system is and how big your TV is, and economic hardships today. It does not mean that the enjoyment of watching movies needs to be sacrificed. There is something to be said for big screen viewing; however, the home provides a comfortable, intimate, and common place for families to enjoy classic or newly released movies. Choosing to watch a movie at home is comfortable,

Cinema-going is one of the most popular out-of-home cultural activities, affecting a serious of social, economic and cultural phenomena in modern societies. Cinemas are considered to be an integral part of cities and they contribute to the definition of a local

What Sonntag here sentimentally mentions was a unique cinema experience, seeing a picture on a wide screen, coexisting in the particular time and space with other spectators. Being among strangers, nevertheless was a very communal experience and discussions after the screenings in cine clubs were a norm. The way we access and view films has changed dramatically. First of all film has moved out of its canonical location, spread to new environments – cable tv, mobile devices, digital and online world. Cinema’s