How WW2 Changed Cinema Forever
War has been portrayed on film since the invention of the moving image. From documentaries captured in the midst of the action, to dramatic reconstructions years later, war films are the closest most people will get to experiencing what a war is, or was, actually like. Filmmaking, and the many cinematic styles that have emerged throughout history, have done so as a direct result of what was going on in the world at the time. And the Second World War caused perhaps the most significant shift in cinematic storytelling of all time. In this video we’ll take a look at 2 legendary Hollywood directors, both of whom made movies before, during, and after the Second World War, and whose influence is still reflected in films being made to this day.
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This video includes short clips of films protected by copyright. These clips are used for the purpose of critical analysis and education in accordance with the fair dealing doctrine of UK copyright law. No endorsement of the film clips or their copyright holders is implied.
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The 1st world-war also had an effect on film directors and writers, particularly German emigres. But, you're absolutely right about those from the 2nd, as well. 'Best Years...' is still sadly relevant, and remains one of the best 'war movies', ever made. And 'The Searchers' explores the complexity of violence on both sides of westward-expansion, and still speaks to the madness, anger, fear, and regret that lie on both sides of an argument.
if not for the war, we probably would not have film noir with all that that entails. Homecoming veterans wondering what it was all about.