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The Invention of the Kinetoscope
Thomas Edison and William Dickson invent the Kinetoscope, an early motion picture viewer. -
First Public Film Screening
The Lumière brothers hold the first public film screening in Paris, often marked as the birth of cinema. -
The Introduction of Narrative Films
Georges Méliès begins making narrative films, introducing special effects. -
The Introduction of Narrative Editing
The Great Train Robbery by Edwin S. Porter introduces narrative editing. -
The Birth of a Nation
D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation showcases advanced techniques (but is controversial for racism). -
The Rise of Hollywood
The rise of Hollywood as the global center of filmmaking. -
Start of the Sound Era
The Jazz Singer, the first “talkie”, debuts, marking the start of the sound era. -
Introduction of Technicolor
Studios like MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount dominate. Technicolor introduced (The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind). -
One of the Greatest Years in Film
Widely known as one of the greatest years in film history due to the release of several iconic films, including "Gone With the Wind", "The Wizard of Oz", and "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington". -
WWII Influence and the Rise of Film Noir
World War II significantly influenced the rise of film noir, a genre known for its cynicism and portrayal of a disillusioned America. -
Films Adaption to the Television
Films adapt to TV competition with widescreen, 3D, and epic productions. -
Rebel Without a Cause
Rebel Without a Cause popularizes youth-centered cinema and significantly impacts the portrayal of teens in film. -
Rise of International Cinema
Rise of international cinema, such as the French New Wave and Japanese cinema. Method acting becomes dominant. -
Directors Auteur Projects
Directors like Spielberg, Scorsese, Coppola, and Lucas redefine film with auteur-driven and distinctive approaches for projects. -
Jaws Summer Blockbuster Model
Jaws creates the summer blockbuster model, setting the stage for future films. The film's success proved that summer could be a prime time for big-budget movies. -
Stars Wars Revolution
Star Wars revolutionizes special effects and merchandising, with groundbreaking techniques and creating character-based toys. -
The Rise of Home Video
Big-budget franchises (Indiana Jones, Back to the Future) and the rise of home video (VHS). -
Introduction of CGI
CGI emerges with Jurassic Park and Toy Story. Indie cinema gains public traction with Pulp Fiction. -
Titanic Breaks Box Office Records
Titanic becomes the first movie to gross over one billion dollars worldwide. -
The Rise of Superhero Films
Digital projection and editing replace film. The rise of superhero films such as Spider-Man and The Dark Knight (Batman). -
Advances in 3D Cinema
Avatar advances 3D cinema and motion capture. -
Rise of Streaming Platforms
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu reshape distribution and film viewing habits. -
Shift to Streaming-First Releases
COVID-19 lockdown accelerates the shift to streaming-first releases. -
Rise of Debate Over Theatres vs. Streaming
Rise of the debate over theatres vs. streaming. AI and virtual production, such as The Mandalorian, gain ground. -
Evolution of Interactive Cinema
Evolution of interactive cinema with AR/VR and AI-generated content.