When you look at the 1920s era of film, it’s easy to see why these movies captivated audiences so much. Back in that time, films started to become mainstream forms of entertainment. Early in the decade, silent movies entertained audiences, and “talkies” finally began to come into play by the end of the decade. The classic films from this time period completely changed society, and everyone was able to love the same films due to there not being so many to choose from.
Entertaining the Masses
Entertaining the masses was something that the cinema was able to do easily. The old days of going to see live performances were over and the movie theaters in most major towns were all very popular. People were able to experience the same films, and this meant that people had many shared experiences to talk about with colleagues and neighbors. It was a different time, and cinema was a hugely important thing in people’s lives as it was one of only a few entertainment options that all classes enjoyed.
Movies with a Message
Filmmakers also realized that films had the potential to be powerful. You could use films to influence people’s thoughts and opinions on various subjects. Some directors and writers started to place messages and social commentary into these movies as a way of expressing themselves. The idea of creating movies that have something to say about the human condition began during this period, and it continued to the present day.
Fears About the Power of Cinema
Concerns about the power of cinema also existed during this period of time. When you consider that movies were still a new phenomenon, you can understand why people would be worried about how growing up with movies would impact the upbringing of the impressionable youth. Would the violence and dark plotlines of gangster movies somehow warp the minds of children?
Of course, the fears about the power of cinema were largely unfounded. Even so, it’s interesting to peer back in time and think about people fretting about the morality of the films of that era. They were very tame by today’s standards, but they were a completely revolutionary experience for the people of the time.