Development Of Film Essay

The second major period, that of the talking pictures, may be divided into three stages – by the rise of the big commercial film companies, the achievement of technological expertise, and the utter commercialization of the Filipino film. Significant developments maybe observed during that era. First is the rise of the star system. Following the Hollywood practice of building up stars, Filipino producers likewise contracted, trained, and promoted local movie personalities (many of them resembling American actors and actresses), who were Caucasion-looking and glamorous. These stars were cast in stereotype bida or kontrabida roles. A second development is the rise of the genre movies. Imitating Hollywood films, local movies now classed themselves into: the adventure or action movie, drama or melodrama, the musical comedy the comedy, and the historical film. (Maslog) With the closing down off big studios in the ‘60s and with the proliferation of the independent companies that cared for nothing but profit, the film sank into one of its lowest periods. The movies indulged its audiences in an orgy of escapism, pushing the star system to its limits

First decade saw the development of film directors and actors who were familiar with Italian neo-realists and surrealists, the French New Wave and the Japanese art films. These artists believed in film as art and entered the industry as “oddities.” But they later gained the acceptance and respect of their colleagues and audiences. Second, the decade witnessed the birth of new social consciousness, which was the product of activism in the early 70’s. The oppression and repression of Marcos’ dictatorial regime grew. Freedom of expression was curtailed through a string of censors’ bodies and the film artists were controlled through the government-controlled Film Academy of the Philippines.