To appropriately define film history is challenging, as film itself has become a multidimensional art form. Nevertheless, there are various ways to categorize the timeline.

Viewing film history in a technological perspective may be a good way to begin with. In terms of the evolution of filmmaking equipment, from the cinematograph invented by Lumiere brothers, to the modern digital camera. The development and prosperity of filmmaking techniques, such as point of view shot and tracking shot. In 1905, the famous British director Cecil Hepworth treats his audience to possibly the first ever “chase’ film ‘Rescued by Rover’.Meanwhile, the French filmmakers like the Pathe Freres during that era have less focus on the narrative and more on creating something visually stunning. They were known to have a more theatrical touch and it could be said that films from France look a lot like a silent staged opera or theatrical performance as they were often filmed indoors and featured lighting techniques and costumes to show off their artistry.

cinematograph  from: http://www.victorian-cinema.net/machines

modern digital camera  from https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/cameras

One could also explore the timeline of films with movements in mind. Noting pre-cinema period around the 1890s, where films had become a newform of entertainment; Soviet montage, films were broadly served as political propaganda; the narrative storytelling and rule setting classical Hollywood; along with the French new wave and their desire to shoot more current social issues etc.

It is always intriguing to investigate the messages that films in a different time and political background conveyed to spectators. In recent years, a few filmmakers like Edgar Wright, Trey Parker, and Matt Stone have taken to political or stylized films and have parodied them, sometimes to evoke a deeper political message through the filter of comedy, and other times to poke fun at a specific style of film from Hollywood. This allows the audience to look at movies from another perspective which for the political world of today is important. However, looking back in time where films were first introduced to the public, the intention of showing off the fresh filming techniques seems to outweigh the motive of storytelling.All in all, many questions such as “what gadgets were invented and used to produce films” “how was film affected by historical events” and “why did filmmakers make films in certain period” need to be asked because they help us to understand better and eventually enable us to give our own response to the ultimate question of “what is the history of film”.

All in all, many questions such as “what gadgets were invented and used to produce films” “how was film affected by historical events” and “why did filmmakers make films in certain period” need to be asked because they help us to understand better and eventually enable us to give our own response to the ultimate question of “what is the history of film”.

Written by: Group A

Ryan Allen, Ifan Samuel, Clarisse Dembinski, Yi Lam Lau