Ep 7. The Motion Picture

The Motion Picture episode from season 4 of Modern Marvels delves deep into the evolution of cinema. This comprehensive episode begins with the invention of the camera obscura, which is considered one of the first projection devices in history. From there, the episode touches on the birth of the motion picture industry in the late 1800s, how it adapted to sound, and the journey to the modern digital era.

One of the first topics covered by the episode is the Lumière Brothers’ cinematograph, which was inspired by the concept of the camera obscura. This device recorded and projected short films of everyday life, introducing the du monde filmmaking style. It is fascinating to see how such an old technology had such a significant impact on the cinema as we know it. The episode then goes on to explore the early days of Hollywood, where a few tycoons started to monopolize the industry. We learn about how the Motion Picture Patents Company, known as the Edison Trust, and its high licensing fees caused independent filmmakers and companies to move from New Jersey to California, starting what is today called Hollywood.

The episode does an excellent job of examining how sound changed the film industry forever through the introduction of Talkies in the late 1920s. Sound technology paved the way for a new type of film genre, including musicals. We get a glimpse of what it must have been like for actors like Charlie Chaplin and Rudolph Valentino, who had to adapt their acting style to a new art form. The episode discusses how the sound department worked and how microphones impacted actors and the filming process itself, especially the need for soundproof studios and dubbing.

After taking a trip down memory lane, we learn about the evolution of movies in the modern era. Advances in technology such as color films, CGI, and digital equipment revolutionized the way movies are made and consumed. The episode examines how advancement in technology has led to new techniques like 3D and IMAX, which offer an immersive cinematic experience never seen before.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is how it showcases the work of many talented people behind the scenes. These creatives - editors, sound technicians, cinematographers, and directors - have shaped the way we watch movies today. We see how films have gone beyond pure entertainment and have become a powerful tool for shaping culture and shaping people's lives.

It is amazing how this episode manages to show a complete history of cinema in just under 45 minutes. The Motion Picture episode from season 4 of Modern Marvels is a must-watch for anyone interested in the art and science of filmmaking. The episode is not too technical, which makes it accessible to the general public, yet its content is detailed enough to satisfy movie enthusiasts and students alike. The show does an incredible job of adding context to the industry, and it is an unmissable episode.