Classical Hollywood Cinema
Response Length: 400-500 words Using Mr. Smith Goes to Washington as an example, comment on how the film reflects Hollywood’s typical stylistic traits in studio-era films. In particular, talk about how the film’s design creates the “illusion of reality.” For instance, take a scene and talk about the mise-en-scene (the look of the film derived from the lighting, costumes, makeup, sets and props, etc.). How does director Frank Capra use the mise-en-scene to convince us that Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) is a naïve politician up against a political system that may crush his ideals? How does Capra’s visual style also engross us in the story with minimal confusion or distraction? ******This paper should directly focus on film analysis but not personal feeling.
