Hollywood 1930–1990 (comparative study)

This comparative study examines the evolution of Hollywood cinema from the classical studio era of the 1930s through to the post-classical, blockbuster-driven industry of the 1990s. You will analyse how Hollywood's industrial practices, narrative conventions, and visual styles changed in response to economic pressures, technological innovations, and shifting audience expectations. Key areas include the studio system and its vertical integration, the impact of the Paramount Decree (1948), the rise of television, the New Hollywood movement of the 1960s-70s, and the emergence of the blockbuster with films like Jaws (1975) and Star Wars (1977).

This topic is central to WJEC A-Level Film Studies because it allows you to explore the relationship between film as an art form and as a commercial product. By comparing films from different decades, you will develop skills in analysing how context—historical, social, and industrial—shapes film form and meaning. You will also engage with key critical debates, such as the auteur theory versus industrial determinism, and the extent to which Hollywood films reflect or challenge dominant ideologies.

Mastering this comparative study will enable you to write sophisticated essays that integrate close textual analysis with wider contextual knowledge. You will be expected to compare at least two films from different periods, discussing similarities and differences in areas such as narrative structure, character representation, mise-en-scène, cinematography, editing, and sound. The study also encourages you to consider the role of genre and star personas in maintaining audience appeal across decades.