Book Critique: Architects of the Screen by Jane Barnwell

A thoroughly interesting read because it has such strong links to my current project, What if? Metropolis. I recognised many of the example films mentioned, including Metropolis, The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, and King Kong. I also recognised films I have watched in my spare time including Taxi Driver and Blade Runner.

"the set often operates as another character: one that does not speak but communicates through images as much or as little as it is designed to." - should I be critiquing sets using this frame of mind? discussing them as characters?

"American film noir can be seen to pick up on many of the themes of real architecture and streets. This was partially the result of German exiles working in Hollywood during the 1940's and 1950's, transporting the Weimar street film with the American gangster."

"The decline in modernism (…) during the 1930's, these trends could be seen as an indication of fear for the future and wish to return to comfort and security of the past". - a contradiction to the flamboyant and boastful attitudes suggested by the directors and producers of King Kong.

"rather than attempt museum-like reproductions found In the British cinema, Hollywood designs usually tried to evoke the spirit of the period" - therefore, an understanding and awareness of their day to day environment is imperative. 

"film and television are fantastic documents of time loved in"

"the studio system in America grew from strength to strength" - an unusual outcome of a country declining in modernism...