RTF 306 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Carl Mayer, Ernst Lubitsch, Socalled
Document Summary
Despite the fact that the german government had been closely involved in the creation and growth of ufa, the conglomerate was privatized after war. Second only to hollywood companies in global influence and power, particularly as it became a leader in europe -- leading the short-lived movement for a "cinema europe" and launching the careers of major european film talent. Consumers: germans had little extra cash for entertainment and movies were cheap! German film production: germany experienced serious unemployment rates so ufa and its producers could hire a ton of people at very low rates. Build huge sets, create enormous crowd scenes, sew elaborate, over-the-top costumes and hats. In essence, ufa can easily compete, if not "outdo," hollywood at big movie making. Uniquely expressive, "non-realistic" style, highly influential upon contemporary cinema"s visual language. Emphasis upon the role and centrality of set design (e. g. , elaborate lighting, geometrically oriented sets, etc)
