BLOCKBUSTERS: EL CINE DE LOS 80 | Historia del Cine
Blockbusters and 80s Cinema
The discussion delves into the concept of blockbusters, their evolution from the 80s onwards, and their reflection of societal values and political influences during that era.
Evolution of Blockbusters
- Blockbusters since the 80s are characterized by large budgets, entertainment focus, renowned actors/directors, archetypal themes, and extensive promotion through merchandising.
- The term "blockbuster" originated in the 70s with films like "Jaws" (1975) and "Star Wars" (1977), setting a trend for summer releases targeting broad audiences.
Political Influence on 80s Cinema
- Ronald Reagan's presidency in the US during the 80s emphasized capitalist values, optimism, and heroism in response to reasserting American identity post-Vietnam War.
- Action heroes of the 80s often portrayed police or military figures combating foreign threats, reflecting Cold War tensions with a focus on patriotism.
Iconic Action Heroes
- Sylvester Stallone's roles in "Rocky" series transitioned to patriotic characters like Rambo; Arnold Schwarzenegger emerged as an action star with films like "Commando."
- Mel Gibson gained fame through "Mad Max," Eddie Murphy excelled in comedic action roles, while Bruce Willis rose to stardom with "Die Hard."
Impactful Directors
- Directors like Francis Ford Coppola ("The Outsiders"), Martin Scorsese ("Raging Bull"), Brian De Palma ("The Untouchables"), alongside Spielberg shaped cinema in the 80s.
- Steven Spielberg solidified his status as a blockbuster pioneer with iconic films such as "Indiana Jones," blending artistry with commercial success.
Canon Group and Revival
Explores Canon Group's influence on action cinema revival in the early 21st century through franchises like "The Expendables."
Canon Group's Contribution
- Canon Group led by Menahem Golan & Yoram Globus produced action-packed films starring Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, aligning with 80s ideals of explosions and martial arts.
Action Revival in Modern Era
- The resurgence of action blockbusters post-2000 featured stars like Schwarzenegger & Willis in ensemble casts like "The Expendables," embodying nostalgic appeal for fans.
The Influence of Spielberg and Lucas in 80s Cinema
This section discusses the significant impact of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg on 1980s cinema, highlighting their collaborations, mentorship roles, and the emergence of iconic films under their influence.
Collaborations and Mentorship
- George Lucas and Spielberg created Indiana Jones during a vacation, blending elements from James Bond and 1930s serials.
- Spielberg's film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" captured widespread passion, showcasing his ability to combine personal projects with mass consumption.
- Spielberg mentored directors like Joe Dante and Robert Zemeckis, fostering their careers in Hollywood.
Iconic Films and Directors
- Zemeckis found success with "Back to the Future" in 1985, a film emblematic of the era's essence directed by him.
- Columbus achieved acclaim with "Home Alone" and early Harry Potter films under Spielberg's guidance.
Evolution of Blockbusters: Lucas, Star Wars, and Fantasy Films
This segment explores George Lucas' role as a pioneer in blockbuster filmmaking through "Star Wars," his production ventures in fantasy films, and the cultural impact of these creations.
Pioneering Blockbusters
- Lucas supervised productions like "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," shaping the first Star Wars trilogy.
- The film "Howard the Duck," though not a box office hit, marked Marvel's entry into superproductions with its unique humor style.
Nostalgia for 1950s Values
- Many '80s films reflected nostalgia for 1950s values due to directors growing up in that era.
- Various filmmakers contributed to this trend with works like "Blade Runner," "Ghostbusters," and other iconic movies.
Rise of Horror & Thriller Genres in the 1980s
This section delves into the surge of horror genres during the '80s, focusing on slasher films' popularity, iconic characters like Freddy Krueger, John Carpenter's contributions to horror cinema.
Horror Genre Evolution
- Slasher films gained prominence post-"Texas Chainsaw Massacre" & "Halloween," leading to franchises like Friday the 13th.
- Freddy Krueger emerged as an iconic figure from Wes Craven's Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.
Directorial Contributions
Stephen King's influence on horror & fantasy genres is discussed here through adaptations of his novels into successful movies that resonated with audiences during this period.
King’s Literary Influence
New Section
This section discusses the influence of coming-of-age films on teenagers and their relationship with the surrounding world, highlighting a prominent figure in this genre.
Camino Face Películas de Madurez Protagonizada por Adolescentes
- Coming-of-age films starring teenagers explore their connection with the world around them.
- Mentioned film "Cuenta Conmigo" is an example of this genre.
- Emphasizes a man synonymous with such movies, John Hughes, known for works like "The Breakfast Club," "Sixteen Candles," and more.
New Section
The impact of coming-of-age films continues to resonate in contemporary cinema globally, especially influenced by technological advancements in the 1980s.
Influence of Coming-of-Age Films and Technological Advancements
- Despite John Hughes' death in 2009, his legacy in coming-of-age films endures.
- Coming-of-age themes still shape modern cinema worldwide.
- Technological advancements like IBM's PC in 1981 revolutionized filmmaking processes, enhancing editing and special effects capabilities.
New Section
The evolution of film consumption during the 1980s saw a shift towards analog formats like VHS, impacting movie-watching habits significantly.
Evolution of Film Consumption
- Introduction of VHS or Video Home Systems allowed viewers to watch movies at home through videocassette players.
- Videoclubs experienced a surge as renting movies became a popular ritual.
- Blockbuster emerged as a dominant video rental chain during this period due to the widespread adoption of VHS technology.
New Section
The cinematic landscape of the 1980s thrived on popular genres like action, fantasy, science fiction, horror, and comedy that entertained audiences while reflecting societal values.
Cinematic Trends and Genres in the 1980s
- Blockbuster films captivated audiences with technical excellence across various genres.
- These movies showcased emerging talents, introduced new faces to cinema, and provided endless hours of entertainment.