Classical Hollywood Cinema

Classical Hollywood Cinema is a term by David Bordwell, Janet Staiger and Kristin Thompson. In a study, the authors completed an analysis on a random selection of 100 Hollywood films from 1917 to 1960. They concluded that during this period a distinctive cinematic style developed that they called classical Hollywood style. This style, was a set of unwritten rules which was widely accepted by film makers. These authors also believed that this style has become essential due to the world wide dominance of Hollywood cinema.

Hollywood cinema directors wanted the scenes in films to look both formal and real, despite being shot in a highly controlled environment. This was so that the surroundings looked real to the viewers.

Here are some examples of realistic and formal typical Hollywood scenes.