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The 1930s
This was the time of original gangster films, which often reflected underground crime (such as "G Men"). Since the Great Depression was in the 1930s, films also often reflected economic depression. For example, the novel "Of Mice and Men" was published in 1937 and adapted as a film in 1939, entailing the story of two migrant ranch workers, who move from place to place in search of new job opportunities during the Great Depression. -
The 1940s
With World War 2 lasting from 1939 - 1945, films during this time period were heavily focused on war themes, in which there were confused gender roles. A femme fetale woman was usually portrayed, who is mysterious and seductive, charming her lovers and often leading them into dangerous and deadly situations. The most successful film of the 1940s was "The Best Years of Our Lives". It entails the story of servicemen readjusting to the civilian life after coming home from the war. -
The 1950s
After the war, the release of Noir Films increased. There were very dark narratives and lighting. Alfred Hitchcock released his first American film in 1940, however his peak years were in the 1950s. His films were very centered around crime, psychological issues and an extremely dark narrative. Similar to the 1940s, these often included a femme fetale female role - stereotypically with blonde hair and red lipstick. -
The 1960s
Hundreds of full-length films were released in 1960, but since it was the "Swinging Sixties", films were a lot more light hearted and optimistic, frequently showing romantic and comedy narratives. Icconic films such as "The Sound of Music" and "Breakfast at Tiffanys" were released in the 1960s. There were also cheeky cockney characters, such as Michael Caine's role in "Alife". Noir and spy films also continued to be shown, as the first James Bond film "Dr. No" was released in 1962. -
The 1970s & 80s
The films of this period were very gritty gangster, showing hard hitting narratives that often featured a lot of drug use. Iconic and controversial film "A Clockwork Orange" was released 1971, which entails disturbing, violent images to comment of juvenile delinquency, youth ganags and economic subjects in a near-future dystopian Britain. Since America was going through an economic depression, films often featured that. -
The 1990s and Onwards
The 1990s was when the postmodernism movement took place (late 20th century), which caused the film industry to be overloaded with ideas, so themes often borrowed past ideas from histrocial film elements. There were also hybrid genres that were heavily stylised with blurred representations. Iconic film "Pulp Fiction" was released in 1994, being a clear example of a postmodern film. It's a hybrid of black comdey and crime genres. It's credited for its eclectic dialogue and nonlinear storyline.
