The Golden Age of Hollywood: Can Its Grandeur Be Regained?

Hard to replicate a bygone era. Who will be the new Humphrey Bogart? The new Cary Grant? Greta Garbo? Ingrid Bergman…

Reviving the Golden Age

The Golden Age of Hollywood was a time of considerable talent and innovation in the film industry. Created during the mid-20th century, it was characterized by big studios that had all the talent—directors, actors, writers, composers—under contract and tied exclusively to them. However, a combination of historical and social factors has led to a decline in the grandeur and talent of Hollywood.

The Decline of the Golden Age

History keeps moving on. After World War I, small studios merged into large studios. The storefront Nickelodeons of the 1920s gave way to grand motion picture palaces. To top it off, government regulations eliminated studio ownership of movie theaters and the block-booking of feature films, further contributing to the demise of the Golden Age cinema. This decline not only affected the film industry but also led to the disappearance of many great films.

Modern Filmmaking Landscape

Stand-alone studios of the 1930s and 1940s have merged into giant entertainment conglomerates. Mainstream filmed entertainment doesn't exclusively come from Southern California anymore but from where government subsidies are largest, like Georgia. In fact, many big movie studios are located in Georgia due to the state government offering huge incentives. This shift to cost-effective locations has contributed to changes in the filmmaking industry.

The environment that powered the so-called “Golden Age” has disappeared, but the label has always been an illusion. People remember the movies that have endured through time… the Red River, Citizen Kane, Robin Hood, and Casablanca, but they forget all the junk that’s vanished down the memory hole. And who gets to say what a Golden Age film was a classic, anyway?

The Case of Casablanca

Even Casablanca, often called the ultimate Golden Age classic, has its detractors. Julius Epstein, one of the writers of the film, famously said: “If I’d known Casablanca was going to be a classic, I would have paid more attention… I don’t understand its huge success. … Just a routine assignment. Frankly, I can’t understand its staying power. If it were made today, line for line, each performance as…”

Can Hollywood Regain the Golden Age?

One could argue that the elements that made the Golden Age of Hollywood great—consistent talent, government support, and a focused industry—have changed beyond recognition. However, there is still hope that Hollywood can regain its former glory. In recent years, filmmakers have started to pay homage to the Golden Age, creating films that honor the storytelling and craftsmanship of the past while bringing it into the modern context.

For instance, some modern filmmakers are adopting the epic storytelling style of the Golden Age. Films like Dunkirk, directed by Christopher Nolan, and Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, have been praised for their gripping narratives and meticulous filmmaking. Additionally, a renewed focus on entertainment value and cultural significance could help Hollywood reignite its grandeur.

However, for Hollywood to truly regain the Golden Age, it needs to address the modern challenges such as shifting audience preferences, the rise of streaming services, and the loss of theatrical experiences. If Hollywood can effectively navigate these changes and continue to produce high-quality films that resonate with audiences, there is a chance that the Golden Age can be revived.

Ultimately, the question of whether Hollywood can return to the heights of its Golden Age is a complex one. While the ecosystem and talent pool have changed significantly, the potential for great storytelling persists. By embracing the lessons of the past and adapting to the present, Hollywood may yet regain its former grandeur.