A film can be a film tape or a cinematographic work.
A film is a film or cinematographic tape . The term comes from the English word film , which is also accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE) in its dictionary.
celluloid tape
In the most limited or technical sense, a film is a celluloid tape with still images that, when projected consecutively and in very rapid succession, produce the optical illusion of movement. Such is the definition of the concept of cinematographic film .
This is the name given to the roll of celluloid that presents multiple photographs , which are projected on a screen or other type of flat surface thanks to a cinematograph .
Cinematograph
The cinematograph is the device that makes it possible to record and project films. The succession of images on the screen at a certain speed generates the sensation of movement : in this way, viewers do not see isolated photos, but rather a continuity .
This historic device was invented by the Lumière brothers, Louis and Auguste, at the end of the 19th century. It is considered one of the first devices of its kind. Note that the term cinematographer was also used to refer to cinema in general in its early years.
The cinematograph was patented in 1895 and was based on the principle of motion photography . The device combined a film camera, a projector, and a developing and playback mechanism in a single device. This allowed the Lumières to film scenes, develop sensitive material and project it on a screen for an audience to see.
The tape used by the cinematographer was flexible, 35 mm wide, which allowed images to be captured in sequence. It was equipped with a crank that was turned to advance the film through the camera and projector . The projection speed was approximately 16 frames per second , which provided an illusion of fluidity when the images were played back.
cinematographic work
It is important to mention that a cinematographic work is also called a film. All films are often referred to simply as cinema .
Therefore, this meaning of film defines it as a work that tells a story , whether fictional or documentary .
Those who create a film or cinematographic work want spectators to see it (that is, to attend the projection of the images). Many people are involved in the creation of a film, participating in multiple processes: there is a director , scriptwriters , actors , cameramen , sound engineers , etc.
The Lumière cinematograph laid the foundations for future film recording and projection technologies.
Three classic films
The following classic films represent different genres and eras, but all of them are considered classics of cinema and have left a lasting mark on the industry and in the memories of viewers.
- "Casablanca" (1942) : Set during World War II, "Casablanca" follows the story of a cafe owner (played by Humphrey Bogart ) in Casablanca, Morocco, who becomes caught in a love triangle when his former love ( Ingrid Bergman ) reappears in his life. It is a classic of romantic cinema and is full of iconic dialogues and memorable moments;
- "The Godfather" (1972) : Directed by Francis Ford Coppola , "The Godfather" is an epic saga that tells the story of the Corleone mafia family. It focuses on the rise to power of Michael Corleone (played by Al Pacino ) and explores themes of loyalty, revenge and morality. It is widely considered one of the best films of all time, with outstanding performances and a masterfully constructed narrative;
- "Citizen Kane" (1941) : Considered a masterpiece of cinema, "Citizen Kane" is the life story of Charles Foster Kane , media magnate, played by Orson Welles . The film uses innovative narrative and visual techniques to explore Kane's ambition, corruption and loneliness. It is known for its non-linear structure and its influence on cinematographic language.