The History of Motion Pictures Essay Sample

The invention of the Motion Picture is credited to brothers Louis and Auguste Lumiere, in 1895 France. Their interest in film stemmed from their father’s photography business, as they wanted to produce an alternative and cheaper way for film production. They created a device called the “Cinèmatrophe”that could both capture and project images in motion, completely revolutionizing the way people were able to interact with photographs. Now photos could come to life! The Motion Picture is among the longest- lasting inventions of the Industrial Revolution, and has and is always bettering the entertainment industry, changing the way people see each other, and bringing very important messages to the public in a fast, and accessible way. 

The invention of the Motion Picture radically changed the entertainment industry. Prior to the invention, people enjoyed live theater. Performances of all different genres, with huge crowds, but what is more revolutionary than theater, on a screen? By creating the Motion Picture, those who loved theater, and other forms of entertainment could experience them in a new more accessible way, as time went on, people could watch movies anywhere, as long as there was a projector.  Also, the Motion Picture jumpstarted the movie theater and online film streaming industry which are huge moneymakers. Major corporations like Netflix, Hulu, or AMC rely on movies, tv shows, and films of all sorts for profit. Importantly, at a time that was so heavily reliant on social classes, “The theaters of early days made no segregation of seats based on class or price. They were equally accessible to both the rich and the poor.” (The Great Course Daily). These aspects of cinema business have allowed the Motion Picture to grow in popularity, and also, stay inclusive to all. 

Since the Motion Picture was created, people have been able to understand their world, and come together, more than ever before. Watching films in the cinema, enabled people to connect on a deeper emotional level, and experience new feelings, as they watched engaging stories unfold on a screen. Going to the “Movies enabled people to travel the world vicariously, and experience tragedy, love, and nearly every other emotion.” (PBS American Experience). People craved to hear not only hear and see stories, but they also wanted to feel like they were part of the action. This is just one of the many reasons that the Motion Picture changed the way people viewed each other, and also, their surroundings.

The Motion Picture could do more than just be a fun source of entertainment. Among the important features of films is its convenient way of broadcasting messages to the public. “Cinema has become a powerful vehicle for culture, education, leisure and propaganda.” (Thought Economics). At first, the Motion Picture was solely for the wonder and awe that came with being able to watch drawings, and people come to life. However, it developed into an outlet for people to spread their ideas, good or bad, they knew these films were easily accessible, and easy bait for eager viewers. People today still use film to broadcast messages to the public in form of news stories that cover anything and everything, including, politics, public health, and current events, or in the form of advertisements that can lure buyers of goods and experiences

Overall, the Motion Picture is the most important, and one of the longest-lasting inventions from the Industrial Revolution. Because of the Motion Picture, society changed for the better, as the invention allowed for people of all ages and backgrounds to be entertained. The entertainment industry also grew to be extremely influential. The popularity of short videos today on Youtube, Tik Tok, or Instagram originated from the idea of the Motion Picture. People have also learned to connect to each other and feel new emotions through film, and as years went on, the Motion Picture became an outlet for ideas to spread and important messages to be broadcast to the public. The Motion Picture has enabled us to see and experience news events more realistically and in real-time, thereby not only making an impact but also changing the world and providing a much-needed shift in perspective.