LA-Event - The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: A Journey Through Hollywood's Origins

By Mulder, Los Angeles, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 29 july 2024

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles has firmly established itself as a vital cultural institution dedicated to the celebration and exploration of the rich history and art of filmmaking. In 2024, the museum introduced a series of landmark exhibitions that offer an in-depth look at the roots and evolution of Hollywood, particularly focusing on the pivotal contributions of Jewish immigrants, the transformative use of color in cinema, and the lasting influence of the cyberpunk genre on global film culture.

One of the most significant exhibitions of the year, Hollywoodland: Jewish Founders and the Making of a Movie Capital, debuted in May 2024 and has quickly become a cornerstone of the museum's offerings. This exhibition, housed in the LAIKA Gallery, marks the museum's first permanent exhibit, underscoring its importance in telling the foundational story of Hollywood. Hollywoodland meticulously traces the origins of the American film industry, which took shape in the early 20th century amid a wave of Jewish immigration to the United States. These immigrants, many fleeing from antisemitic persecution in Europe, found in the burgeoning movie industry an opportunity to create new lives and redefine themselves in a country that was often hostile to their presence.

The exhibition details how Jewish founders such as Carl Laemmle of Universal Pictures, the Warner Brothers, and Louis B. Mayer of MGM, among others, were instrumental in building the Hollywood studio system. They not only shaped the artistic and business landscape of early American cinema but also embedded their cultural and social experiences into the fabric of Hollywood's identity. Hollywoodland explores how these pioneers, driven by the need to escape antisemitism and seek economic stability, turned Hollywood into a symbol of the American Dream—a place where stories of heroism, adventure, and romance could captivate audiences worldwide.

A central feature of Hollywoodland is its multimedia presentation, which includes a specially produced documentary titled From the Shtetl to the Studio: The Jewish Story of Hollywood. Narrated by Ben Mankiewicz, a prominent figure in film commentary, the documentary highlights how the personal histories of these Jewish founders influenced their professional trajectories and the kinds of films their studios produced. The exhibition also features an immersive topographical map of Los Angeles, illustrating the city’s transformation from a dusty outpost to the epicenter of the global film industry between 1902 and 1929. This period marked the opening of the first dedicated movie theater and culminated with the inaugural Academy Awards ceremony, a milestone that solidified Hollywood's status as the heart of American cinema.

The exhibition is not just a feast for the eyes but also an educational journey, offering insights into the psychological impact of color on audiences and the ways in which filmmakers across different eras and genres have harnessed color to enhance their storytelling. From the pioneering days of Technicolor to the sophisticated digital color grading techniques used in contemporary cinema, Color in Motion celebrates the artistry and technology that have made color an integral part of the cinematic experience.

This exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures creates a comprehensive narrative that connects Hollywood's past to the present and future of cinema. They reflect the museum's commitment to providing not only entertainment but also deep, thought-provoking experiences that engage visitors with the complex history and artistry of film. As the museum continues to evolve, these exhibitions stand as a testament to the power of cinema to influence, reflect, and shape society

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Photos and video  : Boris Colletier / Mulderville