Description
In this paper I discussed the role played by gender in the popularity of Dutch films in the 1930s. I explained the differences in popularity by using the concept of appropriation as defined by Willem Frijhoff. Appropriation revolves around the adaptation of cultural assets and, consequently,is dynamic and constantly changing. There is an interaction between the suppliers of a cultural product, such as a film, and an audience expressing positive or negative opinions. Positive reactions stimulate the creation of a similar product, hence the recurrent use of certain themes, genres, actors and so on.
The popularity of the films was established in an earlier investigation by mapping the distribution of all new films on the Dutch market for 12 months after their premiere between 1934 and 1935. Analysing the plotlines from almost the complete Dutch film production from 1934-1935 (16 of the 19 films) it becomes clear that the great majority of them revolve around the forming of romantic couples or problems of married couples. In the subplots of several films, an alternative version of the traditional men-women relationships is created. The roles played by Fientje de la Mar are exemplary in this regard.
I discussed how the relation between film popularity and recurring types and plot developments can reveal cultural preferences and societal norms and values.
| Period | 5 Jul 2023 |
|---|---|
| Event title | HoMER Conference 2023 : Openings: Rethinking Centres and Peripheries in Historical Research about Moviegoing, Exhibition and Reception |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Barcelona, SpainShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- film popularity
- gender relations
- Dutch films 1930s