The Epic Fantasy
The 1950's was a decade of rebirth in the United States. World War II is over and America is starting to get back on their feet again. However, rebuilding a country is not easy, especially when the population of the country is scared of a new war on the horizon: The Cold War.The Cold War provided a perfect environment for the emergence of the Epic Fantasy. First, in the midst of the Red Scare, the American people were looking for inspiration for courage and bravery and what better way to instill that than through the use of heroes. Films such as Sinbad, Ben-Hur, and The Ten Commandments were produced in the 50's. From the other side of Pacific Ocean, legendary director Akira Kurosawa made one of the most influential films of the 20th century: The Seven Samurai(1954).
Sinbad captures the spirit of heroism that many audiences look to for inspiration
Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai
Rise of Science Fiction Films
Science Fiction is another genre flourished in the midst of the Cold War. Since the United States and Soviet Union were going head to head in the Space Race, the Final Frontier was never far from people's thoughts. The wonder about the mysteries of outer space and the fear of Soviet Russia was a perfect combination to bring about the emergence of science fiction films, monster films in particular.
Films such as The Day the Earth Stood Still(1951) and Invasion of the Body Snatchers(1956) were among the biggest sci-fi hits during the 50's. H.G. Wells War of the Worlds was made into a full-length feature in 1953. From Japan cinema emerged one of Japanese's most famous icons: Godzilla(1953)
The Cold War eventually ended in 1991, but the impact it had on cinema is everlasting. The 50's movies are gateways and a crucial step to modern day cinema.
