11. Nanook or the North 1. In the about? 1920's what were the films in the United States; 2. What was the movie "Nanook of the North'about? 3. What name was the movie given? 4. Why was Nanook of the North so popular? 5. Why did Flaherty make the film?

1. In the 1920s, films in the United States were largely silent films. Hollywood was booming, and genres like Westerns, comedies (slapstick often featuring Charlie Chaplin or Buster Keaton), romances, and action/adventure films were popular. This era saw the development of more complex narratives and filmmaking techniques.<br /><br />2. "Nanook of the North" depicts the life of an Inuit family, purportedly Nanook, his wife Nyla, and their children, in the Canadian Arctic. It shows their traditional methods of hunting walrus and seal, building igloos, and surviving the harsh environment.<br /><br />3. The movie was given the name "Nanook of the North: A Story Of Life and Love in the Actual Arctic."<br /><br />4. "Nanook of the North" was popular for several reasons:<br /><br />* **Exotic Location and Subject Matter:** It offered audiences a glimpse into a culture vastly different from their own. The Arctic setting and the Inuit way of life were fascinating to viewers who had never experienced anything like it.<br />* **Perceived Realism:** While staged to some extent, the film was presented as a documentary, giving audiences the impression they were witnessing authentic Inuit life. This "fly-on-the-wall" perspective was novel at the time.<br />* **Humanizing Portrayal:** Despite the cultural differences, the film portrayed Nanook and his family as relatable human beings struggling to survive. Audiences connected with their resilience and resourcefulness.<br /><br />5. Robert Flaherty, the filmmaker, made "Nanook of the North" for a combination of reasons:<br /><br />* **Exploration and Adventure:** Flaherty was drawn to the Arctic and its people. He had spent time in the region previously and was fascinated by their way of life.<br />* **Ethnographic Interest:** He wanted to document and preserve a culture he believed was disappearing due to modernization. While his methods were not strictly anthropological, he aimed to capture a record of traditional Inuit life.<br />* **Artistic Expression:** Flaherty saw filmmaking as a way to tell stories and create art. He used cinematic techniques to convey the beauty and hardship of life in the Arctic.<br />