Approaches to periodization of cinema history: sociological analysis

The article analyzes some approaches to the periodization of the history of cinema. Particular attention is paid to technological, national (geographical) and synthetic (thematic) approaches. The technological approach considers cinema primarily as a set of relevant technologies that leave an imprint on all aspects of the production and consumption of film products. The national (geographical) approach focuses on the development of cinema in individual countries, taking into account the specifics of their social and cultural development. The synthetic (thematic) approach focuses on the specific social role and objectives of cinema, which are revealed through the content of films, but it also has to take into account technological developments and the role of the state in the functioning of cinema. The article substantiates the criteria for distinguishing individual stages in the development of cinema, presents the key characteristics of each period, and reveals the specifics of these approaches. It is emphasized that the synthetic approach has the greatest heuristic value for sociology, despite its complexity.