The Art Deco style became closely associated with Hollywood primarily due to its timing and its aesthetic appeal. Art Deco emerged during the 1920’s and 1930’s, which coincided with the rise of the American film industry academy and the Golden Age of Hollywood.
There are a few key reasons why Art Deco and Hollywood became intertwined:
Modern and Glamorous Aesthetic: Art Deco is characterized by its sleek, modern, and glamorous aesthetic. The style features geometric shapes, bold lines, and ornate decorations, often using luxurious materials like marble, glass, and metal. This visual language resonated with the glamour and allure that Hollywood was trying to project onto its stars, films, and surroundings. The opulence and sophistication of Art Deco aligned well with the aspirations of the entertainment industry.
Escapism and Entertainment: The Great Depression hit the United States in the late 1920's and persisted into the 1930's. During this challenging time, people turned to entertainment, including movies, as a form of escapism. Hollywood capitalized on this by producing films that offered a glamorous and aspirational world, often set in luxurious settings with Art Deco-inspired designs. The Art Deco architecture and decor seen in theaters, movie palaces, and studios provided an ideal backdrop for this escapism.
Architectural Influence: The architecture of Hollywood California also played a role in connecting Art Deco with the film industry. Many theaters, studios, and public buildings in Hollywood and Los Angeles were designed in the Art Deco style. These buildings served as iconic landmarks and settings for various movies and events, further cementing the association between Art Deco and Hollywood.
Film Sets and Set Design: Art Deco's bold and visually striking elements lent themselves well to film set design. Movie sets could be created or decorated with Art Deco elements to evoke a particular mood, time period, or atmosphere. This allowed filmmakers to create visually captivating and immersive worlds on screen, enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
Cultural Symbolism: Art Deco's emphasis on luxury, elegance, and modernity aligned with the aspirations and values that Hollywood projected. This made it a cultural symbol of success, progress, and glamour—attributes that Hollywood wanted to embody as it gained global prominence.
In summary, the timing of the Art Deco movement and its visual characteristics aligned well with the needs and aspirations of Hollywood during its formative years. The style’s emphasis on modernity, luxury, and visual appeal made it a natural choice for the film industry, which sought to create an alluring and glamorous world that provided audiences an escape from the challenges of the time. As a result, Art Deco architecture, design, and aesthetics became deeply intertwined with the image and identity of Hollywood.