Defining Traits of the 1970s TV Shows: Camera Techniques and Plot Formulas

Television shows of the 1970s were known for their distinctive visual and narrative elements. These traits were often so unique and prevalent that they could signal to viewers when a show was from that era. This article delves into two such defining characteristics: a specific camera technique and the strict adherence to formulaic storytelling. By examining these aspects, we can better understand the cultural and technological context of 1970s television.

Unique Camera Techniques: The Quick Zoom

One of the most striking and recognizable visual techniques of 1970s television was the quick zoom. This camera method served a clear purpose: quickly drawing focus to an important character or detail within a scene. A typical example would involve a wide-angle shot of a crowd of people outdoors, followed by a pan that abruptly ceases and a rapid zoom in on a man in the background, perhaps on a balcony overlooking the scene.

While zoom shots existed before and after this period, there seems to be a unique prevalence and execution of this technique in the 1970s. The precise timing and use of the zoom to emphasize key characters are a hallmark of the era. Some speculate that this technique might have been encouraged by directors looking for a novel way to engage viewers or might have been a result of advances in camera technology that made smoother and quicker zooms possible.

Wartime Delusions and Cultural References: The Hiroo Onoda Case

Another defining trait of 1970s television was its tendency to reference historical events through quirky and often exaggerated plot points. Perhaps one of the most famous examples was the case of Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda, who remained in hiding in the Philippine jungle well after World War II ended in 1945. Onoda held onto the belief that the war continued and refused to surrender until December 1974, leading to an international sensation.

This case captured the imagination of Hollywood and, consequently, 1970s television viewers. Nearly every series felt compelled to include an episode or at least a humorous reference to a character who misunderstood the end of the war. This phenomenon is exemplified by the 1965 episode of Gilligan’s Island that revolved around a Japanese man who thought the war was still ongoing.

Strict Adherence to Formula: The Incredible Hulk Example

One of the most striking aspects of 1970s television was the strict adherence to formulaic storytelling. No show was immune to these patterns, but perhaps none more so than the cult classic The Incredible Hulk. Each episode began with David Banner moving into a new town, where he would inevitably become entangled in the lives of the locals. The narrative structure was almost scriptural: Banner would get involved, dramatic situations would ensue, and he would hulking out in the midst of the plot. The formula was guaranteed to culminate in a specific pattern each week: Banner would transform, save the day, but not in a way that endangered anyone, and then he would inevitably leave town before a tabloid reporter could expose him.

This level of formula was so pervasive that it almost became a parody of itself. The predictability of the plot was evident in the manner in which the show repeatedly built suspense to Banner transforming, and the viewer could practically read the script. While this formula might seem stifling and repetitive to modern viewers, it was a testament to the era's reliance on tried-and-true methods to engage audiences.

Conclusion

The 1970s were a time of distinct visual and narrative styles in television. From the quick zoom to the strict adherence to formulaic storytelling, these elements played a crucial role in shaping the television landscape of the period. These traits not only reflected the technological and cultural context of the era but also serve as a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of television as an art form.