Unpacking the Significance of 1946 in History: The Mistranslation that Shaped Culture Trailer
In the year 1946, a mistranslation played a significant role in shaping the world of cinema as we know it today. This particular error led to the creation of what is known as the “Culture Trailer,” a type of trailer that comes before the main feature and offers a glimpse into the cultural and social context of the film.
The story began with a film called “La Bataille du Rail,” a French documentary about the resistance movement during World War II. When the film was released in the US, it was accompanied by a trailer that highlighted its social and cultural significance. This trailer was so well-received that it spurred other filmmakers to create similar trailers for their films.
However, when the French film “Les Jeux Sont Faits” was released in the US in 1947, a mistranslation occurred in the subtitling of the film’s trailer. The original trailer was focused on the themes of love and existentialism, but the mistranslation made it seem like the film was about chance and luck. This mistake led to a surge in interest in the film, but it also gave birth to a new type of trailer: the Culture Trailer.
The Culture Trailer became popular in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly in the art cinema world. These trailers would feature interviews with the filmmakers and clips of the film that showcased its cultural and social significance. They were used to attract audiences who were interested in cinema as an art form, rather than just entertainment.
While the Culture Trailer may have become less common in recent years, its legacy can still be seen in the way that filmmakers promote their films. Many filmmakers today create trailers that showcase the cultural and social themes of their films, hoping to draw in audiences who are interested in more than just action and special effects.
In conclusion, the mistranslation of the trailer for “Les Jeux Sont Faits” in 1946 may have been a mistake, but it had a profound impact on the world of cinema. The birth of the Culture Trailer opened up new possibilities for filmmakers to engage with their audiences on a deeper cultural and social level. While the specific type of trailer may have fallen out of favor, its legacy can still be seen in the way that filmmakers approach the promotion of their films.
