The correct spelling of the term "feature movie" is pronounced as /ˈfiːtʃər ˈmuːvi/. The first syllable of "feature" sounds like "fee" and the second syllable sounds like "ture." The word "movie" is pronounced as "moo-vee." This phrase is used to refer to a full-length film that serves as the main attraction of a movie theater or film festival. "Feature movie" is different from "short film" and usually has a running time of 60 minutes or more.
A feature movie, also known as a feature film, is a long-format cinematic production that typically lasts over 60 minutes in duration. It is the most common type of film created for public exhibition and commercial distribution. Feature movies encompass a vast array of genres, including drama, comedy, action, romance, horror, science fiction, and more, aiming to provide entertainment, storytelling, and artistic expression.
Typically, feature movies are characterized by their elaborate production values, higher budgets, advanced technical aspects, and professional actors. These films are intended for wide theatrical release and often aim to engage and captivate a broad audience. Feature movies are created by professional film studios or independent production companies, who invest substantial financial resources to ensure the highest quality of production.
Featuring a well-developed narrative, feature movies often follow a specific plot structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. The storyline can revolve around one or multiple central characters, exploring their lives, adventures, conflicts, relationships, or other significant aspects of their journey.
While primarily enjoyed in cinemas, feature movies are also released through various mediums, such as DVDs, streaming platforms, and television networks. They hold a prominent position in the entertainment industry, serving as a cultural and social medium that contributes to the collective storytelling experience of societies worldwide.
The etymology of the word "feature movie" can be traced back to the early days of cinema. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, films were typically short in duration, ranging from a few minutes to about half an hour. These short films were often shown in theaters as part of a program that included several different films as well as other entertainment acts.
Around the 1910s, as the film industry developed and grew, certain films began to stand out due to their longer duration compared to the typical shorts. These longer films became known as "feature films" or "feature presentations" because they were the main attraction, or "feature", of the program.
The term "feature" itself has a broader origin and was originally used in the theater industry to describe the main act or performance. With the rise of cinema, the term was adopted to refer to the main film attraction of a program.