In American society, the advent of the political cartoon allowed for the general population to talk about taboo or relevant topics whilst still being entertained. Decades later, various forms of media and stand-up comedians incorporate prevalent issues into their comedy, ultimately allowing for the American people to be informed and to communicate about some of the most important issues of their time.
In Charlotte E. Howell’s, “Tricky” Connotations: Wonder Woman as DC’s Brand Disruptor,” Howell argues the many points on how DC Comics failed to represent Wonder Woman in a superhero leading role for many years. The author discusses how DC failed to see that the comic book industry fan base consisted not only of males, but also, many female fans as well (141-142). In addition, she points out DC’s use of the word “tricky” in regards to marketing and film production for Wonder Woman; DC Comics couldn’t come up with a way to envision an on screen leading role for Wonder Woman or how to market one (142). As a result, Howell gives examples of how the fans weaponized the term “tricky” to show DC’s business failings (141-143). Furthermore, she points out how the many scripts were leaked and how the public scrutinized the writers on their attempts to represent an accurate Wonder Woman character (144-145). Similarly, she discusses how many female directors were afraid to even attempt to direct a Wonder Woman film (149). Altogether, Howell argues many valid points along with examples of the gender bias in popular culture. With her focus on DC Comics and their failed attempts to market and produce a film for a character, such as Wonder Woman, was a solid representation of the gender bias that has and continues to exist in popular culture.
The argument made by the author Robert Sklar in his book Movie-Made America has to do with the impact that American movies have had on the country's culture and society as a whole. Sklar says this by stating that, “American movies, through much of their span, have altered or challenged many of the values and doctrines of powerful social and cultural forces in American society, providing alternative ways of understanding the world.” (6470). Throughout his book Sklar goes through the history of film in American culture and analyzes how different American film’s have impacted our country in different ways, and vice versa.
The mass media have enormous influence of the perceptions in the United States of America. It effects our decisions in one day or another through commercials advertising their products, our thoughts on what is considered “beautiful” and shift the interest of social issues from one point to another. Films are no different in this case when it comes to adapting historical events—the message, themes, and overall tone and structure of the film can contribute Americans into thinking one way about certain events in American history—regardless of whether or not the accuracy of those events is consistent. Although there are positive outcomes of films dealing with topics because it brings forth conversation, negative outcomes drives from the inaccuracies
The movie, She’s Beautiful When She’s Angry, is a documentary about the history of the feminist movement throughout the end of the 1960s and 1970s. The film presents the standards of the time and how each group of feminists responded to the sexism they faced because of these standards. The film interviews the leading feminists of the time. It discusses the issues the women faced, like abortion rights, equal pay, and misogyny, when they were fighting for equality for women. The women interviewed were large feminist icons like, Betty Friedan and Muriel Fox. The film focused on individual cities and the movements within them that advocated for women’s rights.
Remakes are one of Hollywood’s most trusted way to reduce financial risk. Stories that have been made throughout movie history are still being remade again and again. Films by directors in all genres are now being updated or remade to for the 21st century. Some people think these recurring stories are examples of the loss of creativity in Hollywood. Our group asked the question: Is there a formula to make a remake a financial success? When looking at this question of what makes a successful remake, our group chose to research Disney’s The Jungle Book. It has inspired countless influential T.V. shows, books and famous movies, even if its influence cannot be directly seen at first. The story has inspired stories like Tarzan, George of the Jungle,
The culture of food has changed and progressed throughout this time. In the book, Feast for our eyes: Viewing films on food through new lenses; by Laura A. Lindenfeld, we see how in recent times food is growing not only in daily culture but also in entertainment. Television, Internet, and Books have advertised food in so many ways. Media has portrayed food as a desirable and a pleasant façade. Laura says, “Films gloss over the traces of food production” to appeal more to the audience. People from different places in the world, culture, and lifestyles express themselves through the art of food. We see how food can also be a lustful thing when combined with other elements. Films use this method to attract a broader audience in the entertainment industry. Not only do they express it through provocative acting, but also through the
Hollywood is the home of flashing cameras, the famous red carpet, and glamorous celebrities. Hollywood is also the birthplace of extraordinary films which reach audiences across the world. The casting choices made by the film industry affects more than just the movie that is created. Hollywood directors and writers should have the social responsibility to avoid stereotyping ethnic characters because the stereotypes offer poor (and often inaccurate) insight into the culture, negatively impacts child viewers, and limits the amount of quality roles for actors/actresses with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Over the past century, film has served as a powerful means of communication to a global audience and has become a vital part of the contemporary culture in a world that is increasingly saturated by visual content. Due to the immediacy and the all-encompassing nature of film, the process of watching a film, is widely perceived to be a passive activity by the general masses. However, quoting Smith in his article about the study of film, “nothing could be further from the truth.” The study and understanding of film as an art form enhances the way we watch and appreciate films. It requires the audience's active participation and interaction with the film in order to fully comprehend the directors' intention behind every creative decision. With
China and The United States are the two most powerful countries in the world where people dream of coming to seek for opportunity. However, it will be a very different experience when you involve in the cultures of these two countries. One fundamental principle that you need to bear in mind is that: American and Chinese cultures are polar opposites. The film named Rush Hour (1998) is one striking example that reflects different practices, point of view, thoughts, and ways of communication. Also, it is an inspiring and thought-provoking film that helps to develop intercultural communication and experience.
For hundreds of years, stories have been passed on from one person to another through the oral tradition and the visual arts. In our society today, film is the dominant form of storytelling. Films shape and inform our opinions of the world. Many people’s only source of information is from films. This can be harmful when the information is false or misguided. Like the representation of Native American’s in film. In early western films, Native American characters were not played by Natives but rather white actors. This gave a false image of what Native Americans looked like. Additionally, they were portrayed as unintelligent savages. Since then, Native Americans have reclaimed their identity because of increased accessibility to filmmaking and the creation of programs like the Native American Initiative by Sundance Film Institute.
In most parts of the world, females have always been the victim of oppressive patriarchy and male chauvinism since ages. This problem has been represented by many people through various forms of creations be it art, literature or films. Films are the most popular visual mediums of entertainment through which a large segment of people can be approached. Like literature, a film is also a work of art which mirrors the society, it also depicts the reality of the society though it has some fictionality in it. Being a visual medium of presentation, a film creates an instant, direct and more convincing impression on its audience fulfilling its dual purpose of entertaining as well as sensitizing the audience. A lot of movies based on social issues are now being made to create awareness among people about the issues besides entertaining the audience, which is perhaps the foremost purpose behind the making
Film can influence public opinion, shape the popular imagination, and reach great numbers of people in a short period of time.
It can be stated that it is important to determine the ways for the meaning of messages has been shaped by the perceptions of those involved in the movement as well as the response of those who come across the movement. The study under considerations has reflected the fact that readers can have a glimpse into a way through which different messages are heard and the ways through which the audiences are affected by the messages. It can be said that the social impact of postmodern films begins with the language and its meaning. The postmodern filmmakers have used the language strategies and the ways through which movements gain awareness among people. The critics are required to understand the way through which social movement arises and the ways through which the film sparks a conversation among people. While understanding the language, it is important to understand the messages and social aspects reflected in the postmodern films, which may include the elements of homophobia, homosexuality, racism, fashion, morals, values, culture, language, romance, and
The example given was Sandra Bullock’s character in Speed (1994) saving a whole bus of people. (Weiskopf, 1997) Similarly, iconic pop-culture films like Hunger Games(2012) and Divergent(2014) portray main female leads that are independent, intelligent and strong. In Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence character portrays women as courages, kind and smart people. Shailene Woodley’s character in Divergent portrays women as fearless and resilient. From the influence of these films, both teenage boys and girls will receive a positive message about women. However, there are other movies and TV shows that would disrespect and promote negative messages about women to