Movies, a mirror to society
Does cinema influence society or is it the other way around?
We all cherish a captivating film. After a demanding day, returning home ignites a desire for entertainment, with watching movies or series topping most people’s lists. Films transport us to alternate realms, offering an escape from reality. They span various genres, from horror to fantasy, humor to science fiction, etching unforgettable characters and scenes into our minds.
Moreover, movies often impart fresh perspectives on life, making profound impacts on individuals. While cinema serves as an educational tool, it’s essential to question its intentions. Can movies solely possess positive attributes, devoid of flaws? Is it always used for the right purposes? Can movies have only positive effects, free from ‘moral blemishes’?In my view, they are merely tools, their impact contingent on creators' intentions. Some prioritize entertainment and commercial interests, while others exploit films to advance personal agendas, sometimes subtly, other times overtly. Sometimes biases are subtle, while other times they are more overt, as seen in political movies promoting certain ideologies.
Political movies, for instance, often propagate specific ideologies, but to what extent do they succeed?. The extent of their success in influencing people varies. Movies have the ability to influence minds, albeit mostly on a subconscious level. For instance, the portrayal of smoking as heroic in films, despite its harmful effects, influences impressionable minds, particularly among youth. While movies aren’t solely responsible, they do spark curiosity in young minds. So one will be closing his eyes if he says that movies don’t influence people.
On the other hand movies also serve as time capsules, reflecting and influencing society. Movies reflect societal norms and evolve alongside them. As societies evolve, so do movies, adapting to changing tastes and cultures to remain commercially successful. What worked in the past may not work today, as societal norms and preferences shift as time passes. A few centuries ago, if you made fun of a race in a movie, you would have gotten away with it. But today, even if the movie belongs to the comedic genre, it will most probably be canceled and will face backlash. The netizens, with their torches and pitchforks, would have burned the makers alive. So it’s safe to say, movies are these time capsules of societies. If you want to go back in time and see how people lived and what their thought processing was, go watch an old movie.
In conclusion, movies can influence people and society. Similarly, societies can influence movies since movies are made for society. Movies can be seen as a mirror for society. To delve into history and understand bygone eras, one need only watch a vintage film, where fashion, language, lifestyle, and morality are meticulously preserved.
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