As You Have Learned In This Class, Film Is A Far-Reaching Me

As You Have Learned In This Class Film Is A Far Reaching Medium With

As you have learned in this class, film is a far-reaching medium with the potential to affect the greater fabric of our culture. Our understanding of this potential and our ability to analyze it extend beyond just the medium itself and into all areas of our social structures and culture. The practice of closely analyzing particular films, which we have honed in this course, is the same practice of analysis used in other academic disciplines and in learning new skills. Films serve as a mirror and a lens through which societal concerns and cultural values can be examined, challenged, and reinforced. Through their narratives, characters, and visual storytelling, films can engage social issues such as race, gender, politics, and identity, often prompting dialogue and societal reflection. Moreover, films have the power to influence public opinion and foster social movements by shaping perceptions and raising awareness of critical issues.

A pertinent example of a film that demonstrates this dynamic is 12 Years a Slave (2013), directed by Steve McQueen. This historical drama vividly depicts the brutal realities of slavery in 19th-century America, serving as both a powerful educational tool and a catalyst for ongoing discussions about race, human rights, and social justice. The film's visceral imagery and compelling storytelling renewed conversations about racial inequality and historical slavery’s long-lasting effects on American society. Its cultural resonance extends into contemporary social concerns by reminding audiences of the persistent legacy of racial discrimination and systemic injustice. Such films can influence societal attitudes, encouraging greater empathy, policy debates, and movements aimed at addressing inequality.

Additionally, films like Get Out (2017) by Jordan Peele illustrate how horror can be used as a metaphor to explore racial tensions and societal fears. This film uses genre conventions to critique systemic racism and highlight covert forms of bias, engaging viewers in critical reflection while entertaining. The lasting impact of films that address social issues demonstrates how cinema functions not only as entertainment but as a mode of social activism and cultural critique. By presenting societal concerns in accessible and emotionally compelling ways, films foster awareness, empathy, and dialogue, shaping public perceptions and potentially influencing societal change.

In conclusion, films engage social concerns by reflecting, challenging, and shaping societal values and issues. They serve as cultural artifacts that influence collective identity and individual perceptions, fostering social awareness and activism. As critical analysis becomes an integral part of understanding film, it empowers viewers to decipher the complex messages embedded within cinematic narratives and appreciate their potential to impact society positively.

References

• Goodykoontz, B., & Jacobs, C. P. (2014). Film: From watching to seeing (2nd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
• Grant, B. K. (Ed.). (2012). Film genre reader IV. Retrieved from the eBrary database.
• Bordwell, D., & Thompson, K. (2010). Film art: An introduction (10th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Nichols, B. (2010). Introduction to documentary. Indiana University Press.
• McDonald, P., & Cormack, M. (2018). Feminism and film theory. Routledge.
• hooks, bell. (1992). Black looks: Race and representation. South End Press.
• Denzin, N. K., & Lincoln, Y. S. (Eds.). (2011). The SAGE handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications.
• Robin, M. (2016). The social impact of film: A review of recent scholarship. Journal of Media Studies, 45(2), 123-137.
• Mulvey, L. (1975). Visual pleasure and narrative cinema. Screen, 16(3), 6-18.
• Thompson, K., & Bordwell, D. (2019). Film history: An introduction. McGraw-Hill Education.