How Films Engage Social Concerns

How Films Engage Social Concerns

In the modern times, filmmakers grapple with tough social and cultural issues in latest movie releases. Many of them struggle to achieve a balance in entertainment and engaging the targeted audience on ‘real-world’ problems. Attention is shifting in the film industry from making movies that lecture the audience to those that address the cultural and social challenges (Fiske, 2010). Suffragette, 99Homes, Time Out of Mind and Brooklyn are classic examples of films not only depicting migrant experience, civil rights or foreclosure crisis but also invested deeply in human drama.

In 99Homes, the director (Bahrani) focused on housing foreclosures’ human cost in Florida. He understood the need to conduct an extensive research on ground issues. While there is a fictional taste in its plot, it is undeniable that a concerted effort was made to highlight the evolving culture among Florida’s residents. For instance, a societal decay is evident when Dennis (a victim of housing foreclosure) earns a substantial living from destroyed lives of his peers. However, it is notable that his new profits are results of desperation (Rich, 2014). Clearly, 99Homes demonstrates the extent of decay and social inequality in the society as people strive to cope with cultural ‘new-normal’.

Suffragette explores sacrifices and hard work endured in winning voting rights for women in the UK. Such struggles were aimed at quashing age-old culture suppressing freedom of expression for females and minorities. It was part of a wave of social changes triggered by World Wars and the black community struggles in the United States during the first half of the last century.  Today, fights for gender equality and civil rights continue, especially in Asia and developing world (Pankhurst, 2014).

In summary, critics claim that Hollywood cares less for reality. However, a close check reveals that new releases touch on genuine cultural and social issues. Experienced filmmakers focus on striking a healthy balance between entertainment and the societal needs.

References

Fiske, J. (2010). Understanding Popular Culture. London: Routledge.

Pankhurst, E. (2014). Suffragette: My Own Story. London: Hesperus Press Limited.

Rich, B. R. (2014). Toronto Flexes Muscle. Film Quarterly, 68(2), 68-76.