By Rahul Kurien
Film as we see today is all around us, stored in every pocket of the world with stories that never cease to amaze audiences. The fact of the matter is that film in all its mediums penetrates all cultures in a way that is both similar and wildly different. At the heart of this is the profound ability film has to mold its culture and its obvious inspiration from the society it is made in. From the establishment of a Global centralized industry in Hollywood and Bollywood to the cultural attractions including Disneyworld and Universal Studios, the film has managed to establish it as a keystone part of the entertainment framework of our society.
The major difference between film and other forms of art and literature is the immersive
“illusion of reality” that is unique to movies’ presentation. This art form that has been honed in on for decades, is primarily grounded in the fact that it is able to express to the viewers a story in a manner that puts them at the center. In fact, the entire establishment of special effects and editing were accidents stumbled upon as a result of tedious experimenting to induce feelings within the audience when watching. On a less didactic note, the modern film industry, from its fantastical superhero movies to engaging thrillers and compelling romances is an ever-evolving series of experimentation in order to engage the audience on a level not previously thought of as possible. Take, for example, Marvel Studios' “Iron Man” a historic film whose impact on various cultures of the world is undeniable. On the basis of it, what makes the film so striking is not the fact that it is a superhero movie, but how much it manages to enthrall the audience through the protagonist’s progression to become the title hero. The revolutionary component that sets this movie aside from its contemporary peers is that it had introduced audiences to a type of experience they never thought of as possible. Through the movie, they had managed to create an enigma that captured all the heroic attributes from classical literature into a modern character the audience could revere and relate to.
This fact, while it seems basic and simple now is the defining trait of many real culture-defining figures. Micheal Jordan gained so much acclaim not just because he was a basketball player, but because he encompassed everything any basketball player wanted to be. Everyone wanted to be “Like Mike”, and this transition in the film world has led to similar fantasies and stories. The unrealistic prospect portrayed in the 21st-century film gives the audience a chance to experience something they cannot live. Through this twisted metaphor, a very tangible parallel can be seen between these two figures, shaping cultures and perceptions of their very field. The movie captures a figment of an unrealistic reality and presents it to the audience in a way they can appreciate. Iron Man is not popular because he is Iron Man; Iron man is popular because everyone else wants to and continues to want to be like him. The matter itself has a heavy influence on culture as the film here can be utilized as a tool not just for expression, but also for engagement. This undeniable fact is what gravitates people towards film and ultimately mold’s individual’s philosophy through exposure to various kinds of films.
Yet another application for the film is in the transmission of a specific message, whether social, economic or political.
The influence of film is a factor largely contributing to its classification as a means of persuasion and its intermingling with culture is often dictated as a result of propaganda. The culmination of experimentation of filming techniques and editing is a language of film, encompassing different methods to change and manipulate an audience’s perception. This highly unique ability, using visual narrative to shift opinions is one that has proven historically useful in both conveying ideologies and demystifying them. The central issue remains however that film inspires us and engages us with that illusion of reality and the transformative element of propaganda is that the inspiration is actually acquirable. Through various biographical movies that motivate us, to war stories that help us reminisce, this medium has always had a special way of influencing the masses. Its ability to communicate ideas and knowledge has placed it at the forefront of media for years to come.
Yet, the true beauty of the film lies not in its development or its influence, but its very essence. Developing film in itself is part of history and the happy accidents that have led to today’s film culture are all ingrained within societies from which they develop. My ultimate point is that film does not just mold cultures and adapt stories to movies, but is ingrained in the culture of the world. Vast amounts of distribution through theatres, streaming and other sources make the film not only accessible but an intriguing art form that draws viewers in and transforms their view. Take any individual who has not viewed a film and expose them to one of today’s movies. The profound impact it has can completely shape how the viewer views themselves and the world around them.
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