Thursday, February 17, 2011
New and Newer Hollywood
Today in lecture Decker discussed how Hollywood in the 60s became somewhat racier. He discussed how the family structure was portrayed differently in movies such as the Godfather, and how uncensored violence appeared. Do you think that this shift toward more sex, violence, and dysfunctional relationships in movies and TV is having a negative impact on society, or do you guys think that its simply acknowledging what already exists? And that maybe acknowledging it makes all those "bad things" less hidden, and secretive, which no doubt gives them an appeal.
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I think that forms of art, like TV and movies, always reflect upon the time that they are in in some way. The dysfunctional happenings on the new shows and the sex and violence in the new movies were all things that were happening, it was just that acknowledging them was taboo.
ReplyDeleteI think that moral issue of not acknowledging them is a double edged sword: On the one hand, society didn't want these very private or criminal aspects of life to be portrayed so openly, which makes sense on moral grounds. However, much like how banning hand guns would not shop shootings, not showing these things is not going to stop these things from happening. The culture will always continue to follow the times and express itself.
The fact that violence, sex and dysfunctional relationships are shown in movies and TV doesn't necessarily create a bad impact on society. These forms of media are simply displaying what already exists in society and gives an opportunity for the public to see unique takes on what is already happening in the grim underworld of America. Censorship doesn't necessarily create a "good" impact on society, either. When movies such as the Godfather come out in theaters people already know what to expect; by censoring these types of films the majority of people will only see the film as not being completely accurate in its message.
ReplyDeleteAcknowledging all of the sex and violence present in society is one thing, but glorifying it is a whole different story. Movies like Kill Bill and Death Race send the message that violence is casual and very much the norm, sending a harmful message to kids. Likewise, shows like Jersey Shore encourage viewers to be promiscuous. There have been plenty of studies done that prove that violence on television has a negative impact on the temperaments of children. However, if a film is simply portraying the violence present in society in an accurate way, then that's completely justified.
ReplyDeleteWhen sex, violence, and dysfunctional relationships are added to media, I think it definitely impacts the society in a negative sense. I agree that it mostly acknowledges something that already exists, but even so, I think it almost encourages someone to be more sexual or more violent--especially the influence towards younger people. For example, when a young child sees fighting in a scene of a movie, they are likely to imitate the character and become more aggressive. Or if a young teenager watches a sex scene in a rated R movie, the teenager will likely become physically active. I mean, kids (and typically everyone) tend to do what society is doing; if their friends are having sex and doing drugs, then they will. Which goes to say, if media is showing violence and sexual scenes, they will likely become aggressive and sexual. It's as if media, in a sense, promotes violence and sex.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Molly's point that film, as an art, often reflects societal qualities of the time it was made in. Taken in context of the late 60's and onward, this "racier" undertone in media could reflect the "disillusionment" that occurred during the time. This disenchantment lead to a more cynical, realistic society, as seen in the media and its increased representation of sex and violence, previously viewed as taboo. A relevant point, though, is how sex and violence were not merely incorporated, but also glorified. It's tricky, because although some may accuse these pictures as influencing audiences in a negative manner, I think censorship is far from the solution, as it inhibits free speech. And then, sometimes, excessive depictions of violence, like in Kill Bill for example, can almost be as much of an artistic direction choice as a theme.
ReplyDeleteI think that if a person is going to make a movie or show that doesn't shy away from violence, sex, and dysfunctional relationships than it must be done with a purpose. Making a movie or show just to show heads being chopped off or scandalous sex scenes is pointless, the audience gains nothing from that experience. I mean i like watching Tarantino movies that are really bloody, but the thing is that he does it right. I don't think this exposure is necessarily bad, but children should not be exposed to heavy violence or sex at a young age.
ReplyDeleteI think that movies and TV are really just reflections (to differing degrees) of society. For instance, the Mafia existed long before The Godfather movies were made, so it would be foolish for someone to attribute mob violence to those movies. There certainly is the possibility that some individuals may be swayed into mimicking behavior they see on the television or the big screen, but it's ultimately up to them whether they will engage in such behaviors or not.
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