Content Focus

There is a popular notion about how movies influence society and vice-versa. Movies and mass culture share more than an amiable relationship. That is to say that both shape the identity of the other in some way or the other. John Belton’s book, titled, Movies and Mass Culture discusses this issue comprehensively. He comes to a conclusion that movies not only reflect our culture but also the changes that take place in it from time to time. This argument is supported by valid examples and instances.

What we are interested in is not the two-way process of influence and impact but the sole role that movies play in inspiring or molding mass culture. Some movies develop a cult following and are considered as socially transforming. They present an ideology which becomes the popular notion that governs the collective psychology of society. Not only do movies help in spreading a cultural perspective in a nation but also help in dispersing it to other countries and regions. Movies are the best way to spread your cultural roots in foreign countries. Cinema is considered one of the most powerful tools in introducing your culture in a strange land. People get an idea about others through a visual medium that precedes language in understanding. Mass culture is so easily established in a society through cinematic representation because people connect to the medium of movies very readily.

For example, American movies outside America have done greatly well and are successful in making people aware of the American culture. Within America, movies such as Fahrenheit 11, etc. completely turned the political ideologies and affiliations of people. Hence, movies and mass culture go hand in hand. Probably the existence of mass culture among other things is also significantly dependent on movies.

Tags: America, cinema, culture, mass, Movies