Humans have long thought over the question of whether life imitates art, or is art imitating life? Why can’t it be both? It’s a feedback loop of information that’s a two-way street, which is how any part of culture should sit within the current culture. One particular example is the movie industry.
Looking at the example of Hollywood, it certainly has a wide-reaching influence on culture. That spreads as far as gaming, music, fashion, and more. All those elements add up during the day. What we see on social media, talk about with friends, and encounter out in the world is directly or indirectly shaped by movies.
Insight and Preservation
Two of the biggest ways that movies impact culture are how they reflect and act as a historical record for culture. Our current culture can often feel intangible and indescribable to us. However, movies can give shape to culture, as well as offering insights into nuances and shifting ideas.
In fact, a 2023 research article discussed just that. It explored how movies act as a mirror for culture. They’re designed to connect with the audience’s experience, which means they make sure to reflect the norms and values of the time. That in turn prompts us to reevaluate those norms and beliefs.
Since movies capture the culture of the time, they also have a role in preserving how our culture has evolved. Movies capture stories, traditions, and events. That makes them an effective way for us to learn about and process our past. That learning then feeds back into the present.
Cultural Trends, Language, and Fashion
Where can we find the most obvious influences of the movie industry? They’re actually in the day-to-day parts of our culture. What we see shapes our lifestyles. That includes what we wear, what we eat, how we decorate our homes, and what we say. Iconic movies with a strong style often have the greatest influence on culture.
As we’ve seen recently, a motion picture has the power to revive specific songs and make or break music careers, which means they’re also influencing what we listen to. Bringing The Great Gatsby to the silver screen can push 1920s fashion into the limelight. Whereas Clueless and Friday gave us lines to quote that changed the way people talk.
It doesn’t end there. There are tons of movies with memorable lines that have become part of a shared cultural language. Having those commonalities connects people through culture. All the way back to “They call me Mr. Tibbs” and “That ain’t nothin’ but Ultra-Perm” to “Hey Auntie” from Black Panther, these words represent and connect.
Representation and Ideological Influence
Talking of representation, movies shape how we see ourselves. That might only confirm what we already know, or it might give us something to think about. Diverse casts and authentic portrayals have a profound impact on how different groups are perceived within culture and society.
This altered perception plays an often unseen but crucial role in social change. At the very least, it gives us a way to celebrate the richness of diversity. At its pinnacle, it amplifies different voices, leading to more inclusivity.
While movies represent and reflect, they can also challenge. They have the power to point out the flaws in certain ideas and narratives. When they’re challenged on screen, the audience can open their minds to new ideas. That creates space for considering alternatives and reflecting on issues like oppression and activism.
Awareness and Talking Points
Movies shape our awareness. It’s important to remember that they have that power. Of course, that affects our decisions, which are the very things that shape our lifestyles. They introduce new foods, artists, hairstyles, or places. However, it can also lead to new thoughts about political, environmental, and social issues.
What we see on the silver screen can also reveal cultural issues, as shown by some reactions to Jeffrey Wright playing Jim Gordon. This awareness of where we’re at as a society can start conversations. More often than not, this delivers a safe space and framework for important topics.
Movies often encourage empathy and understanding. As a result, they give us a useful starting point for talking about issues. While that might be in an abstract way, it’s still very much human and makes complex subjects more accessible.
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