The Influence of Films on Society - Essay Example

At the same time, being an art form, they need to give an optimally free vent to the creative genius of all the individuals and teams involved in the production of a film. The point that needs to be taken into consideration is that no other art form is so fervently associated with economics and business as films. So, by necessity a film has to retain a delicate balance between expressing social realities so that the viewers may relate to it, while at the same time being artistically creative and involving, thereby addressing the commercial constraints and expectations (Curran, 1998).

Cinema is an art form with a very large scope, canvas, and budget. Yet, it is also a medium endowed with a greater responsibility towards society as compared to other art forms. So films do get influenced by the social context in which they are created, though the vivid blend of imagination, reality, glamour, intensity, and conflict presented in them never fails to directly or indirectly influence the viewers in varying proportions (Hayward, 2000). It will be really relevant to talk about the 1994 comedy-drama Forrest Gump.

The film, revolving around the life of a simpleton from Alabama, Forrest Gump, in a way, presents the important social, popular, and historical issues and events of 20th century America. Yet, the film did not portray American history with the simplicity of a school textbook. While retaining the delicate balance between joy and sadness, the film nudges ordinary Americans to perceive their history from multiple vantage points, thereby highlighting the essential American values of hope, perseverance, and hard work, while grieving its moments of waste, futility, and confusion.

Thus, the film presents a chance to rethink and reevaluate the past. Another important movie in that context is the 2009 comedy The Hangover, based on a day in the life of four bachelors Dough, Alan, Stu, and Phil. The film does present the varied facets of American domestic and social life in a somewhat adventurous and funny way. Yet, it also leaves the message that people could stop to reevaluate their priorities and choices. The film brings to the surface the idea that amidst all the surrounding confusion and possibilities, people can choose to reclaim their lives if they desire. It evokes people to grip the essential calm that was always accessible to them, amidst the fast-changing social values and norms.