Exam 3 Flashcards
How did the 1970s films reflect growing mistrust in institutions?
Films in the 1970s, like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Chinatown,’ depicted themes of alienation, corruption, and individual resistance, showing a growing mistrust in government and law enforcement.
How did economic struggles and social unrest influence 1970s films?
Films became darker and more morally complex, with stories of social alienation and individuals confronting or resisting corrupt systems, reflecting the political and economic instability of the time.
How did changing film-going patterns in the 1970s impact Hollywood?
The rise of multiplexes and suburban theaters attracted younger, more diverse audiences who were drawn to bold themes, antiheroes, and gritty realism, shaping the direction of popular films.
What landmark film is credited with creating the summer blockbuster?
‘Jaws’ (1975) is considered the first summer blockbuster, leading studios to focus on summer releases as a major part of the Hollywood calendar.
How did the Watergate scandal impact 1970s films?
The Watergate scandal led to a distrust of government, influencing films that portrayed government conspiracy, cover-ups, and the search for truth, such as ‘All the President’s Men.’
What themes are central in films like ‘Death Wish’ and ‘Dirty Harry’?
These films feature vigilante justice, reflecting frustrations with the legal system and societal concerns about rising crime and the failure of law enforcement.
What 1970s film tackled political corruption and the manipulation of political campaigns?
‘The Candidate’ (1972) critiqued modern political campaigns, showing how image and manipulation replaced genuine political conviction.
How does ‘Deep Throat’ reflect the 1970s social changes?
‘Deep Throat’ symbolized the era’s shifting sexual norms and blurred boundaries between entertainment and social change, marking a significant moment in the sexual revolution.
Which 1970s film dramatized the investigative journalism behind the Watergate scandal?
‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) dramatized the investigation of the Watergate scandal, illustrating the role of the press in uncovering political corruption.
How did ‘Taxi Driver’ represent post-Vietnam War trauma?
‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) depicted the alienation and psychological trauma of a Vietnam War veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life in a morally ambiguous world.
What is the significance of films like ‘Norma Rae’ in 1970s cinema?
‘Norma Rae’ (1979) highlighted working-class struggles and labor rights, focusing on unionization and social justice as themes of empowerment and resistance.
How did the Vietnam War influence 1970s war films?
Films like ‘Platoon’ (1979) offered darker, more psychological depictions of the Vietnam War, moving away from earlier patriotic portrayals and focusing on the moral ambiguity of war.
How did the 1970s film industry reflect changing attitudes toward political systems?
With growing cynicism towards government, films increasingly portrayed authority figures as corrupt, with characters rejecting traditional ideals of leadership, reflecting post-Vietnam and Watergate disillusionment.
What was the impact of the Watergate scandal on public confidence?
The scandal deepened public mistrust in the government, and films from the late 1970s mirrored this cynicism by portraying conspiracies, cover-ups, and the erosion of trust in authority.
What themes are explored in the 1980s film ‘Wall Street’?
‘Wall Street’ (1987) critiqued capitalism, focusing on greed and the excesses of the financial world, with the infamous line ‘Greed is good’ symbolizing the era’s capitalist ethos.
What 1980s film reflected America’s growing paranoia about nuclear war?
‘The Day After’ (1983) depicted the aftermath of a nuclear war, capturing American anxiety about the possibility of global annihilation during the Cold War.
How did Reagan’s policies affect film themes in the 1980s?
Reagan’s strong anti-communist stance and ‘war on terror’ influenced films like ‘Red Dawn’ (1984) and ‘Rambo: First Blood’ (1982), which portrayed U.S. military heroes battling foreign threats.
What was the role of patriotism in 1980s films?
Films in the 1980s often celebrated American military strength and individualism, reflecting Reagan’s ideal of American exceptionalism in the face of global threats, like in ‘Top Gun’ (1986).
How did the 1980s film ‘Red Dawn’ reflect Cold War fears?
‘Red Dawn’ (1984) depicted a Soviet invasion of America, embodying the Cold War anxieties of the era and emphasizing themes of resistance and patriotism.
What 1980s film dealt with labor rights and corporate injustice?
‘Silkwood’ (1983) explored the dangers faced by a woman exposing corporate wrongdoing in the nuclear industry, focusing on whistleblowing and corporate corruption.
Which 1980s film critiqued the relationship between government and big business?
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) portrayed the government as a hindrance to entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting the growing suspicion of regulation in the Reagan era.
How did 1980s films like ‘Rambo’ portray Vietnam veterans?
‘Rambo’ (1982) and ‘Missing in Action’ (1984) depicted Vietnam War veterans as vigilantes, reflecting frustrations with how the war ended and the alienation of veterans.
What film genre became especially popular in the 1980s, often featuring military veterans or vigilantes?
Action films became increasingly popular in the 1980s, with movies like ‘Die Hard’ (1988) and ‘Rambo’ exploring themes of individual heroism and military strength.
How did ‘Platoon’ and ‘Full Metal Jacket’ redefine war films?
These films depicted the psychological and emotional toll of war, especially the Vietnam War, presenting a more nuanced, often critical perspective on American military involvement.
What was the social impact of the 1980s Vietnam Veterans Memorial?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with its minimalist design, became a controversial and emotional site that represented the personal loss of the war, challenging traditional patriotic monuments.
What 1980s film explored the dangers of artificial intelligence and technology?
‘RoboCop’ (1987) and ‘Tron’ (1982) reflected fears about the dehumanizing potential of technology and AI, exploring how machines could replace human agency.
How did ‘The Killing Fields’ represent the aftermath of the Vietnam War?
‘The Killing Fields’ (1984) told the story of a Cambodian journalist’s escape from the Khmer Rouge regime, reflecting the broader moral and political complexities of U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia.
Which 1980s film criticized capitalism and the greed associated with Wall Street?
‘Wall Street’ (1987), with the character Gordon Gekko, is remembered for the line ‘Greed is good,’ critiquing the excesses and moral compromises of capitalism.
What major political events defined the 1990s?
The 1990s saw events like the Gulf War, Bill Clinton’s election, the 1992 Rodney King verdict and LA riots, the 1993 Waco siege, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center attack, and the 1999 Columbine shooting.
How did President Clinton’s scandals affect film in the 1990s?
Clinton’s scandals, including allegations from Paula Jones and Monica Lewinsky, led to a media frenzy and impeachment. These events influenced films to portray politicians and the media cynically or satirically.
What were the characteristics of big-budget films in the 1990s?
Big-budget films, such as Titanic, Jurassic Park, and Independence Day, dominated the box office, with heavy investments in special effects, marketing, and merchandise, signaling a shift to franchise-based films.
How did the narrative focus in films change in the 1990s?
Films shifted focus to individual heroism, featuring protagonists fighting corruption, aliens, injustice, or false realities. This mirrored broader cultural trends toward personal identity and skepticism of institutions.
What political and social themes were explored in 1990s films?
Films like The Shawshank Redemption, Fight Club, and Good Will Hunting tackled issues like race, class, consumerism, and human dignity. They critiqued political and social systems, often presenting them with a dark or hopeful lens.
What themes are present in films like Wag the Dog and Bulworth?
Wag the Dog critiques political manipulation and media spectacle, while Bulworth explores the contrast between political rhetoric and honesty, critiquing the emptiness of political language.
What were the major political films of the 1990s?
Notable films include The American President, Primary Colors, Bob Roberts, The Distinguished Gentleman, and Dave, which reflected dissatisfaction with politics through satire, comedy, and fantasy.
How did the Cold War continue to influence films in the 1990s?
Even after the Cold War ended, films like The Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide maintained Cold War-era suspense, shifting focus from the Soviet threat to new enemies like drug cartels and terrorists.
What was the focus of 1990s war films?
1990s war films like Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List focused on trauma, moral dilemmas, and the human cost of war, portraying it as chaotic, painful, and morally ambiguous.
How did alien invasion movies reflect political and social issues?
Films like Independence Day and Men in Black critiqued nationalism, militarism, and media spectacle. Mars Attacks! mocked U.S. leadership and presented both humans and politicians as inept.
What made 1990s legal films distinct?
1990s legal dramas like Philadelphia and A Few Good Men focused on ethics, social issues, and moral conflicts, moving beyond mere crime-solving to address the complexity of justice and human dignity.
How does People v. Larry Flynt explore freedom of speech?
The film centers on Larry Flynt’s legal battle over a satirical ad and the Supreme Court ruling that satire criticizing public figures is protected under the First Amendment, even if it offends.
What films explored the theme of false realities in the late 1990s?
Films like The Truman Show, The Matrix, and Fight Club explored distorted realities, reflecting societal concerns about media, technology, identity, and manipulation.
How did presidential films in the 1990s reflect public sentiment?
Films like The American President and Dave offered idealized or satirical portrayals of leadership, reflecting public desire for decency and authenticity in response to political scandals.
What is the central plot of Bulworth?
Bulworth is about Senator Jay Bulworth, who becomes disillusioned with politics and hires a hitman to kill him. While waiting, he goes on a campaign binge, speaking his unfiltered truth and gaining unexpected popularity.
How does Bulworth critique political rhetoric?
The film critiques the emptiness of political speeches by showing how the public responds positively to Bulworth’s honesty, even though his message is chaotic and controversial.
What message does Bulworth send about authenticity in politics?
Bulworth suggests that the public may crave authenticity in leadership, even if that truth is messy or problematic, highlighting the contrast between political lies and personal truth.
How does Wag the Dog portray political manipulation?
Wag the Dog satirizes political manipulation by showing how a U.S. president fabricates a war with Albania to distract the public from a sex scandal. It highlights the ease with which media can be used to manipulate public perception.
How is Wag the Dog relevant to modern political events?
Wag the Dog became relevant again during the Trump administration when some suggested that the president used military action as a distraction from scandals, mirroring the film’s plot about media manipulation.
What does Wag the Dog suggest about the relationship between the media and politics?
The film suggests that politicians can manipulate the media to create false narratives, manufacturing a crisis to control public focus and divert attention from scandals.
How does Larry Flynt v. Falwell challenge the boundaries of free speech?
The case centered on a parody ad that mocked televangelist Jerry Falwell, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that satire and parody are protected speech, even if offensive, as long as the content is not meant to defame.
What was the outcome of Larry Flynt v. Falwell?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Larry Flynt, stating that public figures like Falwell could not sue for emotional distress over satirical content if it was not presented as factual.
How does People v. Larry Flynt portray Flynt’s legal battle?
The film depicts Flynt’s fight for free speech rights, showing how his legal battle for publishing a parody ad became a landmark case in defending satirical speech against defamation claims.
What does Larry Flynt v. Falwell reveal about the role of satire in public discourse?
The case highlights the importance of satire in public discourse, emphasizing that even offensive humor can serve as a tool for political and social commentary without legal consequence.
How did the aftermath of 9/11 affect U.S. films?
The aftermath of 9/11 reshaped public discourse and film content, with a rise in war films, political dramas, and disaster films reflecting anxieties around the War on Terror and global security.
What were the major themes of post-9/11 films?
Themes in post-9/11 films included security, national identity, fear, terrorism, and the consequences of global conflict.
How did the 2000 presidential election affect U.S. politics?
The Bush v. Gore case and the contentious Florida recount highlighted the polarized political climate of the 2000s and influenced political films critiquing the political establishment.
What was the significance of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks?
The attacks marked the beginning of the War on Terror, which influenced films exploring terrorism, national identity, and the personal and political consequences of global conflict.
What does the ‘Armageddon plan’ refer to in U.S. government strategy?
The ‘Armageddon plan’ refers to strategic preparations for extreme global crises, including apocalyptic scenarios, reflected in early 2000s disaster films.
How did the ‘Armageddon plan’ influence film content in the early 2000s?
Disaster films during this period focused on themes of apocalyptic scenarios, terrorism, and the survival of humanity, reflecting fears of global crises.
How did films like United 93 and World Trade Center address the 9/11 attacks?
These films focused on the human experience of the attacks, highlighting the emotional and personal consequences of the tragedy.
How did films like The Dark Knight and V for Vendetta critique government control after 9/11?
These films critiqued government surveillance, erosion of civil liberties, and authoritarianism in the aftermath of 9/11.
What social issues did early 21st-century films address?
Films began addressing issues like the war on terror, political polarization, racial inequality, economic disparity, environmental degradation, and corporate influence.
What themes were explored in war films from 2000 to 2010?
War films like Jarhead, The Hurt Locker, and Green Zone explored modern warfare, the psychological toll of combat, military objectives, and the personal costs of war.
How did representation of women and minorities change in film during the 2000s and 2010s?
The 2000s and 2010s saw more films with strong female leads and diverse casting, reflecting broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and equality, though challenges remained.
How did the rise of film franchises impact the movie industry?
The rise of franchises like Harry Potter, The Lord of the Rings, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe shifted the industry toward serialized storytelling, offering a reliable formula for financial success.
What type of films gained prominence in the 2000s and 2010s?
Political biographies and socio-political films, such as Frost/Nixon and Milk, explored the lives of political figures and civil rights struggles, reflecting ongoing political discourse.
What is the plot of Borat (2006)?
Borat is a mockumentary about a journalist from Kazakhstan who interviews Americans, revealing their racist and offensive views, leading to legal conflicts when people realize the nature of the interviews.
What is the premise of Idiocracy (2006)?
Idiocracy depicts a future where anti-intellectualism and commercialism have dumbed down society, and the protagonist, the smartest person alive, is tasked with saving the world.
What themes are explored in Borat and Idiocracy?
Both films explore themes of race, anti-intellectualism, and the consequences of societal trends, with Borat focusing on cultural ignorance and Idiocracy critiquing the dumbing down of society.
What major themes emerged in films during the early 21st century?
Major themes included the erosion of individual freedoms, government control vs. personal liberty, globalization, and personal identity in a fragmented world.
How did the film industry change in the 2000s and 2010s?
Technological advancements in digital filmmaking and the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu revolutionized film distribution and consumption, making cinema more accessible.
How did diversity in films evolve in the 21st century?
There was growing recognition of the importance of diversity, with increasing roles for people of color and marginalized groups, exemplified by films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians.
What is the plot of White House Down?
White House Down is a disaster action film in which a Capitol policeman must protect the President when the White House is attacked by paramilitary forces.
What are the typologies of disaster films?
Disaster films include types like natural disasters, ship-of-fools scenarios, city collapses, monsters, survival, war, comic, and historical disasters, often blending multiple themes.
What do disaster films say about society?
Disaster films often critique societal systems like government, religion, and technology, exploring how normal life can quickly devolve into chaos and highlighting class conflict and survival.
What are generalizations about the disaster film genre?
Disaster films often center on significant threats to humanity, highlighting spectacular destruction, societal collapse, and critiques of modern systems, with a focus on survival.
What marked the golden age of disaster films?
The 1970s, with films like Airport (1970), The Poseidon Adventure (1972), and The Towering Inferno (1974), marked the golden age, focusing on large-scale catastrophes and leading to a boom in similar films.
How does King Kong (1933) critique colonialism and racism?
King Kong critiques colonialism by portraying the exploitation of the ‘other’ (the ape Kong) and racial tensions, with Kong’s love for a white woman ultimately leading to his death.
What themes are explored in the 1970s remake of King Kong?
The 1970s remake critiques fossil fuel dependence and corporate greed, shifting the focus to environmental and capitalist exploitation.
What were bomb films and how did they reflect Cold War fears?
Bomb films, popular from 1948 to 1962, depicted the threat of nuclear destruction and explored themes of secrecy, government power, and the moral ambiguities of war during the Cold War.
What thematic concerns are reflected in big brain films?
Big brain films reflect fears of mind control, brainwashing, and loss of autonomy, often exploring governmental power and propaganda.
How did bomb films reflect concerns about government experimentation?
Bomb films often depicted the consequences of nuclear warfare and government-sponsored unethical experimentation, such as the Tuskegee syphilis study, raising anxieties about ethics and power.
How did disaster films evolve throughout the 20th and 21st centuries?
Disaster films evolved from Cold War monster and alien films to large-scale catastrophe films in the 1970s, action-oriented thrillers in the 1980s, and crisis-themed films in the 2000s.
What role did disaster films play in the 2000s?
In the 2000s, disaster films blended themes of economic and political crises with superhero films, reflecting a shift towards fantastical solutions to global disasters.
How did superhero films reflect 21st-century anxieties?
Superhero films emphasized saviors in chaotic worlds, with themes of government mistrust, surveillance, and global threats, echoing post-9/11 fears.
What was the influence of political documentaries in the 2000s?
Political documentaries like Fahrenheit 9/11 and An Inconvenient Truth challenged government narratives and raised awareness about issues like war and climate change.
How did streaming platforms change the film industry?
Streaming allowed more diverse voices and independent films to reach global audiences, breaking Hollywood’s traditional gatekeeping.
What social critiques are found in films like The Hunger Games?
The Hunger Games critiques authoritarianism, class inequality, media spectacle, and the manipulation of public perception in dystopian settings.
How did war films in the 2000s differ from earlier decades?
War films became more introspective, focusing on soldiers’ trauma, disillusionment, and moral ambiguity rather than glorifying war.
How did post-9/11 films treat patriotism?
Post-9/11 films offered both patriotic narratives and critical perspectives, questioning blind nationalism and exploring complex loyalties.
What is the impact of political biographies like Vice and Lincoln?
These films offered dramatic reinterpretations of historical leaders, shaping public memory and sparking debates about accuracy and bias.
What’s the role of women in films like Zero Dark Thirty?
Zero Dark Thirty highlighted a woman’s role in capturing Bin Laden, reflecting the growing portrayal of female professionals in male-dominated spheres.
What is a sociopolitical film?
A sociopolitical film addresses societal and political issues—such as race, class, gender, and power—often critiquing structures and sparking debate.
What are examples of sociopolitical films from the 2000s and 2010s?
Examples include Crash, Milk, Selma, and Get Out—films tackling racism, civil rights, and identity politics through dramatic or genre storytelling.
What was the function of satire in post-2000 films?
Satirical films like Thank You for Smoking and Wag the Dog used humor to critique politics, media manipulation, and moral hypocrisy.
What does the film Milk explore?
Milk chronicles the life of Harvey Milk, America’s first openly gay elected official, and his struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in the 1970s.
How did Get Out blend horror with social commentary?
Get Out used horror to explore racial tension and liberal racism, innovatively mixing genre with political critique.
Why did political themes become more common in film after 2000?
Growing political polarization, war, inequality, and mass media influence led filmmakers to respond with politically engaged content.
What trends defined the 2010s film industry?
Franchise dominance, streaming growth, diversity efforts, and politically conscious storytelling shaped the 2010s cinematic landscape.
How do films help audiences process trauma?
By dramatizing collective experiences like 9/11 or war, films allow audiences to explore grief, resilience, and understanding through emotional narratives.
What are some critiques of franchise culture?
Critics argue franchises prioritize profit over originality, limiting space for risk-taking, diversity, and independent filmmaking.
What is the primary purpose of documentaries?
To convey real-world subjects, issues, or events, often with a specific argument or viewpoint.
How can documentaries be more powerful than fictional films?
Because of their connection to real life and use of real images and testimonies.
Why is Nanook of the North significant in documentary history?
It is considered one of the first official documentaries.
What criticism has Nanook of the North received?
It included staged scenes and inaccurate portrayals, such as pretending not to know what a record player was.
What culture does Moana (1926) depict?
Polynesian culture.
How did Flaherty manipulate scenes in Moana?
He staged scenes to fit a desired narrative, making the portrayal incomplete or inaccurate.
What myth did White Wilderness (1958) create?
That lemmings commit mass suicide by jumping off cliffs.
What controversy surrounded White Wilderness?
It staged scenes and was exposed in 1982 by The Fifth Estate.
What institution does Titicut Follies document?
Bridgewater State Hospital for the criminally insane.
Why was Titicut Follies banned in Massachusetts?
It was banned due to privacy concerns, marking a recognition of the right to privacy.
What is direct cinema?
A documentary style that observes reality without interference from the filmmaker.
Why is direct cinema considered more authentic?
Because it avoids narration and edits, showing events as they happen.
What is the subject of Grey Gardens (1975)?
The lives of Big Edie and Little Edie Beale.
What ethical issue does Grey Gardens raise?
The potential exploitation of its subjects due to their vulnerable conditions.
What issue does The Thin Blue Line (1988) address?
Wrongful conviction in the justice system.
How did The Thin Blue Line influence the genre?
It introduced crime reenactments and led to the exoneration of Randall Dale Adams.
What is a hallmark of Michael Moore’s documentary style?
Inserting himself into the narrative to confront subjects.
Why is Michael Moore considered a polarizing figure?
Because his films are accessible and impactful but often criticized for bias and fact manipulation.
