Entertainment or Beyond…

Should movie producers make movies that are entertaining to the public, rather than making them appear as a teaching tool? This is a difficult question to answer, and depending on your views of society, there may be several opinions on this subject. Let us not forget that movies cost money to produce, and the investors of these firms want a return on their money. Therefore, a producer must create a film that will be profitable, while at the same time trying to personalize his or her work for future generations. Who is right? Possibly, no one can answer that question truly, but here are some important things to ponder the next time you go to view a film.

Some may argue the filmmaker’s prime directive is to produce shows, which are tasteful to the public, films that do not offend society’s norms or views. However, not only tasteful, also didactic. This is an impossible mission when you consider that there are over 200 million people in this country alone. Many argue that children view their favorite film stars as role models and that producers need to keep this in mind when creating films. Responsibility to raise other people’s children, all of the sudden, is falling into the hands of Hollywood’s writers, actors and producers. How convenient for families to leave the burden of moral socialization to a bunch of greedy, money hungry people who have lost touch with reality. Actors should not be children’s favorite role model; children should idolize their parents. Although we as a society can not force role models upon our children, we can limit their exposure to films. If America depends on filmmakers to raise and teach their children, then we are all in for some major problems socially.

Film production is a big business in America. And I mean BIG. Many movies routinely cost hundreds of millions of dollars to create, from props, special effects and actors to stunt doubles, grips and animation. This means that in order for the film companies to remain open, the public must support the film by paying to see it. Moreover, the public will not spend money unless it is on something that they want. It all goes back to the supply and demand theory. Why produce an educational film that people will not pay to see? Albeit, it is possible to make educational films that the public wants to see, but the opportunities are slim and risky financially speaking. It makes more sense, economically speaking, to give the audience what it wants, even at the expense of immorality in some cases.

Producers and directors are like artists, in that they want to create something unique. Call it escapism or just call it creativity. Whatever you want to call it, producers must have the opportunity to create a film according to their tastes. Public opinion must deem these works as successful or rubbish, usually through box office sales. Trying to control this creative instrument would only destroy the industry. After all, some producers are not concerned with profits, but only to give the public a different view. On the other hand, the capitalistic side of the movie industry does affect artistic vision to a certain extent. The industry must carefully evaluate the chances of financial success for a film. If the probability for success is high, the industry produces the movie.

Before we start criticizing the film industry about the content of their films, we had better look at the social and moral values involved in our own lives. As a society, we are far from perfect and films help to reinforce this fact. Several movies based upon true stories not only shocked many viewers but left them wondering what kind of a sick world we live in. Movies like Bonnie and Clyde and Schindlers List are examples. No one forces people to watch movies and television; it is a freedom. In addition, producers thrive for their inspiration and creativity off that freedom. Sure, some movies do not reflect our society, they may even seem far-fetched but the audiences ought to know the difference between fiction and reality. Society must not slip into movie land, remember movies are for our enjoyment and entertainment, not to give you stupid ideas about suicide or assignation.

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