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Reel Power: Hollywood Cinema and American Supremacy

E.M. Forster

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Hollywood cinema has played a significant role in shaping American and global culture, often reflecting and reinforcing American values and perspectives. This article explores the ways in which Hollywood films have contributed to the projection of American supremacy, examining the portrayal of American history, culture, and values in films, the use of cinematic techniques to create a sense of American exceptionalism, and the impact of Hollywood's global reach on foreign perceptions of the United States.

The Portrayal of American History, Culture, and Values in Films

Hollywood films have often depicted American history, culture, and values in a way that reflects and reinforces American perspectives and ideologies. For example, many classic Westerns portray the American frontier as a place of opportunity and freedom, where rugged individualists can overcome adversity and achieve great things. This portrayal of the American frontier has helped to shape the American national identity and has contributed to the myth of American exceptionalism.

Reel Power: Hollywood Cinema and American Supremacy

by Matthew Alford

4.7 out of 5

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Similarly, many Hollywood films set in the present day depict American culture as the most advanced and desirable in the world. American films often feature characters who live in comfortable suburban homes, drive expensive cars, and have access to the latest technology. This portrayal of American culture has helped to create a sense of envy and admiration among foreign audiences, and has contributed to the global perception of the United States as a superpower.

The Use of Cinematic Techniques to Create a Sense of American Exceptionalism

In addition to the portrayal of American history, culture, and values, Hollywood films also use a variety of cinematic techniques to create a sense of American exceptionalism. For example, many Hollywood films feature heroic American characters who overcome great odds to achieve their goals. These characters are often depicted as being smarter, stronger, and more resourceful than their foreign counterparts. This portrayal of American characters has helped to create a sense of American superiority among both domestic and foreign audiences.

Another common cinematic technique used to create a sense of American exceptionalism is the use of aerial shots. Aerial shots often show American cities and landscapes from a bird's-eye perspective, making them appear more impressive and powerful. This technique has been used in films such as "Superman" and "The Avengers" to create a sense of awe and wonder at the American landscape.

The Impact of Hollywood's Global Reach on Foreign Perceptions of the United States

Hollywood films have a global reach, and they have played a significant role in shaping foreign perceptions of the United States. For example, many foreign audiences view Hollywood films as a window into American culture and society. This exposure to American culture has helped to create a positive image of the United States among many foreign audiences, and has contributed to the perception of the United States as a benevolent superpower.

However, Hollywood films have also been criticized for reinforcing negative stereotypes about the United States. For example, many Hollywood films depict Americans as being arrogant, materialistic, and violent. This portrayal of Americans has helped to create a negative image of the United States among some foreign audiences, and has contributed to the perception of the United States as a bully.

Hollywood cinema has played a significant role in shaping American and global culture. Through the portrayal of American history, culture, and values, the use of cinematic techniques to create a sense of American exceptionalism, and the impact of Hollywood's global reach, Hollywood films have contributed to the projection of American supremacy. While Hollywood films have created a positive image of the United States among many foreign audiences, they have also reinforced negative stereotypes about the United States among others. As Hollywood continues to produce films that reflect and shape American culture, it is important to be aware of the ways in which these films can influence foreign perceptions of the United States.

Reel Power: Hollywood Cinema and American Supremacy

by Matthew Alford

4.7 out of 5