FILM100 Ideology

Ideology

Shared beliefs values and assumptions learned through culture and social groups

Multiple ideologies in society

All societies contain competing ideologies that may conflict

Ideological conflict

Tension that arises when different belief systems clash

Why ideology feels natural

Ideology often appears as common sense rather than political

Gun control debate example

Public safety and state regulation versus individual freedom and gun rights

Ideological film criticism

Study of how films portray society and reinforce or challenge ideology

What ideological critics analyze

How films reflect social trends and belief systems

Films and society

Films shape beliefs rather than simply reflect reality

Hollywood Western ideology

Depiction of Native Americans as villains reinforcing Manifest Destiny

Manifest Destiny ideology

Belief that settlers had a natural right to expand and take land

First-order ideology

Explicit and obvious ideological messages in a film

Characteristics of first-order ideology

Direct engagement with politics national identity or social issues

Rambo First Blood Part II ideology

Symbolic victory in Vietnam reaffirming American power and pride

Purpose of Rambo First Blood Part II

Address post-Vietnam anxiety and reclaim national identity

Second-order ideology

Implicit subtle ideology embedded in entertainment

Characteristics of second-order ideology

Appears apolitical but communicates social values

Back to the Future ideology

Nostalgia for the past small towns and traditional family values

Field of Dreams ideology

Idealization of simpler past and family aligned with Reagan-era values

1980s nostalgia ideology

Focus on tradition stability and idealized past

Reagan-era ideology

Conservatism family values patriotism and nostalgia

Ideological position in films

How a film supports critiques or blends social values

Position 1 Support for social values

Films reinforce dominant or established ideologies

War films and ideology

Often emphasize heroism patriotism and bravery over politics

Black Hawk Down ideology

Focus on soldier courage while avoiding political critique

We Were Soldiers ideology

Promotes patriotism religion and family while minimizing Vietnam controversy

Cut scene in We Were Soldiers

Removed criticism of war revealing ideological intent

Films supporting marginalized groups

Films may support values rejected by dominant ideology

Longtime Companion ideology

Affectionate portrayal of gay men challenging anti-gay ideology

Position 2 Ideological critique

Films that question or challenge dominant social values

Why critique is rare in Hollywood

High financial risk and need for mass appeal

Easy Rider ideology

Uses rebels to expose societal hypocrisy

The Wild Bunch ideology

Critiques social norms through outlaw protagonists

Robocop ideology

Satire of capitalism corporate power and social Darwinism

European cinema and ideology

More willing to critique imperialism capitalism and power

The Battle of Algiers ideology

Critique of colonialism and imperialism

Burn! ideology

Criticism of imperial power structures

Position 3 Ideological conglomeration

Blending of conflicting ideologies to appeal broadly

Why conglomeration is common in Hollywood

Maximizes profit and avoids alienating audiences

Result of ideological conglomeration

Ambiguity and contradiction

Total Recall ideology

Anti-corporate themes undermined by product placement

Rambo III ideology

Mixture of left-wing critique and right-wing Cold War beliefs

Conceptual mishmash in film

Conflicting ideologies that do not fully cohere

Hollywood and political moderation

Studios avoid strong critique due to economic concerns

Hidden ideology in films

Ideology exists even when films appear neutral

Purpose of ideological analysis

Reveals hidden messages cultural values and power relations

Three ideological stances in film

Support critique or conglomeration

Ideology and cultural moment

Films reflect the historical and social context of their time