Task 4- Ideologies and film

In general terms, an ideology is defined as “The influential underlying social and political beliefs of a society or social group.” (2005, p.498)  Examples of ideologies could include religion and political views such as Marxist or capitalist which enable people to understand how the world has progressed to its current state and how it is going to progress. Ideologies are present in every film through either dominant expression or implication; Explicit and implicit. To explain these definitions further, most films contain implicit ideologies which accept and embrace set beliefs which are not acknowledged or identified within the film.  On the other hand, explicit ideologies make bold, unavoidable statements, quite often about the corruption of current ideologies.

Pretty Woman (1990) is a perfect example of a film with various implicit ideologies. The plot of the film involves a young prostitute who is hired for the night by a very wealthy business man who later offers to pay her for a week long stay. He overwhelms her with money for clothes which enables her to dine at the best restaurants and ultimately provides her with class. They both live happily ever after. Pretty Woman is based upon the typically American work ethic that ‘if you work hard enough, you’ll get there’ and also further portrays America as ‘The land of dreams.’ Both of these ideologies are apparent within the plot; Vivian (Julia Roberts) works hard and receives her rewards of man and money. It could also be argued that the film exudes chauvinistic, sexist qualities with Vivian in debt from working the streets and requiring a powerful rich man to improve her quality of life. Capitalist ideologies can also be found throughout the film as well as a great emphasis on money. Except for Vivian, the rich become richer, and the poor remain poor which generates the concept of hope that perhaps a ‘Vivian’ situation could arise in reality. 

Contrary to Pretty Woman, Sicko (2007) directed by Michael Moore explicitly destroys the idea of the American dream. Through documentary film, Moore criticises every area of the American health care system, or lack of it. He presents numerous examples of people who have continually been let down by their health insurance which, for many, resulted in death. The American government have consistently condemned the idea of a National Health Service arguing that the people should not be put under a dictatorship and that they have the right to decide what treatments they wish to use. Moore presents evidence that portrays that if a National Health Service was put in place it would hugely reduce revenue for the government but improve American’s quality of life. Moore criticises nearly all America stands for, conveying the country as a capitalist, dishonest, money obsessed farce. His extensive research is apparent as he gives the exact figures that eventually bought Hilary Clintons silence as she battled for a national health service. His tone is sarcastic and mocking towards American ideologies as he questions why people consider America a great country. To amplify his mocking tone, there is inspiring background music, the type that would be associated with a political speech or the national anthem.    

 

Pretty Woman idolises the American culture, portraying it as a land where dreams come true. Sicko, on the other hand destroys and condemns American ideologies, portraying it as a culture which prioritises profit over American lives.