Chapter 10 Ideology
(1) Concept
Since ancient times, critics have spoken of the dual function of art: to teach and to entertain. Some films emphasize the function of softening the guide. How? The most obvious ones are selling merchandise like a mission, like a TV commercial or selling propaganda, like "October" or "Triumph of the Will." At the opposite extreme are abstract avant-garde films, which seem to have nothing to do with moral values because they have nothing but pure form. The purpose? To provide pleasure.
While traditional classical cinema eschews extreme teaching and pure abstraction, even the slightest entertainment carries value judgments. Critic Daniel Davan said: "Classical cinema is the mouthpiece of ideology. After all, who is arranging the images? For what? Absorb these awareness consciously, as in Pretty Woman.
Even if the film seems light and entertaining on the surface, the story may have ideology deep down. The film is based on the "Pygmalion" myth (the story of an artist falling in love with a statue he made), about the love of a kind-hearted prostitute who is taken care of by a ruthless rich businessman. Feminists are horrified by this work that reinforces male superiority and degrades women as sexual tools, which needs Prince Charming's salvation. The story pointed out that he would make her life meaningful, which feminists dubbed "Cinderella Syndrome".
〖Beautiful Woman in the Movie Book〗 〖Beautiful Woman in the Movie Book B. Implicit: ① The pros and cons represent the conflicting value system, but we must understand the characters as the story unfolds, and no one has spoken out moral admonitions , ② Produced in a transparent rather than manipulated way, such as "Pretty Woman".
(2) Star system, role, type
American films in particular have long used the star system as a guide for values, especially character stars such as John Wayne (see "The Searcher"). Actors and stars are less ideological, for example, Kim Hackman can be loyal or rape.
Beauty and sexual attraction can also make our ancestors feel good about certain characters. Sometimes the actor's pull is too strong, and the audience still loves him even when he plays an ideologically negative character. Just like Tom Cruise, you can play the right-wing "Top Gun" or the left-leaning "Born on the Fourth of July". Likewise, Julia Roberts' natural, charismatic performance in Pretty Woman makes us almost forget that her character is nothing more than a sexist cliché.
View more about Pretty Woman reviews
