Exam 3 Flashcards
(118 cards)
How did the 1970s films reflect growing mistrust in institutions?
Films in the 1970s, like ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Chinatown,’ depicted themes of alienation, corruption, and individual resistance, showing a growing mistrust in government and law enforcement.
How did economic struggles and social unrest influence 1970s films?
Films became darker and more morally complex, with stories of social alienation and individuals confronting or resisting corrupt systems, reflecting the political and economic instability of the time.
How did changing film-going patterns in the 1970s impact Hollywood?
The rise of multiplexes and suburban theaters attracted younger, more diverse audiences who were drawn to bold themes, antiheroes, and gritty realism, shaping the direction of popular films.
What landmark film is credited with creating the summer blockbuster?
‘Jaws’ (1975) is considered the first summer blockbuster, leading studios to focus on summer releases as a major part of the Hollywood calendar.
How did the Watergate scandal impact 1970s films?
The Watergate scandal led to a distrust of government, influencing films that portrayed government conspiracy, cover-ups, and the search for truth, such as ‘All the President’s Men.’
What themes are central in films like ‘Death Wish’ and ‘Dirty Harry’?
These films feature vigilante justice, reflecting frustrations with the legal system and societal concerns about rising crime and the failure of law enforcement.
What 1970s film tackled political corruption and the manipulation of political campaigns?
‘The Candidate’ (1972) critiqued modern political campaigns, showing how image and manipulation replaced genuine political conviction.
How does ‘Deep Throat’ reflect the 1970s social changes?
‘Deep Throat’ symbolized the era’s shifting sexual norms and blurred boundaries between entertainment and social change, marking a significant moment in the sexual revolution.
Which 1970s film dramatized the investigative journalism behind the Watergate scandal?
‘All the President’s Men’ (1976) dramatized the investigation of the Watergate scandal, illustrating the role of the press in uncovering political corruption.
How did ‘Taxi Driver’ represent post-Vietnam War trauma?
‘Taxi Driver’ (1976) depicted the alienation and psychological trauma of a Vietnam War veteran struggling to adapt to civilian life in a morally ambiguous world.
What is the significance of films like ‘Norma Rae’ in 1970s cinema?
‘Norma Rae’ (1979) highlighted working-class struggles and labor rights, focusing on unionization and social justice as themes of empowerment and resistance.
How did the Vietnam War influence 1970s war films?
Films like ‘Platoon’ (1979) offered darker, more psychological depictions of the Vietnam War, moving away from earlier patriotic portrayals and focusing on the moral ambiguity of war.
How did the 1970s film industry reflect changing attitudes toward political systems?
With growing cynicism towards government, films increasingly portrayed authority figures as corrupt, with characters rejecting traditional ideals of leadership, reflecting post-Vietnam and Watergate disillusionment.
What was the impact of the Watergate scandal on public confidence?
The scandal deepened public mistrust in the government, and films from the late 1970s mirrored this cynicism by portraying conspiracies, cover-ups, and the erosion of trust in authority.
What themes are explored in the 1980s film ‘Wall Street’?
‘Wall Street’ (1987) critiqued capitalism, focusing on greed and the excesses of the financial world, with the infamous line ‘Greed is good’ symbolizing the era’s capitalist ethos.
What 1980s film reflected America’s growing paranoia about nuclear war?
‘The Day After’ (1983) depicted the aftermath of a nuclear war, capturing American anxiety about the possibility of global annihilation during the Cold War.
How did Reagan’s policies affect film themes in the 1980s?
Reagan’s strong anti-communist stance and ‘war on terror’ influenced films like ‘Red Dawn’ (1984) and ‘Rambo: First Blood’ (1982), which portrayed U.S. military heroes battling foreign threats.
What was the role of patriotism in 1980s films?
Films in the 1980s often celebrated American military strength and individualism, reflecting Reagan’s ideal of American exceptionalism in the face of global threats, like in ‘Top Gun’ (1986).
How did the 1980s film ‘Red Dawn’ reflect Cold War fears?
‘Red Dawn’ (1984) depicted a Soviet invasion of America, embodying the Cold War anxieties of the era and emphasizing themes of resistance and patriotism.
What 1980s film dealt with labor rights and corporate injustice?
‘Silkwood’ (1983) explored the dangers faced by a woman exposing corporate wrongdoing in the nuclear industry, focusing on whistleblowing and corporate corruption.
Which 1980s film critiqued the relationship between government and big business?
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) portrayed the government as a hindrance to entrepreneurial ventures, reflecting the growing suspicion of regulation in the Reagan era.
How did 1980s films like ‘Rambo’ portray Vietnam veterans?
‘Rambo’ (1982) and ‘Missing in Action’ (1984) depicted Vietnam War veterans as vigilantes, reflecting frustrations with how the war ended and the alienation of veterans.
What film genre became especially popular in the 1980s, often featuring military veterans or vigilantes?
Action films became increasingly popular in the 1980s, with movies like ‘Die Hard’ (1988) and ‘Rambo’ exploring themes of individual heroism and military strength.
How did ‘Platoon’ and ‘Full Metal Jacket’ redefine war films?
These films depicted the psychological and emotional toll of war, especially the Vietnam War, presenting a more nuanced, often critical perspective on American military involvement.
