A Little Thought About The Power Of Films

"Movie Magic"

Around 128 years ago, the whole world was bewitched by the development of the motion picture camera which created the so-called “moving picture shows.” About 40 years after that, music and sound were synchronized with the action on the screen, and thus the “talking pictures” were born. Nowadays, motion pictures have taken on whole new level of technology. Computer Graphics and animation conquer technological advancement, all while charming us with the unforgettable forgetfulness of Dory in “Finding Nemo,” fascinating us with the arguably heroic tale of “Beowulf,” and making us stare in wide-eyed wonder at the unbelievably believable monster that is “King Kong.” Movies like these, no matter how incredible or not so incredible, will be forever ingrained in our subconscious. And even though movies are mainly for entertainment, we have to admit that one or two have influenced or changed some part of us in one way or another. That is why we have to realize just how important the movies we see are.

(Dory in Andrew Stanton's "Finding Nemo")

(Peter Jackson's "King Kong")

The power of influence is a major component of films and movies, what else would they be for if not to make someone think about something? Whether the audience realizes or allows it or not, films are insidiously planting seeds of whatever propaganda, whether well-meant or simply malicious, into their minds. Documentaries like “Fahrenheit 9/11,” “Sicko,” and “An Inconvenient Truth” have unabashedly alluded that they’re against the current American government, all while trying to inform or stimulate the audience about their respective topics.

(Michael "Moore's Sicko")

Classics like “The Godfather,” and contemporary favorites like “Pulp Fiction” are certainly good movies, but shamelessly doing crimes like murder and theft are certainly not good morals. Violent movies probably don’t wish to encourage the audience to turn to violence, but it doesn’t help that heroes always get away with murder, and find a good looking love interest while doing so.

(Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction")

However, films are also a massive source of good influence, movies like “The North Country,” which is about women’s rights and power, and “Hotel Rwanda,” which is about an ordinary man doing something extraordinarily good, are stories that can change someone’s perception of personal strength and goodness. These stories help instill emotional growth and awareness to its audiences.

(Niki Caro's "North Country")

Movies enrich our lives with characters we may empathize with, experiences we may never experience in reality, and magical worlds that we can explore with our imagination. They inspire their audience, give them a hundred different vicarious lives, and entertain them with people they admire. Movies are influential moguls, and we should always remember that whatever story we choose to know and learn, are stories that will always be a part of us.

This was my speech for an English exam. Honestly, I think it's a little too cheesy, but apparently it's good enough to get a 98 ; p