Hollywood Hegemony In Hollywood Movies

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I. Introduction Little should be doubted about the imposing presence of US motion pictures in global cinemas. It is uncommon to see a country not showing Hollywood blockbusters each summer, from action-packed superhero films to children-favourite animations. As Kindem (2000, p2) puts it, “many countries’ domestic movie markets have been greatly impacted if not dominated by Hollywood movies since at least 1917.” The supremacy of American films in foreign markets presents no new phenomenon; it boasts a Hollywood power that shows no sign of waning as of today. That leads to a popular notion of Hollywood hegemony in production and distribution, which describes the level of dominance generated by US movie industry over the world. This essay seeks …show more content…

On a different note, Agnew and Corbridge (1995) emphasize that hegemony is positioned in certain time periods. This variable proves to be critical since distinct epochs pose diverse environmental settings for dominance to be achieved. That is, prerequisites, altered from time to time, decide the basis of hegemony only if the occasion for their prominence is ripe. Stating further, cultural hegemony concept cites viewpoint on principles, ways of life as well as social thoughts as the bridge to dominant status (About.com, no date). This idea is illustrious in the way that it fits the expansion of Hollywood to world movie cinemas and global movie market as a …show more content…

The influence of American values established in Hollywood movies reflects in widespread US products, lifestyles, and thoughts outside its borders. Regarding motives, “America is not just interested in exporting its films. It is interested in exporting its way of life” (Jacob, quoted in The Economist, 1998). Possibly, US cultural imperialism is relevant to the extent that Hollywood filmmakers need no blatant techniques to promote American values. The popularity of Hollywood exports naturally impregnates foreign audiences with American images and ideologies by way of audio-visual acceptance. Whereas old saying states that trade follows the flag, films perhaps carry the

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