FREE ESSAY ON ENTERTAINMENT OR BEYOND...

ENTERTAINMENT OR BEYOND...

Entertainment or Beyond...
Should movie producers make movies that are entertaining to the public, rather than
making them appear as a teaching tool? This is a difficult question to answer, and
depending on your views of society, there may be several opinions on this subject. Let us
not forget that movies cost money to produce, and the investors of these firms want a
return on their money. Therefore, a producer must create a film that will be profitable,
while at the same time trying to personalize his or her work for future generations. Who
is right? Possibly, no one can answer that question truly, but here are some important
things to ponder the next time you go to view a film. 
Some may argue the filmmaker's prime directive is to produce shows, which are tasteful to
the public, films that do not offend society's norms or views. However, not only
tasteful, also didactic. This is an impossible mission when you consider that there are
over 200 million people in this country alone. Many argue that children view their
favorite film stars as role models and that producers need to keep this in mind when
creating films. Responsibility to raise other people's children, all of the sudden, is
falling into the hands of Hollywood's writers, actors and producers. How convenient for
families to leave the burden of moral socialization to a bunch of greedy, money hungry
people who have lost touch with reality. Actors should not be children's favorite role
model; children should idolize their parents. Although we as a society can not force role
models upon our children, we can limit their exposure to films. If America depends on
filmmakers to raise and teach their children, then we are all in for some major problems
socially. 
Film production is a big business in America. And I mean BIG. Many movies routinely cost
hundreds of millions of dollars to create, from props, special effects and actors to
stunt doubles, grips and animation. This means that in order for the film companies to
remain open, the public must support the film by paying to see it. Moreover, the public
will not spend money unless it is on something that they want. It all goes back to the
supply and demand theory. Why produce an educational film that people will not pay to
see? Albeit, it is possible to make educational films that the public wants to see, but
the opportunities are slim and risky financially speaking. It makes more sense,
economically speaking, to give the audience what it wants, even at the expense of
immorality in some cases. 
Producers and directors are like artists, in that they want to create something unique.
Call it escapism or just call it creativity. Whatever you want to call it, producers must
have the opportunity to create a film according to their tastes. Public opinion must deem
these works as successful or rubbish, usually through box office sales. Trying to control
this creative instrument would only destroy the industry. After all, some producers are
not concerned with profits, but only to give the public a different view. On the other
hand, the capitalistic side of the movie industry does affect artistic vision to a
certain extent. The industry must carefully evaluate the chances of financial success for
a film. If the probability for success is high, the industry produces the movie. 
Before we start criticizing the film industry about the content of their films, we had
better look at the social and moral values involved in our own lives. As a society, we
are far from perfect and films help to reinforce this fact. Several movies based upon
true stories not only shocked many viewers but left them wondering what kind of a sick
world we live in. Movies like Bonnie and Clyde and Schindlers List are examples. No one
forces people to watch movies and television; it is a freedom. In addition, producers
thrive for their inspiration and creativity off that freedom. Sure, some movies do not
reflect our society, they may even seem far-fetched but the audiences ought to know the
difference between fiction and reality. Society must not slip into movie land, remember
movies are for our enjoyment and entertainment, not to give you stupid ideas about
suicide or assignation. 
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