War and Hollywood

War and Hollywood

Since Hollywood dominates the film industry, Hollywood style prevails defining film practice around the world since viewers across the globe are accustom to seeing and understanding films in this art exclusively. Since its establishment, Hollywood has survived and even thrived through several American Wars. Two Wars that had a large impact on the industry are WWII and the Cold War.

World War II opened a new film genre to Hollywood. It introduced new issues of race and sexuality portrayal within the films. Films new purpose was to capture their audiences through patriotism. Ethnicity and race wasn’t an issue in Hollywood anymore for the time being, as all Americans had a commonality of dislike towards a singular enemy. Films were now a way of informing the public of real emotions and stories currently taking place in their world. It was a form of connection between the soldiers and all civilians. This brought a wide variety of people to the big screens. Film Noir was developed, questioning American capitalism ideas in film. Even postwar, issues of tension between men and woman changed film. During the war women grew independent, so when the war ended, men taking their roles back caused power role issues. All of these matters were portrayed throughout the films in the era.

During the Cold War, whilst the United States and the Soviet Union were fighting, films went through the Red Scare. As Americans feared communism influence, HUAC, House Un-American Activities Committee caused a lot of film changes in Hollywood. HUAC was a committee from the United States House of Representatives sent to the studios to investigate communist subversion allegations. Ten screen writers and directors were eventually accused of communist influence/loyalty after the committee’s arrival. “The Hollywood Ten” were blacklisted, sent to jail, and were banned from ever working in Hollywood again. Therefore, films had to abide by strict production rules, and stick to neutral topics for their stories in hopes to avoid allegations of communist loyalty.

All of these events in history have contributed to Hollywood’s invisible style today. We will always look for that beginning, middle, and end to a story with a protagonist, antagonist, and love interest.