The Importance of Cinema in Preserving Artistry
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By Akshay Prasad
rt, by its most basic definition, is an expression of self through an artist’s creative skill and imagination. This expression presents itself in many different ways and is most apparent in the forms of media we consume. From the music we listen to, to the shows and movies we watch, artistry is something that surrounds and shapes us. It is almost impossible to imagine a world where your favorite musician does not exist, or where your favorite movie never came to fruition, which goes to show the lasting effects of art on your day to day life. This fact is important to note because what it means is that we are not only exposed to the piece of media itself, but also the themes and messages conveyed through it. Due to this, media, and particularly movies, plays a huge role in the ideals and messages we currently follow and ones that will be followed for generations to come. On top of this, an appreciation for films shows an appreciation towards the creative processes involved in their production. This includes everything from the brainstorming and writing of an idea, to the painstaking work involved with filming a movie. As time goes on, it is important to give attention to films that keep pushing the boundaries of creativity because they lead to the progression of art and preserve it for future generations. When looking at how cinema presents themes and messages, we can evaluate how they are conveyed through the means of film itself. In short, we can look more deeply into what is being shown on the screen to take away
valuable societal lessons. There are many ways in which this can be done, as there are a great many things that can be picked apart. For example, let’s take a look at “Get Out” by Jordan Peele. When looking at the story and examining its themes, we can see the plot serves as a metaphor for the African-American experience in America. The synopsis of the movie goes as follows: members of a prestigious white family, who are obsessed with black culture, believe black bodies are superior to white ones. Due to this, the elderly members of the family transplant themselves into young African-American individuals to live longer lives through a supposedly physically superior body. While their actions are due to a belief that being black is “superior” to being white, the family in the film fails to truly understand the Black experience within America and all the hardships that come with it. This portrays the unhealthy obsession with black culture stemming from those outside of that community and how this is a form of racism in and of itself. The film, whilst harboring these themes within its core, is presented in the format of a horror/thriller movie with elements of comedy in it. This is an example of the beautifully interwoven artistry that is apparent through the medium of film. What is shown on screen captivates and intrigues the general audience through its use of filmmaking techniques, which then allows for this underlying theme to sweep in and stamp itself upon an audience’s consciousness for a very long time. The importance of cinema in preserving artistry goes beyond looking at what is presented on screen to the general audience. We can go behind the scenes of the
“Either way, these ideas are a benchmark for creativity and provide the start for the moviemaking process.”
18 ASIAN OUTLOOK
