As I pondered my top five favorite movies for the list we made last week in class, I was unable to think of more than two films for my list: "Amelie" and "Life is Beautiful." And when we were asked to think about what our movie choices say about us, I tried to find what these movies have in common.
I thought of two obvious parallels: "Amelie" and "Life is Beautiful" are both foreign films (French and Italian, respectively) and both possess imaginative main characters — dreamers who strive to make life a little more beautiful for those around them.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" (Spanish) and "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly" (French) are two other films that I enjoyed, which also fit the foreign/inspirational/dreamers bill.
With that said, I think that if I brought these movies up in conversation, many people would be unfamiliar with them. Understandably, as many of these films were not shown in mainstream theaters and were not marketed in American at the same level as typical Hollywood productions.
Yet I think that these movies carry important messages that many Americans could learn from and relate to. They possess artistic elements unseen among many American films, and cause viewers to ponder their purpose or mission in life.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, even relatively simplistic movies like "High School Musical 3" and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" are widely known in countries across the globe: "High School Musical 3" reached a top gross of $4.9 million opening in Italy "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" generated a total of $17.8 million in its opening in Russia and Ukraine. [According this article]
And that's nothing compared to blockbusters like "The Dark Knight" and "Quantum of Solace."
So my question is, do you think there is anything wrong with America exporting so many movies, and promoting and showcasing relatively few foreign films? To what extent have you been exposed to foreign films, and do you feel like they should get more exposure in the United States?
42 comments:
I don't see anything wrong with us exporting so many American films, especially since we are the entertainment capital of the world. It would be nice to showcase more foreign films, especially since Americans in general have a narrow world view. I've seen Life is Beautiful and a few Spanish films. I liked them, but I understand why they weren't huge blockbusters. They were kind of boring--although very good. I think that foreign films aren't showcased for two reasons. 1) As a nation, we're not too interested in what goes on outside of the States (We're a big country, ok?) and 2) Companies are in to what sells. Foreign films aren't blockbusters so they're not going to spend the money on getting them out there.
I think foreign films should be given more exposure in the U.S. I personally LOVE foreign films, and think they round out the movie experience since most blockbusters don't require you to think at all, while foreign films do. Sure, a lot of Americans probably deem this genre boring, but it's only because they've never really experienced it before or gained an appreciation from having to THINK in a movie.
I don't think there's anything wrong with exporting so many American Films. We obviously make a lot of money because of it and like Erica said, we are the entertainment capital of the world. Personally, I haven't been exposed to many forign films, but the ones I have seen are very good and they do make you think unlike American movies which take you by the hand the whole time.
I would love to see more foreign films in America. They bring new perspective, culture, tone, etc. I've seen the first two movies mentioned. Wonderful! America should embrace more of the outside world in film. That would be great!
I like foreign films and wish they got more exposure in the U.S. We certainly don't embrace foreign films like those in other countries embrace films from America. I think that lots of American films have a fanatical following because of their intense action or strong brand. Foreign films, on the other hand, seem more artistic and I wish they were valued more here.
I think it's the same with movies such as The Visitor. These movies aren't really well-known and are some of the most inspiring and motivational. I don't know what would get people into them. It seems like people just want to be entertained rather than watch a movie and think about what they can do to better the world.
I agree with exporting American films. It's a business and I think if people want to see these films around the world, America should let them. I've seen quite a few of foreign films. I just think foreign films are different. People here in America are used to happy endings and foreign films don't always have a happy ending. Moreover, they tend to move slower. Furthermore, they have different humor. Every country has its own humor, so that might be another factor to why Americans aren't so keen on foreign films.
I think foreign films are great. They usually have much better plots and awesome cinematography. (sp?) however, they also often have loads of nudity and other elements that in our culture is a little more taboo than they are in Europe.
1) I do think that we should showcase more foreign films in the US. As has been said already, foreign films tend to be more artistic and, in my opinion, superior than many of the American blockbusters that come out.
2) I do think that we shouldn't export as many of our films. I kinda feel like the world is experiencing American Cinematic Imperialism, which shouldn't be the case. For example, India produces more movies per year than we do.
I think it's great that America exports so many movies because it gives the rest of the world a glimpse into who we are, the way we think, and our culture and values. For that same reason, I think its great to see foreign films because we get a view of their culture. I think they all add something to us whether they are foreign or not. Obviously, a number of American films don't add anything to you (While it was a great movie, who felt inspired by Dumb and Dumber?), but there are a number that do: Miracle, Remember the Titans, Fireproof just to name a few of my favorites. In just the same way, some foreign films inspire us (I simply love Life is Beautiful) and others may not. Admittedy, I can't think of one because I don't watch them a lot, but that could be because there aren't many here, which is kind of a long and roundabout way of saying, Yeah I'd like a few more foreign films thrown my way...
I think it is okay that America exports so many American films. People watch them, so why not do it. But I do think that America should show more foreign films. I have not been exposed to very many foreign films, but the ones that I have, I have really enjoyed. I think foreign films offer meaning that American movies just don't have, and I think its important for people to be exposed to them.
Back in the early days of film, America was not a large producer of motion pictures, that title was associated with Europe, and especially France. With the onset of the World Wars motion picture production halted in Europe with most of the motion pictures being made in the United States. From there it's just continued and grown as we are now a mass producer and exporter of films to the world. Personally I don't see anything wrong with this. If the world didn't want to see the movies the US produces they would have stopped exporting a long time ago.
Now as far as liking or disliking foreign films - that depends on the types of movies you like and the foreign films that you've been exposed to. I agree that most foreign films move more slowly and have deeper characters, then again they may be more indie films where the filmmaker has more to his film than a profit margin.
I have been exposed to very many foreign films. It's just like we learn in class, Media produces what people want because that is what makes money,
I was going to mention that India produces more films-but Trevor beat me to it-why do you think this is not a wide known fact? When's the last time you saw a film from India? (Slumdog does not count-that production was from England)
Also-BYU runs the largest collegiate International Cinema in the country. The films that are shown there are fantastic-I highly recommend you go often
http://ic.byu.edu/now.php
I have experienced quite a few foreign films, and I don't see any problems with having them in America or us exporting American films worldwide. It's a global culture now, and we're just all sharing information. We're not pushing it on anyone, and they're not pushing it on us, so I don't have any problem with it.
I think that it's incredibly important for us to export movies into foreign countries. Yeah, foreign films are fantastic and they're interesting, but if they were really meant to be mainstream than they would be. I believe that exposure to foreign films is important, but I don't believe that it's as necessary as the movies that are placed in the mainstream media. Mostly because I believe that foreign films require effort and involvement, which only a certain crowd finds satisfaction in.
For the most part, I do not like foreign films.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon? No thanks.
Le Pact de Loupes? No thanks.
Motorcyle Diaries? No thank you.
The list of "no thanks" movies goes on.
I like some though, don't get me wrong. Slumdog Mill. can be considered a foreign film right? And Pan's Labrynth was rad.
I'm sure a good film has come out of Canada? Nah, nevermind.
I haven't seen Life is Beautiful, but I heard it's rad.
American movies, I can list TONS that are awesome, that I have loved throughout my life. Maybe it just has to do with more exposure.
I feel that several different countries create quality films. However, I think less foreign films are marketed in the U.S. because the majority of Americans would probably rather watch a film in their own language than read subtitles. Personally, I don't mind reading subtitles in order to see a quality film. I have seen some foreign films, and particularly enjoyed "Life is Beautiful."
I don't think there is anything wrong with exporting American films since they have entertainment value but I do think it's a bit overboard and that some expect their lives to be just like the movies. I would love if we showed more foreign films in mainstream theaters. I think there are a lot of people who would want to see them, who care about seeing a more realistic side of things. For example, I fell in love with the book The Diving Bell and the Butterfly but haven't been able to find a place to watch the film! Anyone know?? I think it's important that we make available the more worthwhile forms of entertainment because ultimately they do affect our society.
What foreigners see in Hollywood's films is often not an accurate portrayal of life in the United States. We can see these films and sort of filter out certain things because we live here and know what society is really like. But foreign folks suck at filtering things out of American blockbusters, so I think they need to be more selective in what movies are exported, because they really do shape the way foreign people think of life in the U.S.
NOW, foreign films are great, but I hope they never take precedence over our films. Nothing, NOTHING beats classic, American motion picture (at least not yet). I'd just love to see the look on people's faces if all we could ever watch was foreign films...let's face it, it would be devastating. And yes, I think most of us do know what it's like to have to "THINK in a movie" (that was an insulting remark). If you feel otherwise, you had better evaluate YOUR selection of movies.
To be honest, I can't recall ever seeing a foreign film. The movies listed in the post sound interesting though, I just have never been exposed to them. Personally, I don't see a problem with American films being exported all over the world. It is a money making industry, so why not expand as much as possible?
no problem with america entertaining the world. I dont no to blame for the lack of foreign films but it would be nice to see a little more. When they do arise they are usually VERY good stories, real films, not a whole lot of graphics to keep the tweeking a.d.d. people in check but appeals more to people who enjoy proper stories with clever and imaginative script writing.
I really have not been exposed to many foreign films, but I do think that we should be more exposed to them, it would make us more cultured. I love American films and I don't think that there is anything wrong with exporting them.
Some of the most inspiring movies I have ever seen have been foreign films. I think that Americans need more exposure to these instead of only seeing cookie cutter films like the Dark Knight for example.
I grew up in Singapore so I love watching chinese movies. I don't think American's are cut off from foreign films. People like you who are interested in them are going to be able to find and watch them.
I would like to see more foreign films but dont see it happening anytime soon. Just like as Americans when immigrants come to the US we want them to learn English and adopt the "American way" I feel that is the reason why there arent more foreign films. If Americans go to another country they are usually considered cool because of where they come from and their accent, etc. and because of this they dont mind them bringing over their American culture. In the US, its the American way and so foreign films will never be popular here even though i would like to see more.
More foreign film exposure in this country would be awesome. But it doesn't worry me as much as American Film exposure outside the US. Here, we can access just about anything, but other countries find themselves at our media-conglomerate mercy, which I find difficult to accept. As an avid admirer of peoples and cultures, I only hope that our media exports don't degrade varied world customs into American sameness...
I have enjoyed the foreign films that I have seen. Unfortunately, like American independent films, foreign films do not generate profits, which is why we don't have as much exposure to them. American films are distributed abroad because they make money.
I agree that it would be good to see more foreign films in the US. I think there is a lot of artistic value in them and it would be nice to see more of them showcased. I also think it would open more doors in the entertainment industry.
I LOVE foreign films, and I recognize/ have seen all that have been mentioned. I think the foreign film genre opens the door of exposing the US to the world (as film depicts it).
I did love Life Is Beautiful and I think it showed a different side that we aren't used to. So at times I wish we would...but is that realisic?? I think I'm just fine with how it's done. If you want to, you can find the goodness from foreign films.
I think it is all business. The only reason these good foreign movies don't seem to have much space in the market is because they don't have much money to advertise it. Madagascar is huge because there is a also huge publicity behind it, not only here but in all countries. And even when movies have some money to use advertise it, it does not compare with what is being invested by other productions. So, for me, it is all business.
I don't have a problem with our films being exported. The money they make outside our country helps them make more money to make more movies. However, I don't feel like I am exposed enough to other foreign films. I have never really been interested in foreign films. When it comes to films I like to be entertained by action or comedy. I never even hear about good action or comedy films that are from other countries.
I think that the foreign film industry has more of a focus when they make their films. Few countries spend as much time as Americans on entertainment. We have movie theaters packed every single weekend and for that reason are we able to fund movies that may have little to no social value. However, with little money spent on entertainment in third world countries, the movies that they produce are more of a venue for expression of social injustices or issues than for pure entertainment. For this reason do I think that forigen films have much more of a message to them while American films are there to wow.
I've seen loads of foreign films and think their messages tend to be more in depth than most American films. I don't think that it's bad to be shipping our films across seas, it adds to the mix of their own films.
My question is, do the free markets govern the export and import of films across the world? Or do the five media companies govern all that we consume and watch? I would find it very unfortunate if the big five (Bertelsmann, Sony, etc) act as a media monopoly and govern the entry and exit of films. The movie "Slum Dog Millionaire" provides hope that some films will creep through the net.
I don't think that this is a matter of right or wrong. I think it's sad that mainstream American isn't necessarily exposed to more foreign or artistic films but lets face it....They are not a profitable. The film industry is a business not an educational outlet.
I wish there was more emphasis placed on foreign films in America because I think those are very though provoking and insightful to other cultures. I say that as opposed to watch transformers and other movies which are just visual pleasure more than something to think about. I suppose people around the world might like those kinds of movies though which I think is kind of unfortunate because I believe it contributes to the reason why people around the world don't have the highest opinion on Americans.
I think that there is a lot to learn about cultures around the world from the films that we watch. And i think that our films help other countries understand us a little more... and in some cases this might not be a good thing (high school musical 3 representing the U.S. is not something i feel comfortable with). I think that foreign film should be encouraged world wide, and to other countries our films are considered foreign.
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