The Link between Film and Culture

The study of film and the study of culture have become very connected as film increasingly influences the way culture develops. Indeed film and culture have been connected since cinema began in 1895. Films have often been based on the perspective of its culture of origin, and culture likewise has been influenced over the past century as film has become more prevalent. Although the increasing importance of cinema in our world has lead to accusations of cultural imperialism, especially for movies made in the U.S., the true effect is one of globalization. Globalization has been a constant phenomenon ever since humans began spreading out and communicating their ideas with one another.


While the advent of modern technology has certainly accelerated things, globalization is a naturally occurring process that allows us to gain balance. Even though it may seem movies are causing cultures around the world to become gradually “Americanized”, the true cause of this change is that people inevitably accept tendencies that allow them to be more successful. Not to say movies aren’t a powerful influencing factor. They are. However we have take into account the fact that people have been imitating success for centuries. We must realize that while movies are an important part of globalization today, cinema has only been around for a fraction of the existence of globalization. Globalization goes back to when nomadic tribes began learning each other’s language in order trade. Most of the world knows at least a little bit of English and while this is largely a part of technological influence, it is a trend started centuries ago by Britain, not a recent development resulting from cinema.

Globalization has been around since civilization began. People have been attempting to create binding relationships between their separate cultures as they advance and grow since they first formed hunter and gatherer communities. These relationships range from simple agreements of mutual protection to complex trade treaties. While technology, especially cinema, has created a situation where cultures are easily able to develop traits of others, we must realize that globalization is naturally occurring in society. In his book, Cultural Imperialism: A Critical Introduction, John Tomlinson states that “unlike cultural imperialism, globalization allows for incoherent, multi-lateral forms and directions of power” (Tomlinson, 197). This means that globalization doesn’t direct the power of cultural shifting in anyone’s favor. It simply allows a natural equilibrium to emerge that takes ideal aspects of different cultures and fuses them together. This fusing of cultures is the best way for the world as a whole to come closer together. Essentially it could be the quickest way to finally creating a lasting and meaningful world peace. For this reason people must understand that globalization through movies is not a threat. It could be the movies that save us in the end.

Hill, John, and Pamela Gibson. The Oxford Guide to Film Studies. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print.

-David Zwick