Movies have become a part of everyday life, whether that’s for entertainment, education, or simply to pass the time. They can bring people together, create laughter, and inspire. According to the article, “Understanding Media and Culture” by The University of Minnesota, “Movies shape cultural attitudes and customs, as audiences adopt the attitudes and styles of the characters they watch on screen.”
For Savannah Waiden movies, have done all that and more. Savannah, a senior at MCHS, hopes to achieve a career in film, as she has chosen to focus on video for her senior year in Middle Creek’s Adobe Digital Media Academy. When asked why she wanted to venture into the career of film she stated, “I want to pursue a career in film because I love the creativity it gives you. When watching a film like Secret Life of Walter Mitty, I just love the way it makes me feel. And I know I want to create something like that.”
The popularity and love of movies throughout history does not go unnoticed. At a young age many kids just like Savannah grew to love the visual stories communicated through the screen. “I liked funny movies as a kid. Some of my favorites were Napoleon Dynamite and Good Burger,” Waiden said.
Most high school students can remember the popularity of the so-called “cheese touch.” Inspired by the hit 2010 movie, Diary of the Wimpy Kid, this game was widespread and reminds me of some funny times back in elementary school. It is interesting to acknowledge the capacity that a small joke in a movie had to younger kids, and makes me think about film’s bigger influences.
In 2013 a documentary about a tragic story of a mistreated Orca at Seaworld gained popularity. This documentary was called Blackfish. Blackfish reached the hearts of many, as it revealed the cruelties Orcas faced at Sea World, while exposing how the corporation was able to pull it off all in the sake of “entertainment.” The effect this movie had on people was so asstounding that many came together boycotting the resort as well as promoting petitions. This caused ticket sales to drastically drop and left SeaWorld’s reputation shattered. All that backlash eventually led to Seaworld cancelling their killer whale breeding program. Blackfish had such a big influence over its viewers, it bound people together to make change and was able to positively affect the quality of life for aquatic animals.
Although many movies are widely seen and expressed through pop culture, many go missed. A movie I don’t think gets enough credit and attention is Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Based on Barry Crump's 1986 book Wild Pork and Watercress, this movie showcases comedy and adventure. Overall Hunt for the Wilderpeople is a humorous, heartwarming film that I highly recommend.
Movie-making creates a space for creativity, allowing people like Savannah Waiden and many others to have a chance at a career in something they are passionate about. In return, movies give the public a source of entertainment while simultaneously influencing society by challenging the audience's morals and transforming viewers' opinions.