Image Source: Huffington Post
When we think of the Western film industry and then think of
the Asian film industry, they appear to be worlds apart. But in reality, the
two film industries are closer than they have ever been before. It is now more
common and acceptable for both Western films and Asian films to incorporate
themes and cultures from the other.
The relationship that is being formed between the Hollywood
and Asian film industries epitomises the effects of globalisation and ultimately
the creation of a world that is more connected than ever before.
Image Source: HitFix
Thompson (cited in Rantanen, 2005, p. 7) defines
globalisation as the growing interconnectedness of different parts of the
world, a process which gives rise to complex forms of interaction and
interdependency.
Globalisation has enabled the transnational relationship
between the Hollywood film industry and the Asian film industry to thrive in a
way that has never been done before. While Western cultures have an enormous
influence over film audiences, Asian themes are now becoming more prominent in
Western films.
Today we are seeing a partial erosion of the boundaries that
once separated Hollywood from local Asian film industries, and a consequent
intertwining of industries on both sides of the Pacific (Klein 2004, pg. 361).
The relationship between the two powerhouse film industries
continues to grow enabling a greater cultural flow of knowledge, information
and technology. Essentially, the films that are collaborations of both cultures
provide a stronger connection for the film industry. While these themes and
characteristics may not be extremely noticeable, there is no doubt that there
is both Western and Asian influence in many blockbusters.
In more recent times, the most noticeable Asian theme that
is recurring in many films is martial arts. Klein (2004, pg. 361) points out
that martial arts fight scenes have become a ubiquitous feature in action films
across the genre map, from science fiction (The Matrix, 1999) to vampire (Blade II, 2002) to superhero (Daredevil, 2003) to video game (Lara Croft: Tomb
Raider, 2001) to girl’s empowerment (Charlie’s Angels, 2000) to costume drama
(The Last Samurai, 2003).
Image Source: geeky-guide
Reference List:
Klein, C 2004, 'Martial arts and globalisation of US and Asian film industries', Comparative America Studies, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 360-384.
Rantanen, T 2005, 'Theorizing media and globalization', Media and Globalization 2005, Sage Publications, London, pp. 1-18.
Images:
Hello Emily,
ReplyDeleteIt’s great that you linked globalisation between the Asian and Western film industries as you’re right – they’re closer than ever before in terms of production values, stylistic approach and ‘blockbuster’ elements. Asian cinema has really stepped up in the last twenty or so years by following the ‘Hollywood’ approach to gain back their local audience.
In turn Hollywood has incorporated Asian influences by seeking talented members of the Asian film industry. It’s good to see the two way flow of globalisation as two industries formerly quite separated have joined forces to bring entertainment that satisfies on a global scale. We can see this in your example of ‘martial arts’ – a theme that’s been recurring in Hollywood blockbusters of late. Well done on your post.