Are Hollywood Movies Still About America? A Critical Look at Cinema and National Identity
By
Owen Gleiberman
Summary
This article examines whether Hollywood still makes movies about America, particularly in the context of the 250th July 4th celebration. The author critiques a New York Times listicle on "definitive movies about America" and offers five personal candidates, starting with Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939). The piece explores how classic Hollywood films were deeply engaged with American identity, ideals, and mythology, and questions whether contemporary cinema—dominated by fantasy, superhero, and franchise content—has lost that focus on the American experience.
Source
VarietyAre Hollywood Movies Still About America? A Critical Look at Cinema and National Identityvariety.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledMr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). James Stewart, the quintessential American actor, plays a newly appointed senator who shows up in Washington, D.C., overflowing with schoolboy romanticism, only to learn that the place is a...
A few days ago, the New York Times ran a provocative listicle entitled 'What Is the Definitive Movie About America?'
Since no one asked, I thought I would offer five candidates of my own.
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