Watching a film is a training in empathy. Movies force their audience to invest in a character's unique struggle or circumstances. The resulting question is whether or not this empathy training can lead to real, In the book Filming Difference: Actors, Directors, Producers, and Writers on Gender, Race, and Sexuality in Cinema, Daniel Bernardi states that the power of films is undeniable because they guide “our perceptions of each other and of difference.” » Bernardi continues to discuss cinematic catharsis and how it can make viewers think critically about themselves, others, culture and society. Say No to Plagiarism Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Similarly, Graeme Turner, author of Film as Social Practice, also believes in the power of cinema. He says active interpretation of film is “essential,” given the complexity of film production. function “beyond the pleasure of the story”. When producing a film, a social and cultural context is present. Audiences also experience and respond to films within their own social and cultural context (64). There are many perspectives from which to examine the relationship between cinema and society. Some theorists think this connection is important. reflexive, where the film is a “reflection” of the culture’s beliefs and values. However, this concept has many exceptions. For example, classic musicals with utopian, star-studded narratives don't fit the culture. Structural anthropology, literary theory, and Marxist theories Since it is difficult to examine all aspects of the relationship between cinema and culture simultaneously, Turner explains that this is why "most "Discussions have focused on the structure, or theoretical composition, of relationships" (131).In recent years, the number of inclusive television shows, plays, and films has increased. Representation of all races, genders, and sexualities in film and television has improved dramatically. However, there is still progress to be made and prejudices to be combatted, and cinema is an effective means of achieving this. In particular, one film that has defied public opinion is Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain. It was released in 2005 and quickly sparked a media frenzy. The subject of homosexual relationships remaining taboo at that time, the love story of two men aroused many reactions. A New York Times review written in 2005 praised the film, calling it "a moving and majestic film" that is not about sex "but about love: love stumbled, love thwarted, love love held sadly in the heart” (Holden). Although most defended the film and its story, some protested. In particular, conservative Christians have made homophobic arguments that Brokeback Mountain is an “obliteration of acceptable norms of social and sexual behavior” (Thomas). Usually, the negative reactions were about the sex scene depicted in Brokeback Mountain. Some found the scene too graphic or shocking, and others went so far as to call it "disgusting." Despite the controversy, the film went on to become a multi-award winning cinematic and pop cultural phenomenon. Three months after its theatrical release, it had grossed $76 million at the box office. The film was subsequently nominated for eight Academy Awards. Since Brokeback Mountain was the audience favorite in the Best Picture category, many of its supporters.