Synoracki,+Olivia

http://disasterfilmsimpact.wikispaces.com/

Impact of Disaster Films on the Public

Introduction
Disaster films have become a phenomenon in our popular culture. It is as if there is a race in Hollywood to see who can create the next big thing with the newest technology and the most “realistic” special effects. When disaster films first came to the screen they mostly focused on individual disasters. An example of this is // The Poseidon Adventure // filmed in 1972.

During the 1970s the craze for disaster films increased, causing Hollywood to have a new infatuation. Yet, as time went on the disaster film grew, with the intent of generating more destruction on a larger spectrum. Instead of just focusing on one incident, disaster films grew to focuses on whole cities, such as the 1974 film //Earthquake//.

As infatuating as this genre was, it began to die out when the “disaster” became, for lack of a better term, stupid, such as //The Swarm// 1978. It was not until the 1990s when the genre picked up again with the progress of special effects. And with special effects came more destruction. Although we know this genre has made its way into the hearts of the public, the question is what impacts have these disaster films made on them.

Even though these films have the potential to heighten awareness of dangers and have emerged as a form of entertainment, they have caused greater disarray among the public. With the technology of special effects, disaster films have become more realistic. This calls into question whether there has been an increase in fear of powerlessness among the public orwether the risk perception has risen after being subject to so many disaster films.

Natural Disasters and Public Risk Perception
Since disaster films have made their way into the hearts of the public, it is important to understand the types of catastrophes portrayed in these movies. One of the most common types of disaster films are those revolving around natural disasters. This theme can be displayed through the events of a single natural occurrence, such as a tornado, an earthquake, or a volcano erupting. However, many disaster films have started combining these natural phenomenon in order to create a much larger catastrophe. A prime example of this is the film //The Day After Tomorrow//, which premiered in 2004. Even before the movie was set to be released, it gained much attention. Many politicians and scientists debated the accuracy behind the ideas brought on in the film, those of which revolve around global warming and it’s potential threats, while others were more interested in how the public would react to such a film.

media type="custom" key="24671922" align="center"

After a month of being released, //The Day After Tomorrow// became “one of the most commercially successful movies of all time, grossing nearly half a billion dollars worldwide (Leiserowitz, 2004).” During this time Leiserowitz conducted a study that tested the influence this form of popular culture has on the public. Through this study it was discovered that Hollywood often has more control over the public’s risk perceptions than government officials or scientists do themselves. With its depiction of impending climate changes on substantial cities in the United States, many moviegoers became more concerned with the levels of global warming. In fact, 80% of the individuals who saw the film brought away with them the notion that global warming has the capability of producing extraordinary storms that pose a threat to the country (Leiserowitz, 2004). Therefore, the results of this study convey the impact that films concerned with natural disaster may increase risk perception and worry among the public of events that may occur in the future.

Disaster Threats on the Government
Apart from natural disasters, Hollywood often participates in creating an environment of governmental downfall due to terrorist invasion. This form of disaster is seen in the film //Olympus Has Fallen//, released in 2013, where North Korean forces invade and attempt to seize the White House and take down the United States government. In his article, Hollywood in Revolt?, Willie Osterweil discusses this theme and calls into question the desire of the American population to watch films in which their own government teeters on the verge of falling. Yet, as Osterweil claims, Hollywood has an obsession with reinventing history on the big screen. Therefore, many historical events and devastations are recreated by diminishing the American dream to a nightmare. The public does not seem to be as phased by watching this form of disaster on screen due to the generic ending of the terrorists being stopped and order being restored. As a result, this form of disaster genre may cause audiences to speculate, “what if something like this happened,” but overall are subsided in these fears by the expectation of restoration.

media type="custom" key="24672388" align="center"

Alien Invasion Catastrophe
Another type of disaster film that is all too familiar in the public eye is the recurring theme of alien invasions. Often times disaster genres intertwine, such as the destruction of the American government and the disaster surrounding alien life advancing as a threat. This link can be found in the film //Independence Day//, released in 1996. This film centers on an alien invasion which poses a threat to end all life. To save America, as well as the rest of the world, a group of diverse individuals come together on the Fourth of July to strike a counter attack.

media type="custom" key="24673344" align="center"

Throughout this film there is uprise among citizens trying to figure out how to survive the coming alien attack. However, this disaster film is different in that through the calamity, patriotism and the “‘American’ value of working together for a common cause” are reestablished (Kakoudaki, 2002). In this way, United States citizens are brought together by the disaster facing them. With the President leading them to victory, a bond of belief and hope is restored in the public.

Positive Figures in Times of Disaster
In relation to a positive figure leading the public to hope during a time of controversy, the article, It’s Complicated: Spider-Man 2’s Reinscription of “Good” and “Evil” in Post 9/11 America, by Jeanne Holland, discusses the ways in which Spider Man calms the people of New York City with his presence. In her article Holland claims that the film //Spier Man// 2 parallels the events of September 11th in a discreet manner. Dealing with national suffering under the attack of Doctor Otto Octavius,the public is devastated. In a panic, the city of New York counts on Spider Man to defeat the enemy. However, around them buildings collapse and bodies fall, leaving Spider Man to be the symbol for victory. Although he is vulnerable at times, Spider Man is restored by the public’s faith in him conquering the enemy, that he regains his power and rebuild strength as a nation. It is through this action that Holland relates the film to the post 9/11 events and public nationalism in a time of disaster.

Activity #1
As discussed above, there are many types of disaster films that have the potential to influence audiences. Whether that influence be of fear or concern for real life depends, especially considering sometimes the impact can be that of awareness on a major issue. Since there are many effects that disaster film can have audiences, it is important for students to be able to identify the ways in which directors create this disturbance or recognition.

To begin this activity have students get into groups and make a list of cinematic elements that can influence the audience while watching a disaster film. Once they have their lists begin a discussion in class asking students to share their thoughts on which cinematic elements have the potential to generate these feelings. After this discussion, have some YouTube videos of sequences from different disaster film genres, such as natural disaster, government downfall, and alien invasion, and prepare these videos to show the class. While viewing these clips the students should write down the elements they see that the director has used to raise awareness or induce fear for the characters in the film, as well as audience members watching the film.

After viewing these clips, discuss the students’ findings. Which cinematic elements stood out to them? Did they feel that the actors’ emotions were more convincing in raising risk perception? Or did elements that were added to the film, such as special effects and music, play a bigger part in this perspective? Were different elements more prominent in differing disaster genres? Further discuss these findings and then converse over how students think each of these disaster genres could affect moviegoers.

Activity #2
The next activity that students should participate in is relating the effects of disaster films to other types of media in our society. Prepare some news clips, advertisements, music videos and any other media sources that are relevant to this topic. After viewing these media concerning disaster, have students compare them to disaster films and the clips they viewed previously.

media type="custom" key="24673684" Once all of these materials are reviewed, have a discussion with the class. First ask how news coverage, advertisements, and other forms of media cause unrest among the public. How is disaster portrayed in these sources? Now compare these sources to disaster films. How are the narratives similar and/or different? Which narratives do you feel are more impactful on the public in raising risk perception or fear? Do you feel that the broadcasting of disaster through all media sources have caused more apprehension among the public? Or do you feel that the public has become immune to the fear of disaster due to constant footage of catastrophes being shown in everyday life?

After comparing these media sources that center on disaster, have separate students into two groups. Have one group research the idea that disaster films and other media sources portraying tragedy cause panic among the public for when real disaster strikes. Then have the other group research the idea that the public has become immune to the thought of disaster striking because the topic has become part of mainstream culture.

Conclusion
The subject of disaster films and their impact on society has been debated. However, as seen through the natural disasters portrayed in //T// // he Day After Tomorrow //, risk perception does rise after viewing a catastrophe take place on film. Not only can this recognition cause fear for when a disaster actually does occur in real life, but it can raise awareness on subjects of concern for national safety and order. It has been found that the traditional “happy” ending of these disaster films, whether that be that order is restored, families survive and can rebuild their life, or that extraterrestrials are defeated, has given the public a sense that while disaster does exist, it will always be defeated. This calls into question whether the public has become unsusceptible to the threats of disaster after viewing a number of films and other media sources that revolve around such devastation. This is why it is important for students to research this topic and become more aware of the influence disaster films have on society.