A while back, while I was looking for content stories, I ran across an editorial that was essentially asking whether or not filmmakers could still make patriotic movies. For a brief shining moment, I got sucked into this, and thought it may be a good read. What I read really wasn’t. Instead it was more of an attack on one specific film rather than overlook at the film landscape. Regardless of whether or not it was a good read, the question of is making patriotic pro American movies possible did make me think. Can they, and if they can, do they want to?
If I had to guess, I’d say filmmakers really don’t want to make something with spirit and the flag, and the markings of a good American film. Instead they’re too busy visiting dark places or agenda driven. If it’s a question of being “afraid,” well that I cannot admire or respect because they’re not fearful when it comes to a million other ideas or additions. Since it’s still July and I have been thinking about that editorial, I thought I’d write about it.
DISCUSSION | YES, FREEDOM REQUIRES RESPONSIBILITY.
CAN WE STILL MAKE PRO-AMERICAN MOVIES WITH SPIRIT AND PRIDE? #MOVIES #AMERICANMOVIES #AMERICA #USA #TOPGUN Click To TweetSome ten or fifteen years ago, dominating at the box office were superhero films. While not always true of every character, some of these did present us with noble heroes. Then twenty plus years ago, we were in this feel good movie phase along with the odd war film or spy thriller. The former of which are films I miss. Looking further back, there’s the original Top Gun film. A film that some say inspired a surge in military recruitments and commentary holds up as the last real “American spirit” film.
In 1986, Tom Cruise starred in Top Gun, a film about a man named Pete Mitchell, or “Maverick” as is his call sign. An ace pilot, he along with his co-pilot Goose are accepted into the Navy’s elite Top Gun school. Once there, tragedy and triumph befall him in a story about overcoming. Until twenty twenty-two I had not seen Top Gun. Despite its extreme popularity and general love, I didn’t make the time.
However, finally I did and must say, while dated in its filmmaking, the story is easy to pin as a spirted story about American exceptionalism. The film is a heroic one that doesn’t fear being good and using its ability to promote American values. Its sequel also is being praised for being unafraid to just tell a story that relies on the American spirit, which is something I will always be a fan of.
Apart from missing movies that make viewers feel good even if not all about American spirit, filmmakers today rarely, if ever create this kind of film. Even the era of superhero films, for me, is over.
What do we think the reason is for this darker approach? Whatever is is, films releasing today are missing more than one component. They lack that comforting feeling of the 90s comedies. And none of this addresses the idea of how afraid films are today to be unapologetic in their American spirit. I’m not sure filmmakers want to create these kinds of films. They’re either too nervous because forbid they risk their pay day, or they don’t even recognize what patriotism looks like.
Either scenario makes me abnormally sad.
So while I think most Americans want to see something that uplifts America, Hollywood rejects this. They want to instead check quota’s and worry over ruining otherwise fine characters by “evolving” them or apologizing for not being progressive enough when in actuality, what they’re apologizing for is actually already progressive.
I cannot remember the last film I did see that I’d point to and say, there’s an American spirit blueprint.
Makes me think, no, there is no such desire to make patriotic films. Instead of crafting good spirited content, our culture shoves viral TikToks talking about being ashamed of the flag. We have social media warriors telling everyone how to feel. Creators putting out content that’s more for “shock” than good storytelling. All of this and more is where culture is at. Meanwhile, I’m just left to wonder where have all the good movies gone?
Have you seen any movies lately that are feel good and happy or pro America? Which movies would you put in that category (from the past)? Which ones should I see that are patriotic pro American movies? What types of movies would you like to see more of? What do you think of today’s current film climate? Comment all of your comments below!
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My mom has always said, they further someone moves away from the Creator, the less creative they are. But from another perspective, Hollywood is a controlled industry. I believe that people want to see more patriotic films, more happy films, more simple story driven films, but The powers that be have an agenda that doesn’t care about what people want. They have a message to push and therefore do not put much time or money into promoting anything contrary to that agenda. It’s sad that they are ignoring such a huge market that is hungry for what you are describing.
I would agree with your mother. Or just in general, the further we move from morals and values. I think that’s true is SO much of our lives whether that’s our creativity or just happiness. I also agree with your assessment of Hollywood having an agenda and being controlled. It’s sad but they really don’t care so long as they rake in money and while some films do flop, they still make a TON of money. Or that’s what the reporting says. Either way, it’s sad that we’re more about agendas than GOOD stories. I miss those days. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, Brittaney!! Always love to read your comments.