Overlook of Ideology within film

1. Ideology In Film
By Jacob Lawrence

2. Introduction
• Ideology is defined as to describe the social expectations within
groups, class and culture.
• Ideology is a systematic way in which a cultures view perceives
a particular event, in other words it defines what is taboo and
what isn't. This can be shown in the comparison of a modern
day text in relation to ‘Birth of a Nation’ an early 1900s
production. Within this obviously racist ideology is conveyed
which is in stark contrast to ideology conveyed now.
• This almost proves the way in which ideology is somewhat
always wrong some examples of incorrect ideology in film to
day include… a single person in a position of power is the key to
societal advancement (Batman), love between men and
women is the correct type of love (most mainstream rom
coms), people are inherently good or evil (most superhero
films).

3. Representation
• Mise En Scene – this can be used to represent ideology in
backgrounds of shots this is often overlooked by audience
members but can be key to represent particular ideology. For
example a picture in a house of a family this depiction often
shows middle class ideology of family conformity.
• Editing – this is used to make particular characters or groups of
people seem different to others and Is most effective at
showing ideology relating to class and race. For example when
showing upper class people the camera is often slowly panning
in comparison to lower class people where shots are often
hectic and changing at a quick pace.
• Camera angles- are effective at showing power through
interaction, a way in which an ideology can be shown through
this is by looking down on a woman and up when showing a
man.

4. Theory
• Ideology is a Marxist theory, it is a branched theory from the
main social ideology in western culture that is capitalism, it is
the idea of the few controlling the many through wealth and
power.
• This power is gained through military and media control
through the way media portrays particular events and how
most turn a blind eye to the obvious truth.
• The idea of capitalism is shown through other mainstream
ideology for example the ‘American dream’ this ideological
theory dictates that hard work translates to happiness and
wealth and that It can be achieved by anyone, even though this
is far from the truth.

5. Afterhours
• Ideology in relation to after hours covers the main aspects and
ideas displayed within mainstream cultures set of ideals it
covers:
• Capitalism- after hours shows capitalism in a negative light it
shows that those in positions of power (Rick) are often toxic to
those he has control over, Don, and to an extent uses it to as a
way of winning Mrs Flowers
• The Idea of Relationships- similarly to public ideology the idea
of being single is seen as un-successful within after hours. With
pressure from his Mom and Friends to get into a relationship
with the idea of marriage is common ideology shown
throughout after hours.
• The Idea Of Unique individuals- Don is in a situation where he
is seen as an average representation of somebody within
todays society. Although this may sound as if the ideology fits
the argument can be brought up that his goals aren't too
unrealistic for an average person.