Ideology

Understanding Ideology in Film

Defining Ideology

• An ideology is a system of ideas and ideals, especially ones that form a societal or political theory and policy.

• It’s essential to recognise that all films express an ideology. They reflect the cultural, societal, and political context in which they are created.

Reading Ideology in Film

• Films can express, question, or critique an ideology. This might be done subtly, or it could be the film’s primary theme.

• Representation is a key aspect of ideology in film. Consider how different groups (like class, ethnicity, gender, or age) are represented and what commentary the film might be making.

• Consider the perspective from which the story is told (whose voice and viewpoint) and what this reveals about the film’s ideology.

Ideology and Film Studies

• It’s also important to be aware of your own ideological lens when analysing a film. Your interpretation of a film’s ideology can be influenced by your own beliefs and values.

• Remember, ideology is not a ‘hidden message’ but an inherent aspect of every film’s creation and reception.

Parallel with Four Key Areas of Film

• The ideology of a film often interacts with the Four Key Areas (Cinematography, Mise en scène, Editing, and Sound). This interaction can reinforce or dispute the film’s ideological perspective.

• Critically engaging with a film’s ideology can provide a deeper understanding of its cultural and societal significance.

Always approach a film with an open mind. Be prepared to identify and question the ideologies at play, and consider how they interact with other elements of film form. Applying this level of analysis will greatly enrich your film studies revision.