Movies made by Hollywood these days reflect a change in trends that have governed cinema for many years. There has been a widespread adoption of themes that were until now considered inappropriate or threatening. Directors and writers are no longer afraid to depict what they believe in and hence movies such as Juno, Brokeback Mountain etc. no longer shock the sensibilities of a viewer. Other popular themes that are present in movies these days is that of feminism, death, psychological abnormality, etc. in crisis.
Change in movie trends coincide with the cultural changes that place at a particular time period in society. In progressive societies such as that of America, presenting bold themes related to religion, homosexuality or teenage pregnancy, violence isn’t very difficult. People have become more receptive of issues that were till now pushed under the rug. This is due to the change in the mindset of people which has definitely become broad and open to other voices that were marginalized. This gives an impetuous to creative thinkers who use the medium of films to put their message of equality and freedom across.
Also after the emergence of Post-Colonial Literature and sensibility across the world, creative artists have started focusing on issues related to post-colonialism and other social matters. As time progresses, awareness spreads and helps people become more tolerant towards the issues of silenced few and that is mainly the focus of Contemporary cinema, to present a perspective to the people, that is unprecedented, open to interpretations, flexible and entertaining. Therefore, the object of cinema these days is to do resonate the popular sentiments that are prevailing in societies world wide. The principle of exclusion and a narrow perspectivism is no longer a feature of Contemporary Cinema.
Theater is an umbrella that consists of almost all art forms. Hence, it can never lose its significance, as long as there is art, theater shall be present and active. These days, more and more people are realizing the importance of theater and it has come to occupy a very elite position in society. Commercially, theater occasionally fares well as compared to Hollywood and film industries around the world.
It’s not that theater has lost its significance, still many people prefer theater to cinema but the majority lies with cinema. So, in today’s fast paced world, cinema has acquired more significance and theater artists and playwrights have to compete for audience with a much more technically advanced industry. Theater these days only needs a little support and impetuous from the general public.
Today, when the commercial cinema is minting money like anything, on the basis of special effects, out of the world graphics, incredible equipment and astounding props and objects, Where can we place theater in the field of entertainment? Is it neglected, underrated? Is it still considered not a good career option or may be only a step towards Hollywood? Are films the ultimate destination for every theater artist? Can theater be an end in itself? All these questions have risen due to status theater has acquired these days.
Movies has reduced theater to be the preference of a few elites. The common man would definitely opt for commercial cinema instead of a theater production. So can we say that theater is totally ignored and is not patronized by anyone at all? Well, not really, as good Broadway productions in New York and other famous plays do get sold out and turn out to be huge commercial successes. However, more often plays often go unnoticed and are eclipsed by the film industry. Theater needs to be promoted and appreciated widely, probably thats the reason why many people are apprehensive about adopting it is as a full time career.