Seeing Films In The 1960s

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The Ninety-Sixties: Seeing Movies in a New Light
At the start of the 1960s, movies remained in a slump and were no match for television in terms of popularity. It was apparent that feature films were merely passing through movie theaters en route to their ultimate destination on home television screens. This kept former movie viewers at home and cheapened the movie experience. However, as the cultural revolution and sexual revolution became more predominant in America, moviemakers were given the opportunity to create films different from that of family-friendly television that upholds conservative values. The cultural revolution which embodied the sexual revolution refers to the counterculture movement that many young people partake in reaction …show more content…
They viewed with contempt at what they regard as the adults’ ignorance of the way the world is changing. The teens questioned their own country’s military involvement in Vietnam and protested in opposition of the war in universities. Up until that time, movie makers ignored this revolution. However, this soon changed with the release of Easy Rider, a movie that provided social commentary on the prejudices of a nation that was supposed to provide freedom for everyone and exposed a society that loathed those who were different. The film captured the spirit of the 1960s in a road adventure where two hippies sold drugs and went on a journey from California to New Orleans. Their search for freedom in a conformist society ended when they were shot because they were dressed differently and did not seem to be normal. Despite the large sum of money they gained from selling drugs, the cash did not buy them liberty since society did not accept them for who they were. The film became instantly popular because the motif, alienation of youth, was relatable by many. Viewers were led to sympathize with the protagonists, rather than feeling disdain toward their drug dealing. In a generation that felt left out by society, the desire for recognition was common in many teens. Movies such as Easy Rider were able to shed some new light on their generation and promote respect for the teen’s efforts in finding freedom and self-expression. Their self-expression could be seen in the forms of showing their opposition towards the Vietnam War through protests and adopting a hippie lifestyle to challenge the status quo and become immersed in the drug
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