ANSWER:
Introduction
One social justice work of art from the 20th century is the film The Deer Hunter (1978). The Deer Hunter is set in a small town in Pennsylvania during the Vietnam War. The film follows a group of friends drafted into the war and their experiences in the conflict. Moreover, The Deer Hunter is a powerful anti-war film criticizing the American government’s involvement in Vietnam. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Contribution
The Deer Hunter is a widely praised film for its technical and artistic achievement. However, it also attracted controversy for its portrayal of the Vietnam War and the American experience. While some critics argue that the film glorifies violence, others maintain that it is an insightful and nuanced exploration of the human experience in times of war. Undoubtedly, The Deer Hunter has made a significant social contribution by starting meaningful conversations about war, violence, and human nature (Pinelli, 2022). The film demonstrates the power of art to provoke thought and discussion on complex topics. It also shows how art can help us to understand our own experiences and the experiences of others. In this way, The Deer Hunter is an actual example of the social role of art.
The Deer Hunter is a classic film exploring the human condition significantly. The film follows a group of friends drafted into the Vietnam War, and it explores the brutal realities of war and how it can change people. While the film is undoubtedly harrowing, it also has a great deal of beauty and humanity. The visuals are stunning, and the characters are rich and complex. In addition, the film deals with important themes such as loyalty, friendship, and love. The Deer Hunter is a powerful work of art that is aesthetically pleasing and profoundly moving. It is a classic film that everyone should see.
The film was controversial when it was first released and has been the subject of debate ever since. Some critics argue that the film glorifies war, while others argue that it accurately portrays the horrors of war. The film was censored in several countries and banned in South Africa (Pinelli, 2022). The Deer Hunter was also widely criticized for its portrayal of Russian roulette, which some argue is a misrepresentation of the events that took place during the Vietnam War (Cimino et al., 2012). However, despite its controversial nature, The Deer Hunter is considered one of the greatest films of all time.
The Deer Hunter is a divisive film, and critics have long argued over whether or not it can be considered art. Michael Cimino’s work is undoubtedly ambitious and tackles complex subjects like war, love, and betrayal. However, some have argued that the film is manipulative and exploitative, focusing on violence and suffering to the exclusion of all else. I believe The Deer Hunter is a powerful and masterfully-crafted film that deserves to be considered art. The film’s ambitious scope and bold approach to complex subjects make it a seminal work of American cinema (Chong, 2005).
Furthermore, Cimino’s use of non-linear storytelling creates a unique and profoundly moving experience that resonates long after the credits have rolled. Ultimately, whether or not The Deer Hunter can be considered art is up for debate. However, there is no denying that it is a powerful and provocative film that challenges viewers to confront the harsh realities of war.
References
Chong, S. S. H. (2005). Restaging the War:” The Deer Hunter” and the Primal Scene of Violence. Cinema Journal, 89-106.
Cimino, M., Washburn, D., Garfinkle, L., & Redeker, Q. K. (2012). The deer hunter. Universal Studios Home Entertainment.
Pinelli, A. (2022). Conservatives at the Movies: Conservative Film Critics and Popular Culture
QUESTION:
Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:
Textbook: Chapter 14
Lesson
Minimum of 1 primary sources (artist statement)
Minimum of 1 scholarly source (in addition to the textbook – from critic)
Instructions
Although social justice art is not a topic exclusive to the 20th and 21st centuries, the distribution of information regarding controversial art with gender, race, sexual, and/or environmental themes has increased with the proliferation of media. Choose an example of a social justice work of art from the 20th or 21st centuries from any discipline of the humanities (music, literature, sculpture, film, television, etc.). Then, address the following:
Identify the work and the medium.
Based on your example, to what extent does this work of art make a social contribution?
What aesthetic value does the work have? How does it reflect the human condition? How does it relate to your life?
Has this work ever been censored? If so, explain the circumstances.
Are governments ever justified in censoring art? Why or why not?
Examine some of the influences of this work of art. What was the public reaction to this work? Does it effectively portray its message?
Argue whether or not this work should be considered art. Explain why using terms learned in this course.
Include an accompanying statement from the artist(s) and a statement from a critic to support your points.
Writing Requirements (APA format)
Length: 1.5-2 pages (not including title page or references page)
1-inch margins
Double spaced
12-point Times New Roman font
Title page
References page (minimum of 1 scholarly source and 1 primary source)
