The protestations of conservatives notwithstanding, that a liberal elite in Hollywood is actively engaged in subverting the youth of America, the explanation for the content of modern Hollywood film is much different. Film content reflects the taste of society as served up by an industry that is as competitive and market driven as any other. There are a set of generally shared beliefs that become the cornerstone of almost any plot in a successful American film. Watches'em - A brief examination of who makes and watches Hollywood film. Thus, in service to its most lucrative market, Hollywood makes films that may be objectionable to the religious right - who don't go to the movies anyhow.
Psychologists generally assume that movie violence contributes to societal violence.
This chapter examines the flaws associated with almost all of the psychological studies that purport to demonstrate the connection between filmed and actual violence. Since, film going is a personal experience, reactions to films depend on the individual. That is not to say that there is no such thing as a bad film. Films can be technically flawed or have a brain dead plot. But on another level, films can also be bad because they promote a set of beliefs or values that we may find objectionable.