Movies are more than a sequence of images for entertainment. They are filled with discourses and symbols full of meaning, whether subtle or direct for their consumers (Lothar Mikos 2014, 2-3). We...Show moreMovies are more than a sequence of images for entertainment. They are filled with discourses and symbols full of meaning, whether subtle or direct for their consumers (Lothar Mikos 2014, 2-3). We consume movies onaregularbasis,whetherisinthebig screen, Netflix, or in our dear past collection of DVD’s. However, we are unaware of the effects that these have had inbuildingourunderstandingofpeople,societalvalues practices, and other components of the world that we live in. Not only do they help construct the perception of these, but theyalsoinfluenceingreatmannerhowweshape our own identity as well ashowweinteractwiththeworldaroundus(Mikos2014,16). In this context, this thesis focuses on determining how Hollywood film productions have had a determining effect in perpetuating the overall negative perception of the Muslims/Arab community in the U.S. For the purpose of finding an answer to such a broad question, Iwillbemakinguseoftheoriessuchasorientalismanditsdichotomies, together with nationalism and its banal representations. And linking those to my main case study: American Sniper. The epitome of all the issues present in Hollywood productions, combined to create a blockbuster movie. Which as will be later explained in chapter three, contains numerous of the negative stereotypes that Muslims/Arabs have been labeled with in the U.S.. How could these damaging narratives be challenged?Perhapsbymakingspaceforalternativenarrativessuchasthosecomposing post colonial film productions. That is where my second case study comes into action. Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak (Valley of the wolves: Iraq) is analysed as apostcolonialfilmnext to a traditional Hollywood one of American Sniper. However, despite the Turkish movie success to challenge these traditionally negative narratives engrainedinWestern film productions, it presents its own problematic discourses within. Kurtlar Vadisi Irak has its own nationalistic propaganda narrativesShow less
