America’s movie industry is thriving. With the release of brilliant and captivating movies in the recent past, these movies, as well as the stars in them, have been the center of attention in many homes and on many TVs throughout the country. However, is it safe to say that only the attention of Americans has been captured by these movies and movie stars? The answer to this question is no. The movies that have been produced in America are viewed all over the world and have an influence on the movie industries and people in other countries besides the US. Similarly, we have foreign influences from other countries on our movie industry. Many of our favorite actors, actresses, musicians, and producers are not even from America. When actors are playing a role in a movie, they are almost never playing themselves; they are portraying a different persona than they normally would, look differently than how they normally would, and they may even talk differently than usual. As a result, it is difficult to recognize how many of the actors we know and love do not come from where we think they do.

Some of the most influential foreign actors include Benedict Cumberbatch, Kate Winslet and Robert Pattinson. One thing common to them all is the fact that they are from England. The British Cinema has produced some of the most-loved movies and series not just in Britain, but around the world. Harry Potter, for instance, was written and produced in England, and all of the actors and actresses used in the Harry Potter films were from England. Additionally, the James Bond movies were produced in England, but also hit it big here in America. Margaret Sullivan ’17 believes that Harry Potter has had a huge impact on movie industries everywhere: “It is a great, imaginative, and compelling story that is easy for people of all ages to fall in love with. It allows younger kids to let their imagination come to live and inspires an older audience to get more in touch with their imaginative side as well.” The influence that a movie can have on those who see it is not confined to the place where it was made, it can influence people anywhere.

Since more and more countries overseas will be viewing movies produced in America, it is imperative to that the content in these movies will not offend or have any severe negative impact on the impressions of Americans on other countries. If this appears to be the case in a particular movie, it may not get the “go ahead,” so to speak, to continue with the production of the movie. Lena Urick explains, “With all of the turmoil between countries and sensitive topics in our world today, it is important to make sure that we watch what we say and make sure that anything representing America, including movies, is a good representation.” So, the current social and political standings that we have with other countries influences our movie industry and which movies we produce and how we begin to brainstorm for movie plots.

If this appears to be the case in a particular movie, it may not get the “go ahead,” so to speak, to continue with the production of the movie. Additionally, we need to make sure that anything representing America, including movies, is a good representation.” So, the current social and political standings that we have with other countries influences our movie industry and which movies we produce and how we begin to brainstorm for movie plots.