All types of film is ideological, and either challenge our ideologies or show them. Beasts of the Southern Wild challenges and critiques our societies dominant cultural ideologies.
The dominant cultural ideologies of our western culture include, gender roles, the economic system, views of nature and the political system. Our society focuses on Patriarchy, Individualism, Heterosexuality, Democratic and Capitalist societies, Technology and science, Individual liberty/freedom. And that nature is a resource to be exploited for profit. Ideologies constantly interact and affect one another.
Beasts of the Southern Wild critiques American Capitalism. It is based upon private ownership of the means of production, profit motivation is at the core of the system, compelled by competition in the market companies are motivated to maximise profits which requires a greater consumption of natural resources. Capitalism requires continuous growth in order to survive and is ultimately and unsustainable system. An American ideology "Manifest Destiny" a belief that American ideas need to be spread, which in this case is the idea that wilderness is to be tamed and to be used for economic benefit. Meaning nature is exploited. BOTSW challenges this ideology for example, in the opening.
As the film opens with a minor storm, we learn that nature is important and central to the films narrative. We then continue to learn that Hushpuppy has an affinity to nature and that nature is to be celebrated and respected. Not abused. Also the hand held documentary style also goes against a mainstream film, adopting a non mainstream trait is a ideological rejection of Hollywood's ideologies. BOTSW also presents poverty in a way that challenges capitalist ideologies as it tells us we don't need wealth to be happy and content.
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