Title

'Argo' and 'Zero Dark Thirty': Film, Government, and Audiences

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2015

Publication Source

PS: Political Science & Politics

Abstract

With the prevalence and accessibility of film today, we must wonder how film affects its audience. In particular, how does film influence an audience’s perceptions of the government? Regardless of the content, research demonstrates that film has the power to shape perceptions of its moviegoers on a range of subjects. In this study, two recent films,Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, were chosen as case studies to explore how Hollywood portrays the intelligence community in film and shapes opinions about the government more broadly.

This research found that about 25% of viewers of the two films changed their opinion about the government after watching one of the movies. Additionally, many of those changes are reflected in an improvement in the sentiments about the government and its institutions. This exploratory research provokes interesting discussions about the ability of film to influence the perceptions of an audience.

Inclusive pages

120-128

ISBN/ISSN

1537-5935

Comments

Original citation for version of record:

  • Michelle C. Pautz (2015). “’Argo’ and ‘Zero Dark Thirty’: Film, Government, and Audiences.” PS: Political Science & Politics, 48, pp 120-128. doi:10.1017/S1049096514001656.

Research in this article was cited in The New York Times article “How Movies Can Change Our Minds” (John Guida, 4 February 2015).

Publisher

American Political Science Association

Volume

48

Issue

1

Peer Reviewed

yes

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