Like a patchwork quilt, the films and literature found in American culture incorporate, to some extent, elements from other movies, books, and even mythological and historical figures and events. George Lucas and his Star Wars films provide a prime example of a film that is a pastiche of various other films, while also serving as a cache of inspiration for future filmmakers. Such inspiration was needed at a time when the film industry had little direction because of the influence of big business and Wall Street along with the disintegration of the Motion Picture Production Code. In fact, Star Wars was one of the films that marked the beginning of a new era in film: the postmodern period. Even today, about forty years after the release of the
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Star Wars contained many themes that were different from the themes of other films released in the late 1970’s. For example, Star Wars dealt with themes like redemption and good versus evil. X-Men: Apocalypse deals with the redemption of Magneto, one of the central villains in the series. His family is killed by the militia, and soon after he joins the evil mutant En Sabah Nur on his mission to destroy and remake the world. Then towards the end of the film, the audience finds out that he has another son, which will likely become his path to redemption in future film installments. Magneto’s character arc is similar to Darth Vader’s in the Star Wars saga in that Darth Vader redeemed himself by saving his son in Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi. Therefore, the theme of redemption continues to be a relevant theme in American culture today. Like the many superhero movies found in the postmodern era, X-Men: Apocalypse and Guardians of the Galaxy both deal with the theme of good versus evil, as well. This theme allows Americans to believe the idea that if one cares about others and does morally good things, they will always be better off than those who choose to perform morally wrong actions. While in reality, this is not always the case, it reflects people’s hope that acting with good intentions will lead to desirable
Star Wars contained many themes that were different from the themes of other films released in the late 1970’s. For example, Star Wars dealt with themes like redemption and good versus evil. X-Men: Apocalypse deals with the redemption of Magneto, one of the central villains in the series. His family is killed by the militia, and soon after he joins the evil mutant En Sabah Nur on his mission to destroy and remake the world. Then towards the end of the film, the audience finds out that he has another son, which will likely become his path to redemption in future film installments. Magneto’s character arc is similar to Darth Vader’s in the Star Wars saga in that Darth Vader redeemed himself by saving his son in Star Wars: Episode VI- Return of the Jedi. Therefore, the theme of redemption continues to be a relevant theme in American culture today. Like the many superhero movies found in the postmodern era, X-Men: Apocalypse and Guardians of the Galaxy both deal with the theme of good versus evil, as well. This theme allows Americans to believe the idea that if one cares about others and does morally good things, they will always be better off than those who choose to perform morally wrong actions. While in reality, this is not always the case, it reflects people’s hope that acting with good intentions will lead to desirable