In the film, "A Face in the Crowd", what is Elia Kazan trying to say about the commodification of these populist ideas and their use as a tool in mass media?
To understand what Elia Kazan is trying to say about the commodification of populist ideas in "A Face in the Crowd" and their use as a tool in mass media, we need to analyze the film's themes, plot, and characters.
First, let's break down the film's storyline. "A Face in the Crowd" is a 1957 drama film directed by Elia Kazan and written by Budd Schulberg. It tells the story of Larry "Lonesome" Rhodes (played by Andy Griffith), a charismatic drifter who rises to fame as a radio and television personality with the help of producer Marcia Jeffries (played by Patricia Neal). Rhodes begins as an authentic voice of the people, but as he gains more influence, he becomes power-hungry, manipulative, and ultimately corrupt.
Now, let's examine the film's key themes. One significant theme explored in "A Face in the Crowd" is the power of mass media and its ability to shape public opinion. The character of Larry Rhodes represents the transformation of an ordinary man into a media sensation, highlighting how the media can exploit populism for its own gain. Rhodes starts off as a relatable figure, someone who speaks to the everyday struggles of common people. However, as he gains popularity, his messages and beliefs become increasingly manipulated and commodified to cater to the tastes of the mass audience.
Kazan criticizes the mass media's ability to create and destroy public figures at will. The film suggests that populist ideas and figures are often co-opted by the media to serve its own interests. This commodification of populism diminishes the genuine concerns and values of ordinary people, turning them into marketable products for the entertainment industry. As Rhodes becomes a national icon, he loses touch with his authentic self and becomes a puppet of the media machine, representing the dangers of exploiting populist ideas for personal gain.
Kazan's message is clear: the commodification of populist ideas in mass media can lead to the manipulation and corruption of those ideas, ultimately stripping them of their true meaning and value. The film serves as a warning about the potential pitfalls of media influence on public opinion and highlights the need for critical thinking and media literacy to avoid being swayed by hollow and opportunistic appeals.