Ideology: An Introduction

Ideology definition:

“1. A belief system or world view; a coherent structure of thinking.”

“2. A set of values shared by a social/cultural group.”

Ideology, in terms of filmmaking, relates to how the filmmaker represents a particular idea. This idea isn’t simply a narrative or stylistic one that serves that craft of the production, but instead a philosophy of sorts or a selection of values relating to society or us as individuals. It’s a specific perspective (the perspective of the main creative force behind the work, in this case the director). Different groups of people have unique and intricate beliefs about life and how to live life and the filmmaker often uses the tools at their disposal to not just show but support select views that they feel. Whether their is a direct intention behind a particular ‘ideology’ found in a filmmaker’s work, stories are almost always demonstrative of any agenda or political opinions they may have. Even if there is no explicit intent behind the filmmaking being reflective of their views and philosophies, often an artist can’t help but infuse a creative endeavor with the manner in which they perceive their own social environment.

Concepts relating to the concept of what an ‘ideology’ is:

• ‘Personal Ideologies’ are defined by how an individual’s past informs a person’s values from years to come and therefore how they execute their work as well
• ‘Cultural Ideologies’ are defined by the influence religion, law, education and more and how each of these organised groups, institutions or cultures shape how one would approach making a moral decision or interpreting an even, and this can clearly be seen when translated to the medium of cinema due to its immersive nature
• ‘Dominant Ideologies’ are defined by what the ‘majority’ deems right or wrong. Whilst these ideas don’t necessarily have to be ‘moral’ ones, the consensus for what rules should be put in place or how we should act in relation to one another is more often than not driven by a sense of right or wrong

Each of these concepts can clearly be identified in films and especially when a director aspires to demonstrate their political agenda, religious beliefs and, most commonly, their sense of right and wrong (seen through hero and villain personas).