American Dream Disillusionment

Definition

American Dream Disillusionment refers to the loss of faith in the belief that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination in the United States. This disillusionment often stems from a recognition of systemic inequalities, corruption, and the harsh realities of urban life, where aspirations clash with social and economic barriers. In film, this theme often highlights the dark side of the American Dream, especially in urban settings rife with crime and corruption, reflecting a society grappling with broken promises and failed ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American Dream, traditionally seen as attainable through hard work, became increasingly challenged during the late 20th century as economic inequality grew.
2. Films from the New Hollywood era often depict protagonists who struggle against corrupt systems and fail to achieve their dreams, mirroring societal discontent.
3. Urban environments in film are frequently portrayed as places where the American Dream is not only unattainable but also a source of despair and violence.
4. Key films that explore this theme include 'Taxi Driver' and 'Chinatown,' both showcasing characters who become disillusioned by their urban surroundings.
5. Disillusionment often leads to characters taking drastic actions, highlighting the desperate measures individuals may resort to when faced with systemic failures.

Review Questions

• How does the theme of American Dream Disillusionment manifest in New Hollywood films?
  • In New Hollywood films, American Dream Disillusionment is often portrayed through characters who face insurmountable obstacles in achieving their dreams. These films highlight societal issues such as crime, corruption, and inequality, showing how these elements thwart individual aspirations. The protagonists often embody the antihero archetype, revealing the complexities of their struggles within urban settings that symbolize broken promises.
• Discuss how urban environments contribute to the theme of American Dream Disillusionment in film narratives.
  • Urban environments serve as both a backdrop and a catalyst for American Dream Disillusionment in films. They often represent a microcosm of societal problems like poverty, crime, and systemic corruption. These settings create a stark contrast between the idealized vision of success and the grim realities faced by individuals. Characters are frequently depicted navigating through these hostile landscapes, reinforcing the notion that the American Dream is not universally accessible.
• Evaluate the significance of antiheroes in illustrating American Dream Disillusionment within New Hollywood cinema.
  • Antiheroes play a crucial role in illustrating American Dream Disillusionment by embodying the moral complexities and failures of society. These characters often grapple with their flawed natures and face ethical dilemmas that reflect broader societal issues. By challenging traditional notions of heroism, they expose the darker aspects of ambition and success, inviting audiences to question the viability of the American Dream in a world marked by corruption and disparity.

Related terms

Urban Decay: The process by which a previously functioning city or part of a city falls into disrepair and neglect, often leading to increased crime and poverty.

Antihero: A central character in a story who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often embodying moral ambiguity and reflecting societal flaws.

Neo-noir: A modern or contemporary version of film noir that incorporates themes of moral ambiguity, corruption, and complex narratives within urban settings.