The Film Industry In The 1960s And 70s: Ever-Changing Youth Culture

During the 1960s and 70s, America underwent a period filled with anti-war movements and ever-changing youth culture. This was due to the scandals of Johnson and Nixon’s presidential administration, the Vietnam War, and the rejection of conformity seen in younger individuals. Drug abuse, government distrust, and even traditional gender roles were challenged in these two decades, leading to corresponding themes being dug up in successful films. However, the political and social demise in the nation at the time inspired the film industry to a new era of self-expression and broke down conventional norms, as seen through award-winning movies such as “The Godfather” and “Star Wars.” While many movies reflected the changing society of the United States,

People all around America began to partake in the sudden increase in drug use. Fueled by the need for rebellion and self-expression, as well as a lack of trust in their government from the Watergate scandal and the Pentagon Papers, many citizens turned to drugs, most commonly LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). LSD was originally synthesized by the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to be unknowingly administered for a mind control program. However, LSD was never meant to be introduced to American citizens. The increase in drug use was soon noticed and acted upon by the American government. By 1966, numerous drug scandals caused by LSD were discovered, leading to the Senate hosting multiple hearings, and many newspapers revealing that many LSD users were admitted to psychiatric wards. Eventually, the drug would be banned in the United States in 1967. Towards the end of the decade, American society soon became obsessed with the idea of drug use/deals, and these situations were translated into many movies in the late sixties and early

The release of Star Wars, directed by George Lucas in 1977, served as a significant milestone in American film with its high-tech characters, fast-paced plotline, and fantastic soundtrack and visuals, winning 7 Oscars in 1978. The film portrayed common and irregular American beliefs and mixed undertones of striking visuals and vocals. The film’s plot could represent Vietcong’s fight for sovereignty and America being an empire. Luke Skywalker and Hans Solo would be the Vietcong rebels trying to fight off the Imperial Forces and save Princess Leia (their right to sovereignty), from America (Darth Vader and the Galatic Empire). The film conveyed ideas of restoring justice, freedom, and success while detailing stories that the citizens of the seventies needed to hear after the hysteria of the Vietnam