Heading For the Oscars
Although the grand ceremony of Oscar was over this year, theattention and discussion linger in the Chinese movie communityand out. Some insiders hold that following global trends is theonly way to develop China’s film industry. Others insist,however, that the Oscars are simply one the many awards thatAmericans like to crown themselves. Domestic films should maintain their distinct flavors. As amovie fan myself, I think we should strive for it to gain international recognition.
Firstly, the Oscars Award is an international recognition in terms of both artistic performance andbox office revenue. With live broadcast in 50 languages, it plays a huge role in shaping the globalfilm industry. It is no wonder that so many people around the world pay much attention to it. Thereality is that Hollywood movies account for more than 90 percent of global market shares-thishas inevitable worldwide impact. Obviously, the Oscars Award has become something that we cannot afford to ignore it.
Moreover, we live in a global, multicultural world where different cultures interact. China’s movieindustry needs to realize it and sharpen its competitive edge. If Chinese films are to make a globalimpact, then movie production, distribution and marketing organization need improving. Chinesefilms should adjust to satisfy the variety of social demands. The introduction of foreign successfulformulas and technology is a must for Chinese film industry. It is parochial to think that China canonly use its national characteristics to define domestic movies. Conservatism will hinder theprogress of film industry. If China does not develop its film industry through embracing innovativemulticulturalism, Chinese movies will have little opportunity to gain a share in the internationalmarket.
Last but not least, the Hollywood films also conform to specific cultural demands. Take this year’sAcademy Awards as an example, nominated movies include both high-cost productions like TheLord of the Rings and subtle, more moderate budgeted projects like Lost in Translation, these filmssuggest that Hollywood movies maintain a basic balance in keeping the style of its own andabsorbing diverse cultures. Hence, the Chinese filmmakers should spare no efforts to presentoriginal domestic films to foreign viewers. We will be left behind if we stick to the so-called orthodox.For instance, Couching Tiger Hidden Dragon was acted by Chinese actors and through culturalicons, but actually its style and structure of the movie all conform to a Hollywood formula. Thispartly explains why it appeals to a wider range of audiences from different cultural background.
In a word, the Oscars are very important to Chinese filmmakers. Nominations are a kind ofapproval by international peers of their achievements. As China’s market improves, its movieindustry will get stronger and will eventually cash in on the Oscars.