Can Watching a Film Change Political Beliefs?

We forget what we read in books.

But!
We are often reminded of movies.
The screams are remembered,
Does the movie leave such a deep impression On the us?

Brief History of Film-making

Film making began in the late 19th century with inventors like Thomas Edison and the Lumière brothers, who created early motion picture cameras and projectors. In 1895, the Lumières presented some of the first public screenings of short films in Paris, an event considered the birth of cinema. As technology evolved, so did film techniques, with the introduction of sound in the 1920s, color in the 1930s, and, much later, digital cinematography in the 21st century. Today, films range from blockbusters to indie productions, shaping culture and storytelling across the world.

A Brief on Film’s Story, Characters, and Emotions

A film's story generally follows a narrative arc, presenting conflicts and resolutions that reveal characters’ depth and growth. Characters are designed to engage audiences on an emotional level, often embodying relatable struggles, virtues, and flaws. Films typically evoke a range of emotions—joy, sorrow, fear, anticipation—that connect viewers to the story, helping them experience different lives, cultures, and perspectives. Emotional connections with characters often enhance the impact of the storyline, making viewers feel more engaged and invested.

Role of Emotions in Film

Emotions are a film’s primary tool for connecting with the audience. They help communicate themes, build tension, and deliver meaningful messages. For instance, a well-crafted drama may evoke empathy, while a thriller may stir suspense or fear. By carefully controlling the emotional flow through lighting, music, dialogue, and cinematography, filmmakers can guide viewers’ feelings and attitudes. This emotional journey is central to a film's impact, as it shapes how audiences interpret the story and respond to its message.

How Does a Film Affect a Person?

Films can impact people psychologically and emotionally, sometimes even altering their views and attitudes. Emotional experiences in film allow viewers to "live" the story, fostering empathy or challenging beliefs. This can lead to shifts in personal attitudes, especially regarding societal issues, justice, and interpersonal relationships. By immersing people in scenarios outside their own experiences, films can promote greater understanding, empathy, and sometimes even action.

 

Can Watching a Film Change Political Beliefs?

A recent scientific study suggests that viewing a documentary about a wrongfully convicted individual can foster empathy toward prisoners and increase support for reforms in the U.S. criminal justice system.

The documentary, Just Mercy, recounts the story of Walter McMillian, a 45-year-old African American man from Alabama who was arrested in 1986 for a murder he did not commit. Although McMillian was innocent—he was at a family gathering during the crime—he was sentenced based on false testimony from an eyewitness. Before his conviction was overturned, McMillian spent six years on death row. This true story was adapted into a documentary in 2019 under the title Just Mercy, with Academy Award-winning actor Jamie Foxx portraying McMillian.

Since the 1890s, when the first moving images were introduced, filmmakers have sought to shift public perceptions and moral values through cinema. Now, American scientists have studied the effects of film on empathy and attitudes toward the justice system, exploring how watching a movie can alter an individual's emotional intelligence and ethical stance on criminal justice.

This study, published in the journal PNAS on October 21, revealed that viewing a documentary about the wrongful sentencing and eventual release of an inmate heightened viewers' empathy toward prisoners and increased support for justice system reforms.

Marianne Reddan, a professor at Stanford University and co-author of the study, noted, "[Our study] shows that the film allowed participants to see the world from another’s perspective, even when that individual faced societal stigma. This shift in perspective wasn’t just a fleeting reaction."

Reddan further explained, "This research highlights the importance of exposing people to experiences vastly different from their own, as it contributes to building healthier communities and fostering a robust political framework."

The study recorded an increase in empathy for incarcerated men among viewers of the film, an effect observed across participants with varying political affiliations, whether leaning left or right.

Film, Emotions, and Societal Polarization

Jussi Knaus-Bajow, a film studies researcher at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, remarked, "The novelty of this study lies in its exploration of how films can alter viewers' perceptions and behaviors—especially how a film like Just Mercy can act as a ‘call to action.’"

The idea that a film can change minds isn’t new. According to Knaus-Bajow, "Filmmakers are like wizards; they have been experimenting with the impact of editing and cinematic techniques on viewers’ perceptions and emotions since the early days of cinema."

British filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock conducted a famous experiment that illustrates this effect: in one scene, a woman with a child is shown, followed by a man smiling, conveying a sense of kindness. In another scene, the same man is shown smiling after a shot of a woman in a bikini, which instead suggests lust.

Knaus-Bajow explains that filmmakers frequently play with this knowledge because films offer a unique, safe environment where viewers can experience unfamiliar emotions. However, this power also places a responsibility on filmmakers regarding their influence over audiences.

Using Just Mercy as an example, Knaus-Bajow describes how it was deployed as a tool to inspire progressive change in the justice system.

On the other hand, he warns, filmmakers can also incite antagonism or hatred, as propaganda films have long been used to dehumanize groups, justify violence or war, and promote false narratives or pseudoscience.

 

Has Film Been Used for Ideological or Political Propaganda?

Yes, film has frequently been used as a medium for ideological and political propaganda. Governments, organizations, and filmmakers have often used film to influence public opinion, from the early days of cinema up to the present. For example, during World War II, both Allied and Axis powers created propaganda films to bolster patriotism and demonize enemies. In more modern times, films still reflect and sometimes promote political agendas or ideologies, shaping how audiences view various social and political issues.