FILM Pengenalan Film juga dianggap sebagai media-massa kerana ia merupakan alat yang digunakan untuk mengkomunikasikan sesuatu

isu yang mempunyai kepentingan awam; Di samping itu, bilangan audiens nya bersifat massa, berselerak dan luas. Sebelum kemunculan televisyen, film merupakan media elektronik visual yang pertama yang muncul di khalayak audiens. Berbeza dengan radio, audiens dapat menerima sesuatu mesej dengan melihat dan mendengar mesej yang disampaikan hasil gabungan teknologi audio dan visual. 1.1 Sejarah Perkembangan Filem Di Dunia & Malaysia Filem yang pertama dihasilkan ialah di Amerika Syarikat pada tahun 1890-an dan diperkenalkan oleh Thomas Alva Edison (Ellis, Jack & Virginia Wright Wexman, 2002); Pada waktu itu, filem diperkenalkan bukan untuk hiburan semata-mata tetapi sebagai medium untuk menyampaikan ideologi-ideologi politik yang sedang berkembang pada ketika itu; Ia bukan setakat menghibur masyarakat tetapi ia menyelitkan mesej-mesej yang menyindir, mendakwah dan juga mengritik sesuatu isu; Kehadiran filem di dalam kehidupan masyarakat pada ketika itu amatlah menggalakkan kerana ia merupakan sumber hiburan rakyat selepas menghadapi Perang Dunia Pertama dan kegawatan ekonomi yang teruk di Barat (Depression Era); Bagaimanapun, tidak semua pihak menyambut baik filem apabila ia menerima tentangan yang kuat dari kumpulan pendesak (pressure group) dan institusi agama yang bimbang akan kesan sosial dan moral filem itu terhadap masyarakat; Golongan ini membantah filem-filem yang ditayangkan pada waktu itu yang dikatakan memperkenalkan kepada rakyat dunia jenayah dan industri seks; Misalnya, filem dari Perancis dikatakan meremehkan isu zina (Kristin Thompson & David Bordwell, 2003);

Akibatnya, buat pertama kali kandungan media terpaksa ditapis. Sebuah lembaga penapis ditubuhkan untuk memastikan kandungan filem yang ditayangkan sesuai untuk tontonan awam; Manakala di Malaysia, perkembangan industri perfileman banyak bergantung kepada bantuan kewangan daripada FINAS yang ditubuhkan pada tahun 1981; Pada tahun 1960-an dan 1970-an, banyak studio filem tempatan terpaksa ditutup lantaran masalah kos; Keadaan ini berbeza dengan tahun 1940-an, 1950-an di mana filem Melayu melalui zaman kegemilangannya; Fungsi Filem Kepada Masyarakat 1. Filem mampu mempengaruhi audiens dari segi pembentukan sikap, nilai dan persepsi individu; Perspektif fungsionalis melihat filem sebagai anggota masyarakat yang berperanan membantu dalam mewujudkan dan mengekalkan kestabilan sistem sosial masyarakat dengan cara :-

a. Tidak memaparkan sub-sub budaya yang bertentangan dengan nilai agama dan budaya; b. Tidak mempopularkan jenayah. Sebaliknya, filem harus menekankan kebaikan mengatasi kejahatan dalam plot cerita; c. Kepatuhan kepada undang-undang dan etika dalam masyarakat; d. Mendidik masyarakat Manusia harus menjaga tatasusila dan menghormati kesopanan dan peradaban sesebuah masyarakat; Akibat ketidakpatuhan ini mesti ditunjukkan sebagai pengajaran di dalam filem

Filem Dari Perspektif Kritikal 1. Alat Periklanan Sistem Kapitalis Filem-filem kini menjadi saluran para syarikat multinasional mengiklankan produk mereka di mana jenama produknya ditunjukkan dalam plot filem (pakaian, kereta, minuman); Menurut Janet Wasko (1997) industri periklanan bergantung kepada filem-filem Hollywood untuk mempromosikan produk pelanggan mereka;

Contoh :- Filem Mildred Pierce (1954), pelakon Joan Crawford minum sejenis wiski Jack Daniels babak itu diwujudkan utk memperkenalkan minuman itu; Ini merupakan amalan biasa di dalam filem-filem Hollywood; Strategi Product Placement itu ternyata menguntungkan syarikat minuman Coca-Cola, Pepsi ; Mereka menawarkan diri utk menaja kos pembikinan filem tetapi satu babak khas mesti diwujudkan supaya produk itu boleh diiklankan dalam filem; Hollywood ini merupakan satu cara utk menambah pendapatan; Dalam filem The Wedding Planner yang dibintangi Jennifer Lopez, filem itu mempromosikan pakaian dan beg tangan jenama Calvin Klein & Gucci. Kesannya, penonton akan tertarik utk memiliki produk tersebut; Kesannya ialah filem bukan lagi menjadi medium membincangkan isu-isu awam tetapi menjadi alat menyuburkan nilai-nilai konsumerisme & materialisme; Penyebaran ideologi kapitalis kehidupan yang ideal gaya hidup Hollywood; 2. Seterusnya, golongan Marxis turut mengkritik dominasi filem U.S. ke negaranegara.membangun; -- Graeme Turner (1999) kesan dominasi filem Hollywood ia menyebabkan budaya Amerika menjadi budaya yang diterima pakai (normal) budaya moden. --Satu bentuk penyebaran ideologi Amerika secara halus ng penerima menerimanya tanpa bantahan; Mana-mana negara yang mempunyai masalah diplomatik dgn U.S. diberi pemaparan yang negatif; -- pemaparan kaum-kaum tertentu Arab, Islam dipaparkan sebagai kaum pengganas; (LECTURE NOTES : 4/5/2003/4)

FILM Introduction One cannot deny that in terms of effect, film has the ability to capture the attention of the masses and affects them compared to any other mass media. The fact that it is a single medium with one single message complete with the attraction of audio and visual, film are able to reach out to the wider scope of audiences. Realising its vast potential, many film-makers exploit movies to the maximum to disseminate messages to influence and persuade audience under the guise of entertainment. What kind of messages that we discern out of watching Walt Disney cartoons and movies? Similarly to Bollywood-made films. What kind of messages and values that attract a huge number of audience to a movie? Why are some film so influential that it is remembered as a classic for generations? Why do some people watch a particular film thrice? What is the social and cultural impact that P.Ramlee movies have in our lives? Before we explore with great depth, the effects of films to a society, it is important we understand the historical background, socio-cultural influence in movies and some theoretical framework of the medium towards the masses. 1. 1 HISTORY OF FILM As we go along with our discussions of films, we would note that most references refer films as cinema or movies. The terms used are irrelevant as Americans termed film as movies while Europe termed it as cinema. Unlike any other mass media, film is a story-telling medium complete with audio and visual. It centers only on one central theme which last between one to three hours. Yet, it is a communication tool for a diverse audience. The first films were made in the United States in the 1890s by a motion picture company founded by Thomas Alva Edison. (Ellis, Jack C & Virginia Wright Wexman, 2002). During those times, motion pictures did not have any sounds as yet because filmmakers have no knowledge of how to incorporate sounds with visual. Hence, people in the olden times had to make sense of the film they watch through the visual expression of the actors.

The response of such entertaining medium by the public in America and Europe were overwhelming as they are in need of another form of escapism particularly in the Depression Era. The film industry was expanding that eventually, it grew into a big business and it led to the opening up of movie theatres which was earlier called Nickledeons. Nickledeons came from the word nickel where people must pay for a nickel to get into the theatre. The introduction of these new form of entertainment led to social pressures from religious groups. Many religious groups and social workers protested against the proliferation of Nickledeons because they were of the opinion that films are training ground for prostitutions and robbery. (Kristin Thompson & David Bordwell, 2003). French films were criticized for making light out of adultery in their films. (ibid) Hence, films came under censorship for the first time. A local censorship board were formed to improve the content of the movies. Under the censorship law, film-makers must submit their films for approval before it could be shown in public.

1.2 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT SURROUNDING FILM INDUSTRIES The type of movie themes from the early 19th century to now, greatly depends on the situation surrounding the world. If we examine the way a film was being presented, social values potrayed through the actors and actresses interaction and themes, it differs from greatly from one another simply because of the influence of the era, the film was made. More importantly, we need to understand that films have an effect on the society because it essentially brought about a cultural influence on a society. According to sociologist Norman Denzin, the way American films treated drinking contributed to a misleading romantic idea about alcoholism and public awareness. (Vivian, John, 1997). Similarly to kissing scenes on the screen. In the West, ostensible public display of affections are not a common practice but when the films highlighted it, public began accepting it as the norm.

Issues of having certain films banned is not new. It is not only in Malaysia, that the call to ban or censor films are made but it has gone a long way since the inception of motion pictures. The question of morality with films is a major issue. The movie industry in Hollywood were under pressure to adopt the Motion Picture Production Code in 1930 where films would have no naughty languages, it contains no sexually suggestive themes or acts and the villain cannot go unpunished. In addition, no showing of repellant subjects (actual hangings or electrocution of animal or people), no display of sale of women, drugs, cruelty to children or animals. Films were totally forbidden for showing trafficking of drugs, use of drugs, sexual relations between black and white races and no nudity on films (Vivian, John, 1997, Jack C. Ellis & Virginia Wright Wexman, 2002). In 1940, a movie entitled The Miracle from Hollywood causes a sensation when it touches on the issue of religion. In the film, a woman claimed that a religious figure St.Joseph of seducing her. Her baby, as she claimed was Christ. The public wanted the movie banned because it was considered to be a sacrilege. However, Supreme Court overrule the call by saying that it was a freedom of expression. These led to film-makers becoming more adventurous.

PRE-WAR TO WORLD WAR I ERA Genres of films during these era were musical, gangster films,, horror films, sound comedy, womans picture, adaptation from literature, drama, history to films and animated cartoons. Such genres explains the kind of theme that were presented and influence the society tragic love, centering womens issue, classical epics Wuthering Heights (1939), Midsummer Nights Dream, Steamboat Willie (1928) by Walt Disney.

WARTIME Films became a propaganda tool by those involved in the Second World War. Hollywood films was all about war laced with love tragedies that provide entertainment to soldiers fighting abroad. One fine example is :- Casablanca (1943) , a film about anti-fascist idealism.

Italy who form one of the three aixis power, introduced themes of national issues such as national identity, political turmoil, economic misery and social dislocation, poverty, unemployment during the war and post war era. However, such themes began to wane when the war was over and moved into the 1960s era. FILMS IN 1950s, 1960S AND 1970S After the war, films during the 1950s reflected the political situation. According to Ellis and Wright (2002), when the Soviet Union were U.S.s ally during WWII, Hollywood made films such as Mission to Moscow (1943), The North Star (1943) and Song of Russia (1944). However, during the Cold War, Hollywood began making films which had a anticommunist theme. Another themes that develop during the 1950s, are films that discusses juvenile delinquency issues. For the first time, film gave attention to teenage audience. The most famous film Rebel Without A Cause starred by James Dean left a lasting impression into the lives of adolescents. The film potrayed Dean,.a confused youth from a dysfunctional suburban family received tremendous response from the public who welcomed a more open discussion of issues of broken families. In 1960s and 1970s, American society were very much influence by radical social and political movement from the left. Hence, issues of feminist movement, a more sexually-open lifestyles and more broadly, militant form of activities were in the fore. These influences filmmakers to produce films which touches issues with more openness, radicality and critically. Among the most prominent event in the U.S., was the public protest against Americas involvement in the Vietnam War in 1970s. Film-makers, protested through films, They produced touching feature films which largely centred around the effects of war. For example :- award-winning movie Coming Home starring Jon Voight. Elsewhere, the democratic idiom has reached many Third World countries Latin America continent where the people inspired by Americas form of democracy revolted through politically-correct films.

MALAYSIAN FILM INDUSTRY In Malaysia, the film industry are very much depended upon the support of FINAS which was formed in 1981. Malaysian film industries was dwindling in the 1960s and 1970s, hence FINAS was a government-effort to help shore up the industry. In the early 1940s and 1950s, Malay film industry was vibrant and the volumes of Malay films production were higher compare to now. The first Malay film was Laila Majnun (1933) produced by a foreign businessmen in Singapore. (www.pnm.my) Laila Majnun is typically a love story between Laila and Majnun who faced strong family opposition. It is tragic love story that was adapted from a Sankrit folk lore. Malay films, vary in themes. The late Tan Sri P.Ramlee made uses films as a vehicle for social change. Among his most notable effort was Ibu Mertuaku which was able to change the generally low perceptions of public towards musicians. Another of his significant films were Antara Dua Derajat, which touches on the socially-stratified Malay society between the upper and lower class. Love was often used as the bridging tool between the upper and lower class. P.Ramlee also made an attempt to discuss religious issues in his films. For example:- Semerah Padi, a film which effectively potrayed the lives of a society under the Sharia law. The success of P.Ramlee is that, his films are not didactic. It is entertaining but at the same time, he succeeded in imbuing strong social messages in his films. Hence, his films attain international status. By the 1980s, Jins Shamsuddin and Rahim Razali both actors and directors contributed greatly to the advancing of Malay films not just through the techniques but also blending techniques with the social themes that it try to bring into the films. In his film Meniti Hari Esok, Jins touches on the issue of the moral decline of middle-class Malays who lacked religious education. The film was considered a heavy drama garnered 1.7 million audience viewers, displacing Hollywood films.

In the movie Esok Masih Ada, Jins bring to open issues of mixed marriages and integration. An issue that is still considered taboo to be discussed openly, let alone through films. TOWARD A GLOBAL FILM CULTURE Globalisation has its pros and con for the film industry. The positive aspect of globalisation is the film industry are no longer dominated by American Hollywood films into the Asian market. Satelite television has made it possible for audience to watch films from all culture American, European, Russian, West Asia, Asia-Pacific and right up to the Pacific islands. One significant example of globalizations is the recognition given by Hollywood for Asian actors, actresses and film directors. Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger, is one notable example. Western audiences have begun to appreciate Asian actors and they have begun making a major mark by playing major roles alongside major Hollywood actors. What this implies, Malaysian film industry has an equal opportunity to market its product abroad. However, in order to compete equally, the quality of local films must be improved. Malaysian films would fare better if it showcases its culture as what Bollywood are doing. The negative aspect of globalisation is, film industries are driven to produce films which are more commercial in value rather than treating film as an art. Globalisation has been criticized as an effort to globalize the world with only one single common culture thus eroding national and cultural identities. A Malay film would not have been any different to an Indonesian film which is a copy-cat of Hollywood films in terms of themes, presentation and techniques. What is greatly feared by most is when a common global culture exist in films, is that society will be dominated by one dominant culture which is currently the west. CONCLUSION

In this course, films are seen as an entertainment vehicle as well as a agent of social changes. The difference between Hollywood films with the rest of the

world is, it is more entertainment rather than as a social critic. Wherereareas, in most part of the world, films are divided into two categories to cater for two types of audience. One, films made as a social critic for serious audience and two, commerciallydriven films which mainly features more songs, love themes and comedy. As the world trade is liberalizing and market are opening up, the tendency for film industry to make more profitable films are greater than producing heavy dramas. Hence, it may not have to downplay social taboos in the name of freedom of expression as well as democracy. ** (Updated) (2005/2006 session)

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Ellis, Jack C and Virginia Wright Wexman. (2002). A History of Film.Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

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2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Noor Bathi Badarudin. (2002). Dunia Media Moden. Kuala Lumpur: PTS Publications & Distributors Sdn Bhd. Thompson, Kristin & David Bordwell. (2003). Film History. An Introduction. Boston : MC-Graw Hill Turner, Graeme (1999). Film As Social Practice. London : Routledge Vivian, John. (1997). The Media of Mass Communications.Boston : Allyn & Bacon. Memoir Hamzah Hussin. Dari Keris Filem ke Studio Merdeka. (available in www.pnm.my)

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