Perception of Jewish Films in Hollywood

It is important to understand what Jewish films stand for. Are they about Jewish people? Do they portray Jesus and discuss the Bible? Are Jewish films primarily concentrated in and around Israel, Palestine, the Second World War and Holocaust?

The answer is quite simple. It is about all of these issues, subjects, events and more. In fact the large number of Jewish individuals associated with film making all over the world makes it impossible for films to not be influenced by Judaism and the people following this faith.

Anti Semitism

Studies regarding the influence of Judaism in films show that anti Semitism is merely touched upon in films that have been made based on this subject. Included in this list are movies such as Gentleman's Agreement in 1947 and School Ties in 1992. In fact the former succeeded in digging deeper into the issue compared to the latter.

Hollywood made countless Israeli movies during the 60's and 70's that dealt with aspects of bravado and moral uprightness of people from Israel. However, the issue between Israel and Palestine having created enough controversy in world politics is blamed to be the main reason for filmmakers to stay away from this issue in their films.

? Holocaust

The ultimate conclusion that can be drawn about films made in Hollywood at least is that the matter of the Holocaust was not dealt with appropriately. Although noted films like Schindler's List (1993), The Diary of Anne Frank (1959) and Judgment at Nirenberg (1960) were all popular films which were dominated by this subject, on the whole, the matter has not been exploited enough. Moreover, the whole subject of Holocaust films raise many questions as to the ethics regarding the process of transferring this tragedy into a Hollywood film.

? Hasidism

Films such as The Chosen (1981) and A Stranger Among Us (1992) are examples of the fact that Hollywood has given due importance to this subject and has reflected positively on it through them.

Although it is still a debate as to whether Hollywood makes Jewish cinema that sends out he right message in the appropriate manner to the world or not, there is no debate on the fact that Judaism influences a significant portion of the filmmakers in this industry.

here is no doubt about the fact that Jewish movies are prevalent in Hollywood. This refers to the large number of films that are directed, produced, and acted in by the people belonging to the faith. However, a considerable number of films also deal with Judaism and the history associated with it.