Suburban Sprawl in Media
During this week's lecture I found it particularly interesting analyzing the parallels between the “little boxes” of suburbia and their depiction in media, photography, and film. For instance, in many movies that take place in this typical suburban setting, cinematographers strategically highlight the social dynamics that arise from living in such a homogeneous environment and how that can lead to interactions that touch on themes of conformity & alienation. Various movies depict this “artificial construction” of an image, lifestyle, etc. as a critique on these suburban sprawl. I feel that this portrayal enables viewers to grasp, and sort of empathize with, as well as contemplate the realities of such a lifestyle, which can be socially and culturally constraining. The Truman show is an obvious, but good example showing off these artificial interactions and how draining it can be.
I think it is really interesting how the uniform depictions of suburbia have come to have a strong negative connotation to them. On one hand, these images do reveal some truths about the lack of life and creativity in these spaces. I do think in media there is still room for interpretation on how these places can have different meanings to the people despite their exterior uniformity. With the Truman show, it is a good example of how what may seem completely boring and monotonous of a lifestyle to one, could be seen as a source of comfort for another.
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