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PrintEmailMore sharingHollywood movies can (mis)educate usBy Dean Obeidallah, Special to CNNDecember 25, 2012 -- Updated 1606 GMT (0006 HKT)if (typeof cnnArticleGallery=="undefined"){var cnnArticleGallery={};if(typeof cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=="undefined"){cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList=[];}}var expGalleryPT00=new ArticleExpandableGallery();expGalleryPT00.setImageCount(11);expGalleryPT00.setAdsRefreshCount(3);//cnn_adbptrackpgalimg("Movies for adults", 1);.cnn_html_slideshow_metadata > .cnn_html_media_utility::before{color:red;content:'>>';font-size:9px;line-height:12px;padding-right:1px}.cnnstrylccimg640{margin:0 27px 14px 0}.captionText{filter:alpha(opacity=100);opacity:1}.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:visited,.cnn_html_slideshow_media_caption a:link,.captionText a,.captionText a:visited,.captiontext a:link{color:#004276;outline:medium none}.cnnVerticalGalleryPhoto{margin:0 auto;padding-right:68px;width:270px}
Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" has impressed both critics and audiences with its take on the 16th president.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":true,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":1,"title":"Movies for adults"}
Ang Lee's "Life of Pi," based on the best-selling book, has gotten off to a strong start at the box office.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":2,"title":"Movies for adults"}
Early reviews of "Les Miserables" -- based on the long-running musical -- have been ecstatic, and audiences are expected to make it a hit.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":3,"title":"Movies for adults"}
In the '70s, the sprawling period epic "The Godfather" -- now considered one of the best films of all time -- was also the box-office king.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":4,"title":"Movies for adults"}
The subject matter of the 1975 best picture winner "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" -- patients in a mental institution -- would almost certainly make it an indie film today. Back then it was among the top three box-office hits of the year.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":5,"title":"Movies for adults"}
A talky, low-key film about divorce? "Kramer vs. Kramer" won the Oscar as 1979's best picture -- and was No. 1 at the box office.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":6,"title":"Movies for adults"}
The 1986 hit "Top Gun" was loathed by critics, but its box-office success helped create the template for the slick, dialogue-light but effects-heavy blockbusters of the last 25 years.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":7,"title":"Movies for adults"}
Quentin Tarantino's 1994 film "Pulp Fiction" showed that independent productions need not be box-office also-rans.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":8,"title":"Movies for adults"}
Christopher Nolan's 2008 Batman film "The Dark Knight" was instrumental in pushing the Academy Awards to expand the number of best picture nominees -- and showed that comic-book films had come of age.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":9,"title":"Movies for adults"}
"The Hurt Locker," the 2009 best picture winner, is symbolic of a recent run of critically acclaimed films that have found little support at the box office.cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":10,"title":"Movies for adults"}
"The King's Speech," last year's best picture winner, showed that mainstream dramas can do well with the public and film fans. Is it the sign of a trend -- or an aberration?cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList.length]={"currentPicture":false,"x":0,"y":0,"pos":11,"title":"Movies for adults"}HIDE CAPTIONMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adultsMovies for adults<<<
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11>>>Event.observe(window,'load',function(){if(typeof(cnn_adbptrackpgalimg) == 'function' && typeof(cnnArticleGallery) != 'undefined'){cnn_adbptrackpgalimg(cnnArticleGallery.currentImageList[0].image,"Photos: Movies for adults");}});STORY HIGHLIGHTSDean Obeidallah: A movie or TV show can educate or (mis)educate youObeidallah: Two new films about hot issues are firing up both the left and rightSenators slammed "Zero Dark Thirty," and energy industry attacked "Promised Land"Obeidallah: What does Hollywood want? To make money, of course Editor's note: Dean Obeidallah, a former attorney, is a political comedian and frequent commentator on various TV networks including CNN. He is the editor of the politics blog "The Dean's Report" and co-director of the upcoming documentary "The Muslims Are Coming!" Follow him on Twitter: @deanofcomedy(CNN) -- Can a movie actually convince you to support torture? Can a movie really persuade you that "fracking" -- a process used to drill for natural gas -- is a danger to the environment? Can a movie truly cause you to view certain minority groups in a negative light?
Some scoff at the notion that movies do anything more than entertain. They are wrong. Sure, it's unlikely that one movie alone will change your views on issues of magnitude. But a movie (or TV show) can begin your "education" or "miseducation" on a topic. And for those already agreeing with the film's thesis, it can further entrench your views.Anyone who doubts the potential influence that movies can have on public opinion need to look no further than two films that are causing an uproar even before they have opened nationwide. They present hot button issues that manage to fire up people from the left and right.
Dean ObeidallahThe first, "Zero Dark Thirty," is about the pursuit and killing of Osama bin Laden, which features scenes of torture. The second, "Promised Land," stars Matt Damon and explores how the use of fracking to drill for natural gas can pose health and environmental dangers.Become a fan of CNNOpinionStay up to date on the latest opinion, analysis and conversations through social media. Join us at Facebook/CNNOpinion and follow us @CNNOpinion on Twitter. We welcome your ideas and comments.Critics of "Zero Dark Thirty" fear that audiences will accept as true the film's story line that torture was effective in eliciting information to locate bin Laden. They are rightfully concerned that the film will sway some to become more receptive or even supportive of the idea of torturing prisoners.Peter Bergen: Did torture really net bin Laden?Opposition to the film escalated last week as three senior U.S. senators -- John McCain, Carl Levin and Dianne Feinstein -- sent a letter to the film's distributor, Sony Pictures, characterizing the film's use of torture as "grossly inaccurate and misleading." The senators bluntly informed Sony Pictures that it has "an obligation to state that the role of torture in the hunt for Osama bin Laden is not based on the facts, but rather part of the film's fictional narrative."Is this just more liberal whining?var currExpandable="expand19";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='bestoftv/2012/12/20/exp-tsr-mccain-zero-dark-thirty.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="C:\Program Files\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\candientuviet\The news\121220112704-exp-tsr-mccain-zero-dark-thirty-00002001-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand19Store=mObj;
McCain slams 'Zero Dark Thirty' var currExpandable="expand29";if(typeof CNN.expandableMap==='object'){CNN.expandableMap.push(currExpandable);}var mObj={};mObj.type='video';mObj.contentId='';mObj.source='bestoftv/2012/12/20/exp-point-peter-king-movie.cnn';mObj.videoSource='CNN';mObj.videoSourceUrl='';mObj.lgImage="C:\Program Files\ABS\Auto Blog Samurai\data\candientuviet\The news\121220030921-exp-point-peter-king-movie-00005302-story-body.jpg";mObj.lgImageX=300;mObj.lgImageY=169;mObj.origImageX="214";mObj.origImageY="120";mObj.contentType='video';CNN.expElements.expand29Store=mObj;
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To frack or not to frackWell, the hostility toward "Promised Land" shows us that it's not just liberals who complain about movie messages. Big business -- namely, the gas industry -- is aggressively objecting to the allegation in "Promised Land" that fracking poses environmental and health risks.How concerned is the gas industry?It has set up a rapid response team to counter publicity for the film by using two Washington-based groups that lobby for gas and oil companies: the Independent Petroleum Association of America and Energy in Depth. These groups have scrutinized appearances by the films stars on talk shows, questioned who the financiers of the film are, published parts of the script and mocked the film on social media.Energy in Depth went as far as to "fact check" a recent appearance by the films co-star and co-writer, John Krasinski, on "Late Night With David Letterman." Within hours of Krasinski's appearance, Energy in Depth posted a blog on its website pointing out what it perceived as factual errors made by Krasinski about fracking.Regardless of whether "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Promised Land" intended to promote any message, people who watch them will be "educated" in some way on torture and fracking -- even if very subtly.This is the same reason that minority groups continue to object being represented in a negative light in movies and TV. They understand that accurate representations matter because studies have shown that biases can form based on stereotypes or inaccurate representations. (Being of Italian and Arab descent, I'm acutely aware of this issue as my respective heritages have been represented by a parade of mobsters and terrorists.)What's Hollywood's role in all of this? The same as it has always been -- to make money.In fact, there's no doubt that the studios behind these movies are overjoyed at the controversy that has erupted and the resulting free press. Indeed, the response of Sony Pictures to the uproar over "Zero Dark Thirty" tells you about what they really hope we will all do: "We encourage people to see the film before characterizing it."So go ahead, enjoy these films and ones like them that are based on actual events or current hot issues. But while you are watching them, be aware you might be getting more than the price of ticket. You might also be getting a (mis)education.Follow us on Twitter @CNNOpinionJoin us on Facebook/CNNOpinionThe opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dean Obeidallah.0Comments »PrintEmailMore sharingvar OB_permalink='http://edition.cnn.com'+location.pathname;var OB_langJS='http://widgets.outbrain.com/lang_en.js';var OB_widgetId='AR_1';var OB_Template="cnnedition";if (typeof(OB_Script)!='undefined'){OutbrainStart();}else{var OB_Script=true;var str="cnnad_createAd("915015","http://ads.cnn.com/html.ng/site=cnn_international&cnn_intl_pagetype=mmst&cnn_intl_position=607x95_adlinks&cnn_intl_rollup=opinion&page.allowcompete=no¶ms.styles=fs","95","607");cnnad_registerSpace(915015,607,95);cnnad_createAd("635274","http://ads.cnn.com/html.ng/site=cnn_international&cnn_intl_pagetype=mmst&cnn_intl_position=336x850_rgt&cnn_intl_rollup=opinion&page.allowcompete=no¶ms.styles=fs","850","336");cnnad_registerSpace(635274,336,850);
Part of complete coverage on Opinion on the newsGuns endanger more than they protectDecember 25, 2012 -- Updated 1252 GMT (2052 HKT)
David Frum says the National Rifle Association's "Death Wish" style vision of America as a land of armed civilians fending off criminals is a fantasy.Hollywood movies can (mis)educate usDecember 25, 2012 -- Updated 1606 GMT (0006 HKT)
Dean Obeidallah says "Zero Dark Thirty" and "Promised Land" present hot button issues that fire up people from the left and right. Look to MADD in changing our gun cultureDecember 24, 2012 -- Updated 2220 GMT (0620 HKT)
MADD started as a small grass-roots movement that grew and radically changed society's views on drunk driving, says Candace Lightner. School shootings: suicide risk gives cluesDecember 24, 2012 -- Updated 1414 GMT (2214 HKT)
Daniel Flannery says just as we take threats of suicide seriously, we should pay equal attention to those who say they might harm others. Six political lessons of 2012December 24, 2012 -- Updated 1635 GMT (0035 HKT)
Julian Zelizer says the Republican brand suffered and liberal causes gained strength in 2012. Seeking the truth about JesusDecember 25, 2012 -- Updated 0902 GMT (1702 HKT)
For billions of people, the life of Jesus has huge mythical resonance with the power to change hearts and minds, says Jay Parini Follow CNN Opinion on Twitter
Get the latest opinion and analysis from CNN's columnists and contributors.Madness in the air in WashingtonDecember 22, 2012 -- Updated 1706 GMT (0106 HKT)
David Gergen says the hope for cooperation is gone in the capital as people spar over fiscal cliff, gun control, and nominationsBefore I die, I want to ...December 23, 2012 -- Updated 1952 GMT (0352 HKT)
Artist Candy Chang created a space where people could share their thoughts on what they hoped to do before dyingHow Santa got his reindeerDecember 23, 2012 -- Updated 1351 GMT (2151 HKT)
Santa Claus and reindeer go back to 1822, but their association involves Northern Europe's oldest indigenous culture, says Laura GallowayNRA's vision of 'genuine monsters'December 24, 2012 -- Updated 1825 GMT (0225 HKT)
Kristin Goss says the NRA has squandered an opportunity to participate in reasonable dialogue with Americans about gun violence. Leave autism out of mass shootingsDecember 22, 2012 -- Updated 1917 GMT (0317 HKT)
Alex Plank says speculations that people with autism are prone to inexplicable acts of violence are needless, untrue and hurtful. Boehner leading GOP to the apocalypseDecember 22, 2012 -- Updated 1457 GMT (2257 HKT)
Timothy Stanley says the speaker's failure to lead the GOP effectively means the party could take the blame for going over the fiscal cliff. What Obama can learn from LincolnDecember 21, 2012 -- Updated 1828 GMT (0228 HKT)
Frida Ghitis says "Lincoln" is brilliant because it shows that the path of virtue is paved with morally ambiguous choices. The case for gun rights is stronger than you thinkDecember 19, 2012 -- Updated 2054 GMT (0454 HKT)
William Bennett says having armed and trained people could help protect schools and other vulnerable places from gun violence 
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