Abstract Movie is the tool to convey ideology. Hollywood movies play an important role in propagating ideology. And Chinese images in Hollywood movies help the world learn about China better. In recent years, there have been many related studies, but most of them are limited to specific periods or specific groups in Chinese history. Therefore, these studies can not reflect Chinese images in Hollywood movies in different times accurately, subjectively and roundly or reveal the factors that contribute to the evolution. Consequently, in the light of ideology according to Said’s Orientalism, this essay analyzes the features of and reasons for the evolution of Chinese images in Hollywood movies in different periods, finding that Chinese images in Hollywood movies from the end of the 19th century to the present have gone through the following periods: exotic, legendary, positive ally, red menace, controversial and heroic, positive and persified from the perspective of Sino-US relationship as well as explore factors that contribute to the phenomenon and find solutions to help establish a good Chinese image.52897
Key words: Hollywood movies; Chinese images; Evolution; Ideology
摘要电影是传递意识形态的工具。好莱坞电影在传递意识形态方面发挥着重要作用。而好莱坞电影中的中国人形象能帮助世界更好地了解中国。近年来,相关的研究虽然不少,但多数只局限于某一特定的时期或某一特色群体,因而无法准确客观全面地反映好莱坞电影中不同时期的中国人形象,也难以揭示其变迁的原因。因此,本文根据萨义德的东方主义理论体系,从意识形态角度出发,旨在系统分析不同历史阶段好莱坞电影中中国人形象的变迁特点及其原因。结果发现从时间顺序上从19世纪末至今的好莱坞电影中的中国人形象经历如下变化:异国情调,想象中的中国,积极同盟国,红祸,争议化英雄化及正面多样化。另一方面,从中美关系角度对其变迁因素予以分析,寻求对策以期树立良好的中国形象。
毕业论文关键词:好莱坞电影;中国人形象;变迁;意识形态
Contents
1. Introduction 1
2. Literature Review 2
3. Chinese Images in Hollywood Movies from the end of the 19th Century to the Present 3
3.1 Exotic: before 1908 3
3.2 Legendary: 1910s-1937 4
3.3 Positive Ally: 1937-1949 6
3.4 Red Menace: 1949-1972 7
3.5 Controversial and Heroic: 1972-1999 9
3.6 Positive and Diversified: 1999-2013 10
4. Factors Contributing to the Evolution 12
5. Conclusion 15
Works Cited 18
1. Introduction
In ancient times, countries are isolated from each other until Columbus find the new continent. And the movie industry is a true window for people to know about China and the world, especially about Chinese images in Hollywood movies. However, due to lack of understanding, communication, and under the influence of the Western “Yellow Peril” opinion, the Chinese images in early Hollywood movies were always demonized, as represented by stereotypical images such as Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan. With the development of economy, politics and cultural communication, Chinese images in Hollywood tend to be neutral and positive such as Jackie Chan in Rush Hour. Nevertheless, some ideologies remain to be unchanged such as“China Threat Theory”, which are not beneficial to the long-term Sino-US relationship.