In the dawn of the 1970's America was in a state of great turmoil. Our society was slowly being fractured by internal conflict over the Vietnam War. To escape from this conflict, America absorbed themselves in pop culture due to the "uneasiness of the late 1970’s"[1]. The music and movies of the 1970's reflected this "uneasiness" of Americans at the time by the themes they held.
Typically, the movies during the 1970's were based upon many themes. Most of the movies were made to restore faith within the nation. The war-based movies illustrated the soldiers' courage and bravery. The romance movies, one being the top movie Love Story, illustrated how loving people could be toward each other. At times, comedy would also be a part of the movie itself. For example, in M*A*S*H, army pranksters show a wide range of comedy skits that ridicule the war. Many people felt distressed at the time, but with movies, they would be able to turn their heads. The movies were meant to distract watchers from the socially distressed surroundings among them. With movies based on comedy and romance, viewers had the opportunity to lift their spirits, as well as others, with humor and the fact that there will always be loving people around them.[2]
The music of 1970 had three very distinct themes. The first theme was a dark and gloomy theme that can be heard in the songs "The Long and Winding Road" and "Let It Be." The songs represent the Vietnam War. "The Long and Winding Road" basically tells the story of Vietnam War and how long and tiresome it was to the American public. "Let It Be" says just let the war happen and everything will be fine in the end. The second theme was someone watching over you represented in the song "Bridge Over Trouble Water." In "Bridge" Simon and Garfunkel let the American public know there was a higher power is taking care of us, and also that the Vietnam war will eventually be over and the world will return back to normal. The last theme and the one America really wanted to listen to were songs that made you feel great about love, how life is beautiful, and even the ABCs. America wanted to hear the songs to take their minds off the traumatic 1960's and the Vietnam War. [2]
Throughout modern history, the citizens of the United States have used pop culture as a diversion from problems that occur both at home and abroad. The influence of these icons remain to this very day, with songs like "The Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head" still receiving a significant amount of attention in movies and more. This decade was truly a unique decade, a shining example of the creative achievement of the American people.
[1] Nation of Nations, pg 938
[2]Here are the top Ten Songs of 1970:
1. "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" - B.J. Thomas (Pop)
2. "I Want You Back" - The Jackson Five (Bubblegum pop/ Soul)
3. "Venus" - The Shocking Blue" (Pop/ Rock)
4. "Thank You (For Lettin Me Be Myself Again)" - Sly & the Family Stone (Funk/ Rock)
5. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Simon and Garfunkel (Folk-rock)
6. "Let It Be" - The Beatles (Rock)
7. "ABC" - The Jackson 5 (Bubblegum pop/ Soul)
8. "American Woman" - The Guess Who (Rock)
9. "Everything is Beautiful" - Ray Stevens (Pop)
10. "The Long and Winding Road" - Beatles (Pop ballad)
Here are the top 10 movies of 1970 by box office:
1. Love Story (Romance)
2. Airport (Disaster Movie)
3. M*A*S*H (Comedy/War/Drama)
4. Chariots Of The Gods? (Documentary)
5. Joe (Drama)
6. Anne And Eve (Drama)
7. Woodstock (Documentary/History/Music)
8. Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls (Comedy/Music)
9. Chisum (Western)
10. Myra Breckinridge (Comedy)
Source URL: http://mason.gmu.edu/~bwu2/hist120/TopTenMovies.htm
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