Watching a movie is training for empathy. Movies force audiences to invest in a character's unique struggle or circumstances. The question that arises is whether this training for empathy may or may not lead to real results, physical change. From the book Filming Difference: Actors, Directors, Producers, and Writers on Gender, Race, and Sexuality in Film, Daniel Bernardi states that the power of films is undeniable because they lead “our perception of each other and of difference.” Bernardi continues to discuss cinematic catharsis and how it can cause viewers to think critically about themselves, others, culture and society. Say no to plagiarism. Do you get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Likewise, Graeme Turner, author of Film as Social Practice, also believes in the power of film. He says that actively interpreting the film is “essential,” considering how complex filmmaking is. Furthermore, Turner discusses how films have a cultural function “beyond the pleasure of the story.” When producing a film, there is a social and cultural context. Audiences also experience and react to films within their own social and cultural contexts (64). Some theorists believe this connection is possible reflexive, where the film is a “reflection” of the culture's beliefs and values. However, this concept has many exceptions. For example, classic musicals with utopian, star-studded narratives don't match the culture. structural anthropology, literary theory, and Marxian theories Because it is difficult to simultaneously examine all aspects of how film relates to culture, Turner explains that “most of the discussion has focused on the structure, or theoretical composition, of the relationships” ( 131). In recent years, the number of inclusive television shows, plays and films has increased. Representation of all races, genders, and sexualities in film and television has improved dramatically. However, there is still progress to be made and biases to be addressed, and films are an effective means of doing so. In particular, one film that has challenged public opinion is Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain. It was released in 2005 and quickly sparked a media frenzy. Since the topic of homosexual relationships remained taboo during this period, the love story of two men received the most diverse reactions. A New York Times review written in 2005 raved about the film, calling it a "moving, majestic film" that is not about sex "but about love: love stumbled, love thwarted, love held sadly in the heart" (Holden). While most supported the film and its story, some protested. In particular, conservative Christians have advanced homophobic arguments that Brokeback Mountain is an “erasure of acceptable norms of social and sexual behavior” (Thomas). Usually, the negative reactions were about the sex scene depicted in Brokeback Mountain. Some thought the scene was too graphic or shocking, and others went so far as to call it "disgusting." Despite the controversy, it went on to become an award-winning film and pop culture phenomenon. Within three months of its theatrical release, it had grossed $76 million at the box office. The film was nominated for eight Academy Awards. Since Brokeback Mountain was the audience's favorite for Best Picture, many of its supporters were shocked when it didn't win. However, the film was highly appreciated and awarded by many other organizations, such as the Golden Globes, the Venice Film Festival, the Screen Actors Guild, the New York Film Critics.