Science or Fiction: The Persistence of Disaster Myths in Hollywood Films

Abstract

Hollywood continues to be both profitable and successful in attracting audiences to witness displays of death and destruction on the silver screen. Tornadoes, earthquakes, tsunami hazards, and climate change are among the most recent hazards portrayed in disaster films. The purpose of our research was to systematically collect and analyze physical, social, and temporal data from twelve disaster films to build upon past studies examining the portrayal of disaster. Our findings indicate a clear shift from those identified in earlier studies, with disaster myths (e.g. the importance of death tolls; technology as the only solution) appearing more than previously. Further, current trends in the disaster film genre indicate a shift toward unpredictable, widespread events and a defenseless humanity.

Disasters and gender in Japanese anime films: Makoto Shinkai’sYour NameandWeathering with You

“…This diverse depiction in the two films would be due to the different hazards and disasters and their different implications. The impact event is an acute hazard, but extreme weather events are chronic hazards (Haney et al, 2019). Consequently, the natural hazards and disasters in the two films are metaphors for the actual hazards and disasters that happened in Japan's history, including the Tohoku earthquake in 2011 and some more recent weather and climate change-related disasters; they reflect the director's insights (西山, 2012;Napier, 2012;Karatsu, 2021).…”

“…Scholars explore the representations of gender roles and norms in disaster films and how these depictions influence social impressions of gender. The study by Haney et al (2019) suggests that gender stereotypes prevail in Hollywood disaster films. For example, the classic female characters in disaster films are "damsels in distress", weak, passive, waiting for protection and saving; compared to male characters who are "saviours", strong, active, brave, courageous, heroic and intelligent (Haney et al, 2019;Kendra et al, 2018;McKinnon, 2022).…”

“…The study by Haney et al (2019) suggests that gender stereotypes prevail in Hollywood disaster films. For example, the classic female characters in disaster films are "damsels in distress", weak, passive, waiting for protection and saving; compared to male characters who are "saviours", strong, active, brave, courageous, heroic and intelligent (Haney et al, 2019;Kendra et al, 2018;McKinnon, 2022). In traditional Hollywood disaster films, female characters are often relegated to and portrayed as victims who need rescue from their male counterparts.…”

“…In contrast, the two female protagonists are passive, the unfortunate victims of disasters and "damsels in distress". These are gendered and stereotypical portrayals being criticised in disaster films (Haney et al, 2019;Kendra et al, 2018;McKinnon, 2022). From the standpoint of ecofeminism, the male and female protagonists' unequal experiences during disasters in the two films are simply determined by their gender.…”

“…a myriad of natural hazards and disasters continually pose essential challenges worldwide, disrupting people's daily lives and endangering the safety and property of communities. Within popular cultures, the depiction of disasters has a prominent place, exemplified by Hollywood disaster films (Haney et al, 2019). Researchers noticed that gender is a significant perspective in understanding vulnerability and resilience during disasters (Enarson, 1998).…”