MoviesNewsTalk
Blockbuster a word that has become synonymous with huge entertainment successes such as large budget films. The term represents not just the scale of production and revenue, but also the impact these forms of entertainment have on society.
Blockbuster films are characterized by their big production costs with all star casts and well marketed concepts in hope of creating a significant impact within box office revenue.
These type of movies require a budget usually reaching into millions which creates expectations of large viewership numbers and high gross sales at the box office. Some franchises such as Marvel show how a continuous series can maintain high earning power and notoriety within media.
Djimon Hounsou is an example of an actor who has appeared in many acclaimed "blockbuster" type of films yet still does not have fair pay for his roles. Despite his critically acclaimed roles and award nominations his story gives a new meaning to what a "blockbuster" should be when seen from a different perspective.
With Oscar nominations for both "In America" and "Blood Diamond", Hounsou has shown himself as one that is highly regarded by the critics of Hollywood. He has taken many forms of roles across various film sets.
The actor has admitted publically to " still struggling to make a living " due to unfair pay in an industry where movies can make a high revenue yet is not fairly given to actors of color. His comments highlight the unfair wages across the entertainment industry for some. He also mentioned the bias that was seen after his Amistad performance and how that lead to being unfairly compensated.
The usage of the word has moved past the theater and movie business, often showing big impacts from art. There has also been shifts into social consciousness for larger changes. Many use this word for newsworthy topics or ideas.
The popularity and influence of major movie and television series such as Marvel make an imprint on trends throughout society. With a reach into art, style and culture this "blockbuster" effect is not just about numbers but what moves people in social norms as well.
Hounsou also highlighted specific ways he was often mistreated. His experiences point towards issues of systemic racism which can lead to limited roles and unfair wages. Even other highly acclaimed actresses such as Viola Davis have spoken out about wage disparities. His experience with racism and xenophobia was specifically mentioned as being part of why he had been passed over for an Oscar nomination in the past.
Hounsou’s story pushes the conversation for diversity while questioning how systemic racism operates. He says there is still progress that needs to be made while also saying this bias is "so deeply inserted in so many things we do across the board". He believes that people have to learn to cope and live with these injustices in hopes to "survive".
Hounsou's story continues to push forward many areas that need growth in Hollywood with better standards being implemented. He mentions that often he is still trying to prove he deserves the pay he is due with common practices that show pay disparities even when the workload is heavier.
After taking on the Amistad role and feeling it deep within he found that there was a "disconnect" with afro descendants of their roots and cultures which then lead to his foundation. It serves as an effort to bridge that gap to help promote more intergenerational knowledge as well as healing for those impacted by past events such as slavery.