Lasting Impressions: Hollywood greats, film appreciation and nostalgia culture

NORMAL, Ill. – The recent deaths of legendary Hollywood actors have brought nostalgic feelings to many as actors like Dame Maggie Smith and James Earl Jones are reminiscent of a simpler era in film. In the wake of these loses, many are wondering what makes a good actor and what classifies their legacy as memorable. 

Alexander Prince is the president of Illinois State University’s Film Society. He revealed the qualities an actor must possess to give them the status of the recently departed Hollywood greats, and the condition of film appreciation in today’s society. 

“Someone who can be authentic but also take risks,” Prince said, “their ability to do things that are unexpected.”

Prince named Emma Stone as an example of these qualities, claiming she is solidifying herself as a versatile and adventurous actress who is already beginning to leave her impression on the film industry.

“Film is not necessarily an escape, but it is more so a reflection of the things happening in the real world, and it can be a way to discover things about yourself and connect with the world around you,” Prince said

With the increase in social media use, Prince notes that film appreciation is declining, making it difficult to find stand out actors and films.

“Social media has created a need for instant gratification and to constantly be entertained all the time and people don’t want to pay attention to something that they feel isn’t entertaining them,” Prince said.

  The fleeting nature of online trends is, in Prince’s opinion, the driving force behind Gen Z’s desire for simplicity and nostalgia in the face of complex times.

“People are constantly trying to bring back these things that they feel were too short lived because of how quick our culture has become,” Prince said

Nostalgia culture has done a lot for the much-needed reexamination of certain shows, though it is without saying that the trend has ruined films and shows for some. Prince hopes that people can give difficult and challenging shows and films more appreciation as he believes that many are underappreciated. 

The ISU Film Society meets twice a month, students of any major or program are welcome to join.