Remaking Hollywood

In this study I will examine whether or not there are any differences in the representation of ethnic minorities and women between Hollywood movies released in the 1990’s and remakes of the movies released in the late 2010’s. The study is based on the assumption that the numerous political movements for equality in the 2010’s, such as Black Lives Matter, #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite, might have led to a shift in the political climate that would impact the level of representation in the movie industry. The changes in representation will be explored in both a quantitative and a qualitative manner as both the dialogue time and the contents of the movies will be analysed. The analysis will connect the results of the comparisons to both the political movements as well as relevant political theories. The study finds that ethnic minority representation heavily increases in the movie remakes where thematic aspects allow for it. Meanwhile women remain underrepresented in both originals and remakes. Lastly, from a qualitative perspective, the depictions of both women and ethnic minorities is found to be improved in the remakes as harmful stereotypical characterisations and tropes tend to be removed.