Hollywood & Politics & Economy...An Odd Combination?

People might think that Hollywood is just meant to entertain people. But I'd say it's a little (much) more than that.

I hope I could bring some light on this topic during current events of the US presidential election and the US oncoming economic recession.

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Midst the race to White House, Hollywood's stars Ben Affleck & Jennifer Garner are giving full political support to Barack Obama. While Obama's pastor & mentor Jeremiah Wright criticized the States on the grounds of AIDS & 9/11, when Affleck was interviewed he avoided the topic by saying "I haven’t seen them, so I cannot comment."

The video can be watched here(God damn America). But warn you, the language is a bit nasty & harsh.

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Studies have shown that the US economic depression or recessions are the golden time for Hollywood movies.

Though it's still debatable whether the US is currently in the stage of recession, movie industry is hoping for some large cash.

"We don't want to wish recession on anyone or hard times on anyone, but we certainly have done very well during recessions," said John Fithian, president of the Theater Owners group, in a speech at ShoWest's opening.

Hollywood is currently with revenues running 4 percent ahead of last year's, according to box-office tracker Media By Numbers.... despite the fact that the economics is taking a dip.

Well.... everything happens for a reason. So, this trend also has some of its own reasons:

1- According to film historian Leonard Maltin "it seems they can always pull together the money to go to the movies" compared to buying a 50" plasma.

2- Going to movies (cinemas) is much more ideal & cheaper than other activities like sporting matches, concerts, and even bowling.

3- Movie's a great escape from everything.... lousy bosses, annoying neighbors, and most importantly fear of job insecurity because of the diving economy.

4- Online ticketing has made going to cinemas even more popular since you don't have to turn up for sold-out shows. All you have to do is log on to Yahoo! Movies or Movies.com and book for a ticket out of hell ;)

After all, shareholders' nightmare turns out to be Hollywood's heaven!