Message picture


A message picture is a motion picture that, in addition to or instead of being for entertainment, intends to communicate a certain message or ideal about society.

Characteristics

Message pictures usually present the message they want to deliver in the form of a morality play, and are usually serious works. However, not all message pictures are entirely serious, and there are also films spoofing the genre.

History

was famous for his message pictures at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during the late 1940s and early to mid-1950s. Among these were Tea and Sympathy, Bad Day at Black Rock, and Blackboard Jungle. Other famous message pictures by other parties include Guess Who's Coming to Dinner and In the [Heat of the Night (film)|In the Heat of the Night].
In Indian cinema, B.R. Chopra was known for message pictures. Examples include Kanoon, Naya Daur, Waqt, Nikaah, etc.

Examples

Pre-1970

Sources:

Notable directors