Understanding the Reason Behind Fake City Names and the Lack of Satire in Films

Have you noticed a trend among recent films where city names are often made up, and satire directed at real politicians and ideologies is avoided? This seemingly strange phenomenon isn't as mysterious as it seems. It's rooted in a combination of practical, legal, and ethical considerations. For many filmmakers, the fear of censorship or removal of film financing is a significant hindrance to cutting hard corners.

Fiction vs. Documentary

It's crucial to recognize the distinction between a film and a documentary. While documentaries often depict real events and real people, films are a distinctly fictional medium. The world created within a film is a legal and practical fiction that can be crafted in any way the filmmakers desire. If you're seeking a more tangible and accurate portrayal of reality, documentaries are the way to go.

Fear of Censorship and Legal Constraints

Consider the following: is the hesitance to use real names and cities in films due to concerns about censorship or the removal of funding? The answer is often yes. Film makers operate in a complex and sometimes restrictive environment where real-world legal and political considerations can severely hamper creative freedom. For example, a film that openly criticizes a real country or political leader could face bans or legal actions that jeopardize both the finished product and the financial future of the filmmakers.

Realism vs. Fiction in Filmmaking

Many films set in fictional cities, such as New York in "Toronto" or locations in Georgia, serve a dual purpose. They provide the convenience of being able to control the environment and avoid real-world controversies, while also offering a degree of familiarity and authenticity for the audience. If a scene needs to capture the bustling energy of New York, a film with practical limitations might opt for a set in Georgia where the desired atmosphere can be accurately portrayed.

The Hall of Fiction: Cities That Don't Exist

There's a saying in filmmaking: "If it" works, "it's" fiction. This means that if a city or location can fulfill the necessary creative vision of the filmmaker, it doesn't have to be a real place. This creative liberty allows filmmakers to craft a world that serves the story, without the constraints of real-world drama. The film "The French Dispatch," for example, takes place in the fictional French town of Ennui-sur-Blasé, a cleverly named site that evokes boredom and apathy. This fictional city offers a level of narrative freedom that a real-world location might not.

The Golden Rule of Filmmaking

There's a basic rule often overlooked by those unfamiliar with the intricacies of filmmaking: when in doubt, make it fictional. This rule applies not just to locations but also to characters, situations, and even timelines. By setting events in a fictional context, filmmakers can avoid the potential pitfalls of real-world restrictions. As seen in the TV series "Madam Secretary," which often used real countries, this approach can often coexist with a mix of fictional and realistic elements, providing a balance of creative freedom and factual accuracy.

Conclusion: Balancing Artistic Freedom and Real-World Constraints

In conclusion, the prevalence of fictional cities in films and the lack of satire of real politicians and ideologies is a multifaceted issue stemming from a blend of practical and legal factors. While filmmakers strive for artistic integrity, the balancing act between creative freedom and the realities of the legal and financial landscape can sometimes lean towards the fictional. Ultimately, understanding these dynamics can offer film enthusiasts a deeper appreciation for the complex nature of filmmaking.