Verb
To Hollywoodize.
(Transitive)
To adapt to the norms and ideals of Hollywood; to make glitzy, superficial,
thrilling, etc.
Derived terms
Hollywoodization
(http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Hollywoodize)
 |
| The image of celebrity and entertainment influences western culture. |
Hollywood has long been a representative
façade of Western culture and entertainment. It is the home of a multi-billion
dollar film industry, with the sign that represents a cultural edifice for film
buffs and actors alike.
Hollywood’s spread is global,
with its effects transferring to many cultural trends. In essence, it further
represents the development of a global culture, consuming the individual nature
of singular cultures, and subsequently ‘westernizing’ them in a process of
‘integration and denationalization’ (Klein, C 2004, p.361) to appeal to a
broader audience.
‘Hollywoodisation’ spreads
further than film. It can be attributed to many forms of entertainment, and
many forms of interests. The Hollywoodisation of food is in fact more familiar
than you expect.
Klein quotes Cowen (2002) in
stating ‘cross-cultural exchange, expanded consumer preferences and greater
aesthetic diversity’ are all affects of globalisation. The representation of
culture we are sometimes presented through food is often ‘Hollywoodized’ in a
way, so our western palates can adapt to flavours they are not use to.
Fusion cuisine constitutes the
blend of two or more cultures of food (the integration Klein speaks of), and
when successfully done can create something original and complimentary. When
fusion is done wrong, it can represent little more than an atrocity to the
ingredients used.
 |
| Chin Chin's Kingfish Sashimi with coconut, lime and chilli. |
Fusion cuisine began as a means
of creativity, but also to bring new foods from China, Japan and India (to name
a few) to a new demographic, still inherently carrying the western touch we are
use to.
The Asian-based fusion
restaurants of Melbourne such as Chin Chin, Red Spice Road, Coda and Gingerboy
continue to show a sense of ‘cultural heterogenisation’ (Klein, C 2004,p.362)
by adapting and making them representative of Melbourne and its diversified
population.
Chin Chin, located down flinders
lane in the heart of the Melbourne CBD, presents a contemporary spin on classic
Asia flavours. Dishes such as ‘Kingfish Sashimi with coconut, lime and chilli’
present Thai flavours, Japanese technique, coupled with a modern, ‘glitzy’ western presentation.
Red Spice Road, on Mckillop st.,
again in the Melbourne CBD, produces desserts such as ‘Lemongrass panna-cotta
with watermelon jelly and lychee donuts’ –The ingredients, and flavours
inspired by the South East of Asia, the techniques – inherently western and
familiar.
The adaptation present in the
process of ‘Hollywoodisation’ seeks to provide us with a more extravagant and
overzealous interpretation that is familiarised to the attributes of localized
cultures. This is evident in the intertwining of film industries in Hollywood,
and reflective also through the food we eat in our restaurants, and at home.
Hollywood truly is a global
phenomenon, in more ways than expected.
Thanks for reading, till next
time…
Reference
List
Klein, Christina 2004, ‘Martial arts and globalisation of US
and Asian film industries’, Comparative America Studies, vol. 2, no. 3, pp.
360-384.
