Cinematic Interventions: John Sayles’ Films as Critical Commentaries on Power and Social Inequality

Abstract

The study examines how the discourse of an era relates to wider systems of power and how it is intersected through the narrative genre of film. The key concern of the paper is the   examination of forces within and through which people conduct and participate in the construction of power relations.  American film maker John Sayles explores the intricate web of power dynamics in his films, revealing how social, economic, and cultural factors construct individual and collective experiences. This paper attempts to read how the institutional power structures such as corporations, governments, and the military, maintain control and exploit marginalized communities in the select films. The study also looks into how the characters are portrayed, navigating hierarchies, challenging dominant narratives, and resisting oppressive systems.