The Construction of U.S. Armed Forces` Image Through Translation Activities in Hollywood Blockbusters

Abstract

This paper studied 22 influencing Hollywood war films, and extracted translation behaviors among them. Some of the most influencing Hollywood blockbusters themed on wars would be examined to see the role they played in depicting the image of the United States Armed Forces hope to build through the plot(s) of translation activities performed in theatre. From such changes can see the change of people`s attention, as well as the effect Hollywood blockbusters contributed on the building of the U.S. Armed Forces` images. Video productions (especially films) are some of the most welcomed ones. The United States has one of the most powerful film-making industries in the world, which successful products of its are popular around the world, definitely have the American way of thinking and judgment spread and accepted by the film-lovers around the world. Research conducted on such films would reveal how the U.S. Armed Forces` image has changed on cinema screens, and provide a collection of data for translation researchers who has an interest in the field combining translation (behaviors) with the mass media.