Each film can be linked to socially important issues that occurred at the time of its release. This is an overview of the problems that arose during this period. The film is not created in a vacuum. As our textbook describes, film "conveys 'the mood of a nation's era' as well as that of the artists who produced it" (Belton 22). Films tend to reflect the current society, ideals or beliefs of the country so that the audience can relate to them. Some of these techniques used include the American dream, family, corruption, divorce and crime. If a director decides not to include current social issues, it becomes harder for the audience to relate to the film because they will not be able to connect to the characters and put themselves in their shoes. A film that encompasses all of these current social issues is American Hustle (David O. Russell, 2013). This film is a melodrama because of the context and the social issues it addresses. American Hustle has social significance in current culture, society, beliefs, and social issues through the use of the American dream, corruption, divorce, crime, and family. One of the most important things Americans hold true to is their beliefs. These are the things we hold to our guns when challenged by others, and they appear in American Hustle. The American dream appears in the film and plays a major role in the story. The film introduces us to the story of a mayor named Carmine Polito. The film describes his father who emigrated from Italy and had nothing with him, and who made something of him. His son Carmine did something by working hard to become a powerful person and a rich man. Another American belief that becomes evident in the film is family. Like A...... middle of paper...... to have one throughout the film. A social problem that appears in the film is corruption. In the film as today, society still struggles with corruption. Current culture is also reflected in the film through divorce and crime. Divorce is a common trend now and in the movie. Crime can be observed at all generational levels. Researchers would view us as a society with negative thoughts primarily due to crime, corruption, and divorce, but would view our value of family and the American dream as a silver lining in our current society. Without the movie American Hustle, today's society would not be accurately reflected. Works Cited Belton, John. American cinema/American culture. Fourth ed. New York: McGrawHill, 2009. Print. Russell, David O., ed. American unrest. Prescription. Eric W. Singer and David O. Russell. Columbia Pictures, 2013. web. April 2.2014.