Does America have their own cinematic icon?

[Poya]

Every country has their own cinematic icon, someone or something from a motion picture that accurately represents the country as a whole. For example:

UK has:

[Show spoiler]

Japan has:

[Show spoiler]

But the issue is that their film industries aren't as huge as Hollywood. We have a lot to choose from but not one we can call a definitive choice. I mean, you know, my personal pick would be Captain Kirk, I feel represents America at its best, his values, his sacrifices, his determination. Some would say Superman and I can see that being the case as well, given his colors and immigrant backstory. But we're not a monolith so I was wondering what do you guys think is the definitive American cinematic icon?

[DR Herbert West]

[JoeKryten]

Once upon a time it was:

Genre: Western
Director: John Ford
Star: John Wayne

But everything changes with time and that is no longer the case.

[BerC]

[badfingerboogie]

Eastwood in a duster jacket with the hat on pretty much sums it up, in my opinion.

[D00mM4r1n3]

Originally Posted by badfingerboogie

Eastwood in a duster jacket with the hat on pretty much sums it up, in my opinion.

For Italy, maybe.

[D00mM4r1n3]

[Doctor Jack]

[Mikezilla3k]

Probably Marilyn Monroe.



Or Gene Kelly:



Or heck, any old school Hollywood stars from the 30s-60s.

[Bradsdadg]

[drush9999]

As someone from the UK, I'd correct our "icon" to

[Winslow Leach]

Chaplin

[zen007]

Originally Posted by Winslow Leach

Chaplin

Good choice but won’t he have a case as a British icon?

[Winslow Leach]

Originally Posted by zen007

Good choice but won’t he have a case as a British icon?

Certainly, but at one point he was known as the most famous person in the world.

[Moviefan2k4]

Forty years ago, I'd have said that either Marty McFly or Pete "Maverick" Mitchell would've been great choices, but in modern times I can't really think of anybody. For a country literally founded on the concept of "from the many, one", it seems hardly anyone wants a cohesive America anymore. Everyone wants to have their own say or do things their own way, instead of actually uniting for a common ideal or purpose.

[Jay H.]

Freddy Krueger

[steve_dave]

Does America have icons? What is this Threads and engagement bait?

Because the world is not familiar with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Italian distributors chose to make the face of the 12 Years A Slave movie:



Despite being in it only as a cameo and his other role was executive producer.

The Fast & Furious movies also do well outside of the US just on the cast & premises alone. Damn the incorehent story and unpossible stunts.

[kylor]

Originally Posted by Poya

Some would say Superman

[CreasyBear]

Originally Posted by Doctor Jack

Honestly, yeah.

Yeah.

[starsteam]

Superman seems more of a cultural icon rather than strictly cinematic, due to the comic book origins. Though I suppose you could say the same for Bond from the novels but the films are what made him iconic. I think Superman was already a known figure around the world before the movie. But if you want to be loose with the term then my vote would be for Superman.

For the strictest sense, I might honestly say King Kong. That was one of the earliest film characters not based on existing works that left a huge impact around the world and paved the way for many inspirations.