Why in American movies, are people always from rich, affluent suburbs?

Aside from films that make a point of being set in a 'project' or a 'ghetto', all films, especially 'teen' films, are shown in luxurious, affluent houses. Their soaps are too.





Now, correct me if I am wrong, but aren't the bulk of the American population living in more modest means than massive, open-plan duplexes? Is it a staple of American films to show luxurious housing?|||It helps promote the "American Dream" they all aspire to .... they think they can achieve this and are still aiming when they are mugged in the streets that aren't policed properly and still aim for it while they have health issues their insurance doesn't cover ... not once blaming people who uphold the dream to them as a target nor the powers that prevent it ...... democracy in action !! but some would say we have eastenders the eternal slit yer wrists soap that reminds us why the heck bother when you get misery at all levels ..





just my own biased view








ever notice the differences in attitudes maybe we should petition fer the banning of eastenders and have west enders instead ?|||Personally, I think it's easier to have the characters seem wealthy because that way, the writers/director don't have to worry about establishing where the characters get money. I mean, the story is set in a wealthy suburb and bam, we already assume they have money. So when, later in the film, kid steals dad's Porche or Lotus or something, we don't question, "How in the heck can they afford that?" Sure, it's nothing to throw a line in saying, "Oh yeah, dad hit the lottery" but time is money. Also, I think people don't like to be reminded of where they come from. Movies are for entertainment, to escape the mundane worlds we live in...we don't want to see it on TV!|||Well, if you go to any American city those suburbs exist and they are everywhere. Lots of people really do live like that. Most people who live in those neighbourhoods are not even really rich. Most are middle class and just spend a little more on housing. But don't kid yourself, a lot of people live in places that look like that.





PS%26gt; Those homes are a WHOLE lot less expensive in the US then they would be anywhere else. I live no where near places like that but they are EVERYWHERE.|||...just wanted to add that I agree with the answer given by Collie than a lot of the others, the British and American "norm" for housing is completely different, as are the terms for "Middle Class" - plus there are other types of American movies out there, you just got to look for them...





Though yes I think this is right in regards to American *soaps* which are more about the escapist money-money-money-thing... Funny how our British soaps are of the kitchen-sink-drama-aint-life-tough variety!!!








=)|||Because it makes people feel cozy and warm when they see good things on movies such as the main characters living posh and comfortable. Movies are not real so why make them realistic? Only some are true to life and those are not the feel good ones unless they are trying to make you feel sorry for them.|||It's to create an air of dissatisfaction that encourages people to seek out retail therapy to assuage their feelings of inadequacy and so maintain the consumer system and ensure the pensions of the financially elite|||Because everybody in America is rich, beautiful, famous and slim.


Well, everybody worth talking about, anyway.


Cheers, Steve.|||Why not have a bit of fantasy in the fantasy world of films?





We live real life everyday, why would people pay to see what they see day in, day out? |||It's harder to do product placements in the ghetto and Hollywood has always been fantasy land.|||They tried filming the movies in the rich, affluent suburbs of Bangladesh, but they couldn't find any.|||It's Hollywood, and their version of the American Dream. Different areas have different housing|||It helps to up-grade the housing a bit to appeal to Americans. We're always aiming for things bigger and better.|||Because it's the all American dream|||american beauty for example...(did win an oscar, so it does work when its done right..)