Vladimir Khalilov

• Affiliation: Institute for the U.S. and Canadian Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences
  
• Address: Russian Federation, Moscow

The article is dedicated to the depictions of epidemics in the American film industry, which became particularly relevant due to the increasing global outbreaks of diseases, including the latest one - the coronavirus pandemic COVID-19, which had far-reaching consequences for the whole world, including the USA and Russia. The author looks at the origins, development, and proliferation of pandemic narratives in film and culture in recent years, revealing an increased level of public anxiety, as well as fears associated with globalization, free movement and trade, and the weakening of national borders, as well as fears of scientific development and interference in nature. The author concludes that despite the efforts of the world community and preparations for all sorts of catastrophic scenarios, both in life and on screen, in the face of natural challenges, including invisible pathogens, humanity is still demonstrating limited resources, both external and internal - which once again was proved by the panic regarding the coronavirus infection.