I've often thought that the look of 1950s films (and of other decades, I guess) was the result of a reinforcing positive feedback loop between film (and TV) and

I've often thought that the look of 1950s films (and of other decades, I guess) was the result of a reinforcing positive feedback loop between film (and TV) and society. If this is the case, what enables us to break out of the loop? PS I really like The Drinker.