Don't Fear Politics In Movies
Jeffrey M. Anderson of Cinematical asks an interesting question in an article recently: Are movies political? The simple answer to that question, in my humble opinion, is that life is political. Politics are choices made not just on election day, but opinions that guide life choices. And as most will say that opinions are like kidneys (to use the less vulgar term), everybody has at least one. Why should any art form be different. Even mainstream fare that tries to keep politics out expresses a political position of neutrality.
But what I think is interesting is that most people would think this is a bad thing. When they think of political messages, Michael Moore is the first thing that pops into mind. Take Gone Baby Gone or the upcoming Stop-Loss for example. Both films are made with moral questions built into the fabric of the story. It begs for it's audience, no matter what political persuasion, to think about a decision that a character has to make. It gives the movie a new context for discussion and contemplation because it boldly requires it's audience to make political decisions that bridge the gap between red and blue.
Right-wing pundits have tried to make the case that Hollywood, a politically-liberal town, loves to throw liberal politics in all of their movies. No doubt that there are some Hollywood movies that do, since most major filmmakers are of the liberal persuasion, but the studios try their hardest to keep politics out of most of their movies for business purposes. If you pander to one political persuasion, the other will either stay home or boycott. It is usually independent filmmakers who openly state political views in movies made outside of Hollywood's control.
But there is no denying that there has always been politics in the movies even from the dawn of cinema. Look at D.W. Griffith's movies which are some of the most controversial movies that have looked at race. His Birth of a Nation made the Ku Klux Klan it's heroes. Or how about movies like Yankee Doodle Dandy, a very pro-America movie (and a great entertainment if you haven't seen it). Even last year's 300 was overtly political (although it's agenda appeared more Conservative) But that can be said of any art, which by it's very nature reflects the opinions of the day. And considering that film is a popular art (and an expensive art at that), it cannot survive if it's political interest doesn't meet that of it's audience. In other words, Hollywood movies won't be made if no one will see it. 300 doesn't make $200 Million unless a lot of somebodies went to see it.
But my point is this: don't be afraid of seeing political agendas in movies. Most of the overt political movies come out and say so because it's pandering to the crowd. But even if it's there in mere subtext, understand that it is a human being behind that camera who is influenced by decisions and ideas like yourself. And that in a great country like ours, you have the unalienable right to voice your opinion in any forum available. And opinion is a form of politics.
But what I think is interesting is that most people would think this is a bad thing. When they think of political messages, Michael Moore is the first thing that pops into mind. Take Gone Baby Gone or the upcoming Stop-Loss for example. Both films are made with moral questions built into the fabric of the story. It begs for it's audience, no matter what political persuasion, to think about a decision that a character has to make. It gives the movie a new context for discussion and contemplation because it boldly requires it's audience to make political decisions that bridge the gap between red and blue.
Right-wing pundits have tried to make the case that Hollywood, a politically-liberal town, loves to throw liberal politics in all of their movies. No doubt that there are some Hollywood movies that do, since most major filmmakers are of the liberal persuasion, but the studios try their hardest to keep politics out of most of their movies for business purposes. If you pander to one political persuasion, the other will either stay home or boycott. It is usually independent filmmakers who openly state political views in movies made outside of Hollywood's control.
But there is no denying that there has always been politics in the movies even from the dawn of cinema. Look at D.W. Griffith's movies which are some of the most controversial movies that have looked at race. His Birth of a Nation made the Ku Klux Klan it's heroes. Or how about movies like Yankee Doodle Dandy, a very pro-America movie (and a great entertainment if you haven't seen it). Even last year's 300 was overtly political (although it's agenda appeared more Conservative) But that can be said of any art, which by it's very nature reflects the opinions of the day. And considering that film is a popular art (and an expensive art at that), it cannot survive if it's political interest doesn't meet that of it's audience. In other words, Hollywood movies won't be made if no one will see it. 300 doesn't make $200 Million unless a lot of somebodies went to see it.
But my point is this: don't be afraid of seeing political agendas in movies. Most of the overt political movies come out and say so because it's pandering to the crowd. But even if it's there in mere subtext, understand that it is a human being behind that camera who is influenced by decisions and ideas like yourself. And that in a great country like ours, you have the unalienable right to voice your opinion in any forum available. And opinion is a form of politics.
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