A while ago I took a course called “Politics and Film.” The goal of the course was to be able to answer the question “What are the politics of…” just about any film you see. This summer, in a heated political climate, it seems that question came roaring back in unexpected ways. You just can’t get away from partisan politics in an election year. Even during the summer. Even at the movies.
So what follows is a breakdown of the political leanings of some of the summer’s most escapist fare. Sure, anyone can guess the politics of Farenheit 9/11 or The Manchurian Candidate (they’re both, of course, Libertarian). But the following films are a touch more subtle about their agendas. If these films were registered voters, whom would they elect?
Oh, and since I give away the endings to just about every movie that came out this summer, I guess this is kind of a spoiler alert. Read on at your peril.
Shrek 2: Kerry
You have Shrek, the honest but ugly candidate (Kerry), democratic party symbol in tow, vying for the affections of Fiona’s suburbanized parents (swing voters) who are also courted by the dumb but appealing Prince Charming (Bush), pimped by The Fairy Godmother (Karl Rove) to be more appetizing. To make himself more appealing, Shrek teams up with an attractive, younger companion, Puss-In-Boots (Edwards) and tries to affect his own makeover. In the end, though, looks, charisma, social status and all that crap aren’t nearly as important as celebrity support (e.g. voice by Mike Myers), so Shrek wins.
Oh, and Donkey is, I don’t know…Ben Affleck.
Spider-Man 2: Bush
Spider-Man 2 teaches us that sometimes, to do the right thing, you have to give up the thing you love. You have to sacrifice your dreams, your goals, your personal agenda. And by that I mean, of course, your civil liberties. That’s right, Spider-Man 2 shows us that by sacrificing those things that may bring us personal happiness we can defeat the forces of evil and strike a blow for the common man who, as Aunt May reminds us, needs heroes. With great power, comes great responsibility, and, as it happens, great restrictions on personal freedom.
If that isn’t enough, take a look at the bad guy, the so-called “Doctor” Octopus. He’s researching alternative energy sources! That’s how he ends up with 8 limbs. If he’d just stick to fossil fuels, none of this would happen.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very clever and interesting David, thanks!
2 - Hal Pawluk
Best thing you've written, David, IMO.
3 - vikk
I really enjoyed reading this. You certainly got your money's worth out of the course.