Y200 Politics and Film

1. Polf15 April 1, 2011

2. Christensen and Haas Conclusions “Political movies have debated the great issues of the day as the nation debated them, sometimes ahead of the public and sometimes lagging behind, sometimes dissenting and sometimes reinforcing. Regardless of the state of the union, however, some ideas about politics are constantly reiterated by movies. If audiences absorb these repeated messages, their cumulative effect must surely be cynicism and apathy.” (p. 278) Christensen and Haas Conclusions “Political movies have debated the great issues of the day as the nation debated them, sometimes ahead of the public and sometimes lagging behind, sometimes dissenting and sometimes reinforcing. Regardless of the state of the union, however, some ideas about politics are constantly reiterated by movies. If audiences absorb these repeated messages, their cumulative effect must surely be cynicism and apathy.” (p. 278)

3. Structural Constraints The use of stars to portray “heroes” Audience preference for melodramas (conflict that must be solved by heroes) Structural Constraints The use of stars to portray “heroes” Audience preference for melodramas (conflict that must be solved by heroes)

4. More from Christensen and Haas Hollywood movies have “rightly condemned intolerance and corruption.” More negatively, they have “told us to rely on leaders and heroes for salvation, ignored the alternative of collective action, and neglected or condemned opinions that stray from the mainstream.” They have “disparaged politics in presenting it as evil and corrupting.” They “warn us to stay away from politics…” p. 288 More from Christensen and Haas Hollywood movies have “rightly condemned intolerance and corruption.” More negatively, they have “told us to rely on leaders and heroes for salvation, ignored the alternative of collective action, and neglected or condemned opinions that stray from the mainstream.” They have “disparaged politics in presenting it as evil and corrupting.” They “warn us to stay away from politics…” p. 288

5. Films that Christensen and Haas Admire Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reds Matewan Do the Right Thing Natural Born Killers Wag the Dog (viewed more favorably than the more successful film, Dave) Films that Christensen and Haas Admire Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reds Matewan Do the Right Thing Natural Born Killers Wag the Dog (viewed more favorably than the more successful film, Dave)

6. Images of Democracy Visual Symbols of American Democracy  The monuments and buildings of Washington, D.C.  The founding fathers  The great presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln  The people and the land Elections and Campaigns Government in Action Grass Roots Politics Images of Democracy Visual Symbols of American Democracy  The monuments and buildings of Washington, D.C.  The founding fathers  The great presidents: Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln  The people and the land Elections and Campaigns Government in Action Grass Roots Politics

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8. Imagery of Power Military vs. non-military capabilities Coercive vs. persuasive power Legitimate or institutionalized power (authority) vs. illegitimate power Representation of power in terms of institutional symbols 8 Imagery of Power Military vs. non-military capabilities Coercive vs. persuasive power Legitimate or institutionalized power (authority) vs. illegitimate power Representation of power in terms of institutional symbols 8

9. Frescoes in Siena by AmbrogioLorenzetti 1338-1340 9 Frescoes in Siena by AmbrogioLorenzetti 1338-1340 9

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