The Great Political Films: Dr Strangelove & Fail Safe w/ Jill Lepore
Past Present Future
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The Complexities of War: Matthau in 'Fail Safe'
This chapter examines Walter Matthau's character in the film 'Fail Safe', focusing on the morally ambiguous role of a political scientist at the Pentagon amidst Cold War tensions. It juxtaposes themes from 'Fail Safe' and 'Dr. Strangelove', analyzing how absurdity shapes political narratives and public perceptions of nuclear warfare. Additionally, the discussion connects historical cinematic portrayals to contemporary issues of technology and automated systems, highlighting the urgent need for politically aware storytelling in the face of modern crises.
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