Film critic Mark Olsen and Northeastern University professor Nathan Blake discuss the new movie 'Civil War' and its portrayal of political polarization spilling into violence. They explore the ethical dilemmas of photojournalism, the impact of the film on societal reflections, and how cinema reflects evolving societal fears and anxieties.
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Quick takeaways
Movies reflect societal anxieties over time, from industrialization to contemporary fears of terrorism and civil war.
Society's concerns about corporate control, automation, and gender roles are mirrored in apocalyptic and war films.
Deep dives
Depiction of American Anxieties on Film Through History
Movies have long reflected American anxieties, from early films showcasing new technologies and industrialization to post-World War II apocalyptic narratives highlighting nuclear war fears. Over time, apocalyptic and war films evolved to reflect societal changes and concerns, such as Romero's 'Night of the Living Dead' in the 60s critiquing human behavior amidst crisis. The 70s saw movie allegories exploring Vietnam War themes, like 'Little Big Man', critiquing genocidal aspects of America's history and myths.
Representation of Shifts in American Society in 80s Films
In the 80s, films like 'Robocop' and 'Die Hard' underscored anxieties over corporate control, automation, and changes in gender roles and workplaces. These movies reflected societal fears about loss of autonomy, new technologies, and nuclear war threats. American anxieties surrounding economic changes, automation, and gender roles were prominent themes that resonated with audiences.
Reflecting Post-9/11 and Modern American Fears in Films
In modern films like '28 Days Later', fears of sudden threats and terrorism are portrayed, evoking post-9/11 anxieties. Recent movies also explore invasion allegories amidst ongoing wars in the Middle East, depicting the United States in conflict with external threats. Additionally, contemporary films depict internal conflicts within the United States, reflecting discussions about civil war and societal divisions in the present day.
The new movie Civil War delivers a sensational story about political polarization spilling into mass violence. If that seems reckless, it’s what apocalyptic films have done forever. The LA Times’s Mark Olsen and Northeastern University’s Nathan Blake explain.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Lissa Soep, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King.