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Today, Explained

America at war, now in theaters

Apr 12, 2024
25:45
Snipd AI
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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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

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.

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