The Political Undercurrents in Non-Political Movies

Many of us view movies as escape from the everyday life and politics. Yet, it is essential to recognize that even seemingly apolitical films are imbued with political messages. Film scholars have long debated the inherent political nature of cinema, with “collective notes of ‘Young Mr. Lincoln’” serving as a seminal text in this discourse.

Exploring the Marxist Lens of Film Studies

Roland Barthes, a renowned film critique, in his essay “Collective notes of ‘Young Mr. Lincoln’,” published in Cahiers du Cinéma in 1971, argued that cinema is never politically neutral. He suggested that Hollywood movies, in their essence, serve the capitalist system and the ideological superstructure. This view is rooted in Marxist thought, but it provides a powerful framework for understanding how political messages underpin every aspect of filmmaking.

The Absence of Non-Political Films

The claim that there is a “non-political” film is largely a misconception. In my extensive experience as a film student and viewer, not a single feature film, whether it be from the realms of science fiction, superhero films, romantic comedies, action thrillers, or even Pixar cartoons, fails to convey political messages—explicitly or implicitly. Every film deals with power relations, which is at the heart of politics.

Case Studies and Thought Exercises

To challenge your perception, try the following thought exercise: Can you think of a single movie that has no political message? This exercise encourages you to recognize that political discourse is pervasive in cinema. For example, a romantic comedy might explore power dynamics through the characters' social and economic positions.

The Motivations and Dynamics Behind Political Overtones

The injection of political overtones into movies is often driven by personal beliefs and the societal dynamics surrounding them. “Self importance” and the “desire to save the world” are common sentiments among creators who feel their views are so significant that they must be shared with the world. This is exacerbated by a fear of social and professional segregation due to perceived dissenting views.

Psychological and social factors influence the urge to inject political content. Many creators believe that their beliefs are so important that they must be made public. This belief is fueled by the “illusion of consensus” among like-minded individuals, giving rise to a sense of “self importance” and a desire to “save the world.”

The American Public’s Tolerance of Political Content in Movies

Interestingly, the American public seemingly has a greater tolerance for and even encourages the blend of politics and entertainment in movies. The idea of separating entertainment from politics is not as widely embraced as one might think. American mainstream culture, contrary to a separation of spheres, tends to embrace the intersection of these domains, perhaps due to a general understanding that personal and political issues are inextricably linked in everyday life.

While some may resist political messages in movies, the majority of American audiences are more accepting of the “everything is politics” approach. This acceptance reflects a broader cultural tendency to view personal and political issues as interconnected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, movie studios and creators do inject political overtones into seemingly non-political films. This is not an accident but a reflection of the reality that politics permeates all aspects of society, including art and entertainment. Understanding this can enhance the appreciation and critical analysis of films, making us more mindful of the political messages that we consume daily.

Key takeaways: No such thing as a "non-political" film Psychological and social factors motivate the inclusion of political messages American mainstream culture embraces the intersection of politics and entertainment