Why Every Movie is Political: Uncovering the Ideological Journey

It is a widely acknowledged truth that most movies are inherently political. This is not a recent development but has been a cornerstone of artistic expression for centuries. From literature to visual arts, every form of creative work delves into political and other ideological commentaries. Understanding that movies are political can provide us with a deeper appreciation of the films we watch and the narratives that shape our perceptions and beliefs.

The Universal Nature of Political Themes in Cinema

Artistic expressions are often intertwined with political undertones, reflecting broader societal and cultural concerns. Movies, whether you classify them as blockbuster entertainment or subtle dramas, cannot escape this underlying political dimension. This is because filmmaking inherently involves the construction of a world. A world that may be realistic, fantasy-based, or a blend of both, but with its own set of rules, resources, and power dynamics.

The Subtlety of Political Messages in Movie World-Building

Many movies promote political ideas, even if those ideas are not overt. Hollywood films, for instance, often build worlds based on certain assumptions: characters are not concerned with basic survival issues, a meritocracy is the norm, and the status quo is considered fair. These messages are deeply ingrained and nearly imperceptible in their subtlety. Yet, they form a political ideology that can be both reflective of and reinforcing of existing power structures.

Challenging Consensus in Film: Case Studies

Let's delve into a few examples to illustrate how movies contain political messages that may be mixed or hidden within their narrative frameworks.

The Conservative Criticism of Hollywood and 'Fight Club'

Conservative critics often point out perceived liberal biases in Hollywood. They argue that films like Independence Day or Transformers depict capitalism in a negative light, while movies such as Daddy's Home or Deadpool showcase casually depicted sexual promiscuity. However, the underlying political messages in these films are often nuanced and mixed. For example, in Fight Club, the villainous tycoon is presented as an anomaly rather than a representation of systemic injustices. Similarly, sexual relationships in Hollywood films are often portrayed as temporary steps towards monogamous heterosexual marriages.

Rupert Murdoch and the Political Subtext in 'Fight Club'

A notable example is Fight Club, which offers a radical critique of consumer capitalism, leading to the question: Why would amedia mogul like Rupert Murdoch allow such a film to be released? The answer is that Murdoch didn't see the film's critique as a true threat to his business model or the system that sustains it. Moreover, the movie's adherence to typical Hollywood conventions, such as male-driven thrillers, satirizes these very conventions, which ultimately undermine its radical message.

The Intention and Perception of Political Messages

The creators of films often have different intentions and perceptions regarding the political messages in their work. For instance, Fight Club director David Fincher didn't foresee the extent to which the film's critique would be undermined by the very Hollywood conventions it seeks to critique. This highlights the complexity of political messages in movies—messages that creators may not fully realize or anticipate.

It is essential to recognize that movies are always political, whether the creators intend them to be or not. This political dimension is often embedded in the rules and power dynamics of the constructed worlds within the films. By examining the underlying political messages in movies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the stories they tell and their impact on society.