Movies reflect the times they were made in, sometimes hopeful, sometimes scared, sometimes audiences are craving a bit of patriotism, other times directors are warning us of what might come next.
My high school and college years coincided with the Thatcher/Reagan era when right wingers held the power and the creative citizens of the world counter it through the arts such punk rock music and dystopian films such as 1984 (1984).
Films like Rambo, Red Dawn (1984), The Right Stuff (1983), Top Gun (1986) and Sudden Impact (1983) related a boastful America with themes of winning the cold war, cops who knew no boundaries and a warrior based culture. They were the unofficial propaganda of the times.
Tough guy films for the “tough guy” image of the President. After all the country was coming to grips with the end of the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, many people wanted to be proud of America again, like they were after saving Europe from the Nazis and Asia from the Japanese.
There was a longing to forget out the mistakes of the past and return to the perceive better times of the past when they believed the USA was at its strongest.
Gone was The Deer Hunter (1978) and in came Rambo: First Blood (1882). Out went the films like Taxi Driver (1976) and The Warriors (1979) that showed a crumbling, bankrupt New York City and in came cop/crime movies based in sunny California like Sudden Impact (1984) with Clint Eastwood and Lethal Weapon (1887) starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
There were also a bunch of movies with Russians as the bad guys or about people escaping/defecting from Soviet Russia. Moscow on the Hudson (1984) with Robin Williams, White Nights (1985) with Mikhail Baryshnikov playing a Russian ballet dancer who defects to the United States, and of course Red Dawn (1984) in which some local boys have to fend off the invading Russians.
Fascist Parody Within the Films of Paul Verhoeven in the late 1980s and 90s
Perhaps it takes a European to expose the USA’s flirtations with populous politicians and those who lean far right into the realm of fascism – overblown patriotism, overzealous quest for “law and order” and love for the military
Paul Verhoeven is a Dutch film director known for his often provocative and satirical films especially with RoboCop and Starship Troopers While his works are not explicitly fascist, some critics argue that certain themes in his movies can be interpreted as having fascist undertones.
The films of Paul Verhoeven from the late 80s-90s:
| 1987 | RoboCop | |||
| 1990 | Total Recall | |||
| 1992 | Basic Instinct | |||
| 1995 | Showgirls | |||
| 1997 | Starship Troopers |
These themes include:
- Authoritarianism and Militarism: Many of Verhoeven’s films, such as “RoboCop” and “Starship Troopers,” depict societies with strong authoritarian governments and a heavy emphasis on military power. These elements can be seen as reflecting certain aspects of fascist ideology, which often glorifies state power and military strength.
- Violence and Hyper-Masculinity: Verhoeven’s films are often characterized by graphic violence and an emphasis on hyper-masculine characters. Some critics argue that this focus on violence and masculinity can be interpreted as aligning with certain fascist aesthetics that celebrate strength and aggression.
- Nationalism and Xenophobia: In some of his films, such as “Starship Troopers,” there are elements of nationalism and xenophobia, with a focus on the superiority of one’s own nation or race and a fear or distrust of outsiders. These themes can be seen as echoing some aspects of fascist ideology, which often promotes national unity and emphasizes the threat posed by foreign elements.
It is important to note that Verhoeven’s films are often satirical and intentionally over-the-top, and it is debatable whether these themes are truly reflective of fascist beliefs or simply serve as a means of exploring and critiquing societal issues. Some argue that by exaggerating these themes, Verhoeven is actually satirizing and critiquing them, rather than endorsing them.
Ultimately, the interpretation of these themes in Verhoeven’s films is subjective and open to debate. Whether or not they are seen as fascist depends on the viewer’s perspective and interpretation of the director’s intentions.
Further Study: Films which explore the theme of fascism –
Several films have explored the theme of fascism, either directly depicting fascist regimes or exploring the psychological and social conditions that can lead to their rise. Here are a few notable examples:
- Triumph of the Will (1935): Leni Riefenstahl’s propaganda film documenting the 1934 Nazi Party Congress in Nuremberg. (During World War II, Frank Capra’s seven-film series Why We Fight was directly inspired by Triumph of the Will and the United States’ response to it). While undeniably powerful and technically impressive, it’s a chilling example of how film can be used to glorify totalitarian ideology. It’s important to watch this film critically, understanding its historical context and purpose. In present-day Germany, the film is not censored but the courts commonly classify it as Nazi propaganda, which requires an educational context for public screenings.
- The Great Dictator (1940): Charlie Chaplin’s satirical masterpiece, where he plays a Hitler-esque dictator. It’s a powerful denunciation of fascism and a plea for humanity.
- The Conformist (1970): Bernardo Bertolucci’s film explores the psychological and moral compromises made by an individual seeking acceptance in a fascist regime. It delves into the banality of evil and the seductive nature of conformity.
- Cabaret (1972): While not explicitly about fascism, this musical set in Weimar-era Berlin shows the gradual rise of Nazism and its insidious impact on society.
- Europa Europa (1990): Based on a true story, this film follows a Jewish boy who, in order to survive, joins the Hitler Youth. It offers a unique perspective on the complexities of identity and survival under a totalitarian regime.
- Schindler’s List (1993): Steven Spielberg’s film tells the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of hundreds of Jews during the Holocaust. It powerfully portrays the horrors of the Nazi regime and the importance of individual resistance.
- The Wave (2008): This German film, based on a real experiment, explores how easily a group of people can be swayed by authoritarian ideas and fall into a fascist mindset.
- The Zone of Interest (2023) – Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp. Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife Hedwig strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden beside the camp.
This is just a small selection, and many other films have tackled aspects of fascism. Exploring these movies can provide valuable insights into the history of fascism, its dangers, and the importance of vigilance against its resurgence.