When watching an adaptation of a classic comic into a major Hollywood motion picture, the notion that the Pentagon is influencing the direction of the film is not one that immediately springs to mind. For Carl Boggs and Tom Pollard, their cultural phenomenon, 'The Hollywood War Machine', is an exploration on the Pentagon's expansion into mainstream cinema, just as corporations had done in the early 90s.
While films such as 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and the recent Academy Award winning Iraq War drama 'The Hurt Locker' indicate both the history and success of using war as a topic for a Hollywood film, it is the recent swing of Pentagon involvement that has Boggs and Pollard applying their critical investigations.
The recent Iron Man series of films go beyond the typical mega budget blockbuster film. The good vs bad element remains, but the film's protagonist, inventor Tony Stark, is used as a shop window for emerging military technologies. Stark's weapons are brutal, but only to bad guys. War is sold as a clean and precise endeavour, where Tony Stark's genius has all but removed collateral damage. This a way of circumventing the journalistic portrayal of war, and instead perpetuates the idea that war is safe for citizens and soldiers of the attacking side.
Hollywood rocket launcher
Reality
Boggs and Pollard conclude their piece pointing out that there is little to no moderation into their Hollywood War Machine. The effects of which are currently unmeasured. While it is not unusual for a film to seek expert consultancy on their topic, it is another thing all together to have this twisted and instead portray a different ideology. As the video below points out, The Pentagon will assist in certain pro-military films, but if you are not pandering to their point of view, then you are on your own.
Excellent use of clips and images to support your argument. I'm particularly intrigued by your statement that Pentagon-supported Hollywood productions "circumvent" actual reporting of war. The juxtaposition of images is particularly effective in demonstrating this.
Good work, in general, but I find the final paragraph a little cloudy. I was a little confused what direction you were going before watching the clip. That helped to clarify it, but I'd suggest a few more words of explanation before the jump.
Excellent use of clips and images to support your argument. I'm particularly intrigued by your statement that Pentagon-supported Hollywood productions "circumvent" actual reporting of war. The juxtaposition of images is particularly effective in demonstrating this.
ReplyDeleteGood work, in general, but I find the final paragraph a little cloudy. I was a little confused what direction you were going before watching the clip. That helped to clarify it, but I'd suggest a few more words of explanation before the jump.