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Propaganda subliminal messaging12/4/2023 ![]() ![]() “Feel good” films in my opinion do not necessarily classify under the umbrella of propaganda, in my opinion propaganda is not necessarily meant to make one “feel good” it is meant to judge and point a finger, so that the audience becomes aware of their short comings and acts to change. Generally I look at films with government criticism, environmental criticism, social criticism, and so forth as a propaganda film. So again, I turn back to intention, who is the intended audience? What is the intended outcome? How is the intended message conveyed? These are the general questions that I ask myself when considering a film to be propaganda. etc., however, these messages can be seen in what I consider ‘propaganda’. Many of the messages are the same, whether to hold fast to love, trust in friends, endurance in difficulties, etc. When I try and think of a film that doesn’t “convey a message” I find myself coming up with nothing…not saying that there may not be one, but at least in some way I can find a meaning in almost every film that I think of. Just like art, is “film for film’s sake?” I guess to start pushing my boundaries and understanding, I would say that propaganda film is “designed to convey a message” but what makes it different from that of all other films is probably the intention of that message. You have laid down a philosophical inquiry into what are the terms and conditions that make a film ‘propaganda’. This is very interesting and something I haven’t considered. Whatever the messages, many of these films are enjoyable and bring about thought provoking images. These films are not only seen in live action but also in animated productions. These messages can be intended for a select few or for all audiences. Whether messages meant for wartime, peacetime, or any time, propaganda films can be seen throughout the history of films. Through his uncharacteristic habits, mankind takes notice and works to correct their ways and practices. Mumbles, the main character, brings awareness to humans of the destruction they are causing to their habitat by dancing his way into the hearts of mankind. In this unlikely film about dancing and singing wildlife the messages of the dangers of litter on the environment and the practice of over fishing are poignantly stated. Happy Feet is a film about Emperor penguins who find their soul mates through song except for one, an outcast who cannot sing but dances instead. It is through the curiosity and tenacity of Wall-E that the people of the future learn the error of their ways and decide to change. Instead, mankind’s answer was to leave it all behind and head into space. It bluntly blames the destruction of Earth on mankind’s negligence, over consumption of products, and laziness to correct their faults. Wall-E touches on issues of environment, obesity, and consumerism. Pixar’s Wall-E is a film about a robot that collects waste on an abandoned Earth who takes a journey through space that will determine mankind’s fate. Not only are these very enjoyable films intended for all audiences but also the message is very clearly stated. These were just a few of the many successful films with propaganda messages produced during World War II.īut, what would a propaganda film look like today? Would they demonstrate similar messages, use similar techniques, or feature newer, innovative ways of communicating in film? There are two animated films that come to mind, Pixar’s Wall-E (2008) and Happy Feet (2006). They showed little sympathy for people who did not partake in rationing or the willingness of sacrifices in order to help promote these behaviors. ![]() They showed that allies were just like Americans and fighting for very similar causes. These films promoted support for allies, food rationing, minimal traveling, and willing sacrifice. These suggestions promoted a people’s war that could not be won without support from the home front.Ī couple of films that showed war effort propaganda were Since You Went Away (1944) and Mrs. The guidelines wanted films to promote willing sacrifices on the part of the home front, support for the troops away from home, rationing of food and oil, and the recycling of supplies. Many studios, to avoid censorship from the government, followed the guidelines set forth in the Government Information Manuel for the Motion Picture Industry (GIMMPI). Hollywood during World War II produced films that helped to promote the war effort and reinforce behaviors that were expected of people. However, propaganda, whether in film or not, is used primarily to inspire or influence certain behaviors within the culture they are being implemented. It has been used to criticize, bring awareness, or provide commentary on social issues. Propaganda in film has also had a long history. Throughout history the practice of implementing messages for the masses has long been in use and observed. ![]()
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