Jump - Mars Attack

Mars Attack is a satire of not only Sci Fi films, but of our modern day society as well. Burton especially pokes fun at the American government. We see this in the first scene of the movie where we meet President James Dale (Jack Nicholson) and his closest advisors. They have just found evidence of Martian spaceships surrounding the Earth. Dale first asks his Press Secretary, Jerry Ross, his opinion, and he says "the people are gonna love it." He is more concerned of the public’s reaction and the possible photo ops than the potential threat to the entire planet. Jerry Ross is suppose to represent the media and public appearance obsessed figures in politics in today’s day and age. Burton is pointing out the growing influence media has on politics. Next, Dale then asks the general of military forces of his opinion, and he is ready to attack the Martians with all of their forces. Burton is playing off a common stereotype of the “war man” who is always looking to attack or start wars. Another scene where Burton pokes fun at the American government is when Jerry Ross stops on the street to speak with 3 hookers. While it is humorous in the film because Jerry Ross is the

classic sleazy pervert often portrayed in films, but it in Mars Attack it is also discussing the corruption that fills out government. Bill Clinton, our own president at the time, was caught in an affair as well as many other political leaders. When pursuing a career where the whole nation is watching you, one would hope the person would consider the possible repercussions of their actions. Unfortunately, many politicians do not, and they do not think of the negative effects their actions can have on their reputation as well as on the country. We rely on these leaders to lead us, and it is disappointing when it seems they lose sight of their real purpose. Jerry Ross then later brings a woman into the White House! It just so happens she is an alien, but putting that aside, one would think a man working so close to the president would think more before bringing a stranger into the White House. As I said, the woman was an alien and she ends up killing many people in the White House, and she almost kills the president and the first lady. In a way Burton is saying the government often is the cause of many of our problems: unnecessary wars and attacks, problems and miscommunications in public and international relations, etc. Many of Burton’s films are wake up calls to society. He means no harm with his use of satire and he gives people the chance to laugh at themselves, but he also hopes to open their eyes and push them to reflect on their decisions as well as their way of living.