In one of the very first scenes when we first meet Jack Nicholson as the President of the United States, we see a lot of stereotypes about the government being played out. For example, when the President is informed that aliens are surrouding planet Earth, the first person he seeks advice from is his press secretary. Not only does this indicate that he only really cares about his image, but it also tells us that he is incapable of forming his own opinions. He goes on to ask advice from the military generals (one of whom is really violent and pro-war while the other is quiet and does whatever he is told) and a scientist (who thinks he is "the bee's knees" just because he has a Ph.D. behind his name). This one scene shows us that there is corruption in the capitalist, patriotic society in which we live. While the president is supposed to be someone who America can trust and admire, he is actually an egotistical individual who cannot make up his own damn mind and is constantly putting himself before his country. It also shows us that the people who he seeks advice from are equally corrupt. In one hear, the president has the military generals urging him to go to war because they think that violence is the solution the every problem and in the other ear we have the scientist (who the president looks to for valid information). The scientist spouts off nonsense-- yet everyone believes him because his Ph.D shows that he is "well-educated." An example of the scientist's arrogance is seen when he makes the assumption that the aliens are a peaceful species because they are an advanced species. He says this as if he believes that humans are peaceful because they are advanced, when in reality, humans kill each other violently everyday-- on the streets, in battle, in a rage, etc. Another scene in which Burton humorously satirizes the government is the scene in which both the general and the president are killed. Before their deaths, they both gave elaborate speeches and acted like big macho men who are willing to do anything for their country, when in reality they both sat back and let other people fight for them.
I think the reason why Burton showed the aliens defacing sacred institutions was because all of them represent America's pride and nationalistic view of themselves. And in order for the world to be saved from the aliens...or anything threatening for that matter, people worldwide have to let go of their pride, accept each other's differences, and ban together. There is strength in numbers (and strength in diversity), but if countries refuse to work with each other because of their differences, then the world will be easier for others to destroy.
Awesome point about the pres not making his own decisions. He's a puppet. Also love what you said about the scientist. It's almost like you have to have a big Ph. D or something like that to prove you're educated in this country in order to get respect. Humans are peaceful because they are advanced. I cringed when he said that nonsense in the film. Another good point about nationalism through the sacred institutions. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThis is Dylan Seals' comment... I love smoothies
I really like how you pointed out that the professor simply makes assumptions without any real evidence to back up his ideas, and how everyone believes him and just takes what he says as fact simply because he has a Ph.D. I really like your point about how the aliens destroying all of the world monuments because they represent one's pride for their country, I never really thought about that. I agree with your point about how the president is not able to formulate any of his own opinions. I think that Burton is trying to portray the stereotypical idea that the president is simply a figure-head and just does what other people tell him to do. I also like how you said that since the president asked the press secretary's opinion first that this shows that he only truly cares about his image instead of the danger that this alien invasion could possibly put his people in.
ReplyDelete-Melissa Johnston