Perkal- Mars Attacks

The movie Mars Attacks is a comedic movie that makes fun of the government, military, capitalism and patriotism. Mars Attack may have a simple plot, but there are many factors about it that lead to real issues facing America. The first scene of the movie is where we see the government discussing what they are going to do in order to deal with the aliens coming to earth.  The president basically relies on everyone else’s opinions.  All of the congressmen are unclear what to do about the situation and joke around about it.  Tim Burton also took the character of the president and gave him two roles. The president was also known as Art Land and he frequently went to casinos dressed up, so that no one knew that it was him.  In terms of the military, Burton had the president never listen to what the military officer wanted to do.  In the beginning scene, the president would put down all of the military officers ideas, even though he had no ideas of his own. 

As far as Burton’s opinions on patriotism in Mars Attacks, I think that he makes fun of it because the aliens are killing all of the humans and trying to take over America.  No one is able to stop the aliens and the government barely helps in the traumatic situation.  In the end, mostly everyone is gone except for a few of the main characters and they hold a very weak and sad ceremony for America, which also goes to show that they are not showing strong patriotism.  I think that the film makes fun of sacred institutions, but not in an offensive way.  Burton has very specific opinions when it comes to the government and scared institutions and he wants to get his message across through his movies.  Even though the film is not an in depth plot, I think that it has a good underlying meaning, which Burton continuously does through all his movies. It also makes the movie better that Burton put so many successful actors in it and they are able to make it much more enjoyable to watch. I also think that having all these stars makes Burton’s points about patriotism, military, and the government that much stronger.