In the dystopian film titled "V for Vendetta", there are themes of fascism that help convey the message that the people of society should not allow their government to take control of their lives. Dictatorship and media manipulation are heavily used in this film to display how individual can be taken away and send society into a state of oppression. Conspiracy theories related Guy Fawkes and the 9/11 attacks are referenced to send a message of both revenge and a revolution.
Media Manipulation
-Opinions of the government are forced upon the people
-Scene: the "Voice of London" at the beginning of the film
-Analysis: Targets certain minorities of people (muslims, immigrants, homosexuals). Displays the one-track way of thinking and offensive opinions
-Message of media manipulation: people aren't allowed to have their own opinions
Oppression
-Lack of identity and being disallowed to express themselves
-Scene: Dietrich's secret life
-Analysis: He has to hide his sexual identity because homosexuality is banned - he is an oppressed individual
-Message of oppression: identity is the main thing (aside from freedom) that the people have been stripped from, resulting in hiding their lives
Conspiracies
-V uses terrorism to send a message to both the people of London and it's government
-Scene: V blowing up the Old Bailey
-Analysis: the building was a symbol of justice, which was seen as hypocrisy in V's eyes. He wants the people to join him in a revolution. "People should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people"
-Messages of conspiracies: violence can be justified if it's in the name of freedom
Fascism
-Dictatorship, totalitarianism and censorship are all Nazi-like qualities that have been adopted by the current government in V for Vendetta
-Scene: the victims at Larkhill Detention Centre
-Analysis: the "perfect race" was trying to be created, refusing to accept individuals for who they are
-Messages of fascism: Dictatorship can get to such extreme lengths that people become persecuted for being themselves in a society that neglects acceptance
Conclusion
Media manipulation, oppression, conspiracies and fascism are used to convey the message that people should cling to the freedom and individuality they have and not let the government have total control of their every move. The character V was portrayed to be a symbol of revolution who'd release the people from oppression, further supporting the belief that freedom needs to be fought for, even if extreme lengths have to be endured.
In the dystopian film titled "V for Vendetta", there are themes of fascism that help convey the message that the people of society should not allow their government to take control of their lives. Dictatorship and media manipulation are heavily used in this film to display how individual can be taken away and send society into a state of oppression. Conspiracy theories related Guy Fawkes and the 9/11 attacks are referenced to send a message of both revenge and a revolution.
ReplyDeleteWhat about the use of a Terrorist as the central character? What ideas or messages is this raising - do you think he is doing this out of commitment to freedom or is it ideological rhetoric to disguise his desire for vengance - isn't he as bad as the government?
Why is the film distopian - isn't this film a warning - why and who to?
Media Manipulation
-Opinions of the government are forced upon the people (propaganda)
-Scene: the "Voice of London" at the beginning of the film
-Analysis: Targets certain minorities of people (muslims, immigrants, homosexuals). Displays the one-track way of thinking and offensive opinions
-Message of media manipulation: people aren't allowed to have their own opinions, (are there any comparisons to our culture/society today?)
Oppression
-Lack of identity and being disallowed to express themselves
-Scene: Dietrich's secret life
-Analysis: He has to hide his sexual identity because homosexuality is banned - he is an oppressed individual
-Message of oppression: identity is the main thing (aside from freedom) that the people have been stripped from, resulting in hiding their lives
Conspiracies
-V uses terrorism to send a message to both the people of London and it's government
-Scene: V blowing up the Old Bailey
-Analysis: the building was a symbol of justice, which was seen as hypocrisy in V's eyes. He wants the people to join him in a revolution. "People should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people"
-Messages of conspiracies: violence can be justified if it's in the name of freedom
(why would the film want us to side with the terrorist?)
Fascism
-Dictatorship, totalitarianism and censorship are all Nazi-like qualities that have been adopted by the current government in V for Vendetta
-Scene: the victims at Larkhill Detention Centre
-Analysis: the "perfect race" was trying to be created, refusing to accept individuals for who they are
-Messages of fascism: Dictatorship can get to such extreme lengths that people become persecuted for being themselves in a society that neglects acceptance
(what about genetic manipulation and biological experiments on members of the public - eg Flu Vaccinations and GMO crops?)
Very good effort
To improve:
Take a stand on the character of V - is he out for freedom or just revenge, is Evey better off, is torture justified? Isn't Britain better off compared to America - it is strong & unified?
What is your argument on the film?
Expand on your analysis of how these themes are constructed through the MICRO and look for comparisons of themes to CoM
B