The Era of War and Cinema - Assignment Example

The Era of War And Cinema Like other mediums, the cinema has long since been a documentary tool. One that has served the purpose of re-telling stories, all the while seeking to educate and in some way, seek to entertain the broader collection of the viewing population. During times of war, the level of uncertainty and mis-information possessed amongst communities and nations is quite palpable. Views are formulated, through the information that is provided to anyone who shall hear it and can change considerably based on what is provided. With the Cold War, the world saw a level of uncertainty unique unto its own. Perspectives were shaped heavily by fellow citizens, national governments and also, the mainstream cinema. A medium that, while being consumed by millions throughout the world, would play a factor in distinguishing ideological differences between nations, whatever those may be. In the case of this time in history, "The Cold War was characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion, and misunderstandings by both the United States and the Soviet Union, and their allies. At times, these conditions increased the likelihood of a third world war. The United States accused the Soviet Union of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. The Soviets, meanwhile, charged the United States with practicing imperialism and with attempting to stop revolutionary activity in other countries," ("Cold War", p.1). Such mistrust would greatly impact how each nation was viewed on the part of the other. By the 1980s, "In 1987, Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed a treaty to eliminate many of the ground-launched, nuclear missiles of both nations. The treaty went into effect in 1988. In 1988 and 1989, the U.S.S.R. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. Also in the late 1980's, the Soviet Union began to reduce its conventional military forces in Eastern Europe. In the U.S.S.R., Gorbachev worked for a more decentralized economic system and allowed more democracy and freedom of expression. He also encouraged similar actions in Eastern Europe," ("Cold War", p.1). In the 1960s, two movies produced, which would best exemplify the present views held about the Soviet Union, would have been, 'The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!' & 'Dr. Strangelove'. In the case of "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!", the movie would have to do with a Russian submarine that would approach the American coastline. A Russian gentleman that was seeking to get a better look at America. A group of 9 men, lead by a Russian gentleman, is given the task of taking care of the submarine. These men head to a house, where they seek to convince the inhabitants that they are Norwegians, but are unsuccessful. One of the Russian gentleman points a gun at the man who lived in the house and requested his assistance in finding a boat so that the Russian crew could leave. As for 'Dr. Strangelove', Director Stanley Kubrick uses his movie to show what could very well occur, if when the time came, the decision to initiate a nuclear attack occurs. While doing this, Kubrick would take a more comedic approach to the broader issue at hand. In the movie, a US bomber is going about completing the mission they are involved in, when they are told by their command to attack the Russians. A chance for some in the American military to flex their muscle, they are later informed by representatives of the Russian government that they too have in their possession a weapon of great magnitude. On that, if fired, would create massive destruction that would be felt throughout the world and would be used if they were attacked. With the 1980s came a change in political policy, as well as the movies that would be produced. In 'Moscow on the Hudson', Robin Williams stars as a young Russian man that arrives in the United States looking for opportunities, which he felt he didn't have in his home country. After going to a major department store, Williams' character makes it known that he desires to become an American citizen. Making a friend of a security guard, along with the assistance of his girlfriend, who is a fellow immigrant, the young man (Williams), is able to make the change between being a Russian citizen and becoming an American national. While the Russians were viewed as the enemies during the 1960s, which would transcend into the cinematic productions of both 'The Russians Are Coming!, The Russians Are Coming!', as well as 'Dr. Strangelove', the views held would shift more towards a conciliatory nature during the 1980s, with that being shown in both 'Moscow on the Hudson' and 'Rocky IV'. The distinguishing factor of each era, is the level in which the movies exemplify the nature of the relationships that were had amongst the participating nations and their citizens. The change in conditions during the 1960s, as well as the 1980s, would further show how the movies created during those times would exemplify the process at which the US-Russian relations were shifting. From an era of the 60s, in which the Russians were viewed as the 'enemy' of sorts, as is the case in the cinematic productions 'The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!' and 'Dr. Strangelove', the views of the Soviet Union as a whole would be greatly influenced. In the 80s, the movies produced, 'Rocky IV' & 'Moscow on the Hudson', would seek to show a shift in US-Russian relations. One that, while not a total friendship to be had, would be one that was far friendlier than it had been just two decades prior. As the policies of governments change, so can the views of the people that reside within the nations themselves. While not a change that would occur over night, a modification of the previous grievances and a chance to build a path towards a friendlier view had of each other. From the sense of being weary of the Russians, as was the case in 'The Russians Are Coming' and 'Dr. Strange Love', to the change in behaviors for which Russians and Americans are seen as acting more open to each other, in this case those depicted in 'Rocky IV' & 'Moscow on the Hudson'. The views towards the Soviet Union have not changed, but in the end have evolved both through politics, as well as through movies. Distinguishing the modification in human conduct, through circumstances which are experienced, is something that movies have done ever since they were first created. A documentation of the change in societies, along with the alteration in views that can occur right along with them, plays a role in the movies that are created during these time periods of development. With the 1960s and 'The Russians Are Coming!', as well as 'Dr. Strange Love', came a sense of caution and apprehension towards that which was different from ourselves. With the 1980s and the production of 'Moscow on the Hudson' & 'Rocky IV', came a degree of cautious optimism in regards to the views of the Soviet Union. Works Cited "Dr. Strangelove". (1964). Retrieved from: http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/62164/Dr- Strangelove/overview Erickson, Hal. "Plot summary of Moscow on the Hudson". All Movie Guide. Retrieved from: http://www.answers.com/topic/moscow-on-the-hudson "The Cold War: U.S.S.R. and the United States (1946-1989)". Retrieved from: http://www.laughtergenealogy.com/bin/histprof/misc/coldwar.html "The Russians Are Coming!, The Russians Are Coming!" Plot summary retrieved from: http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title.jspstid=88801 Williams, Karl. "Plot summary of Rocky IV". All Movie Guide. Retrieved from: http://movies.msn.com/movies/movie-synopsis/rocky-iv/ Read More