5 Great Pieces of Political Commentary on Satellite TV
You can argue about the merits or disadvantages of protesting the way our government handles its business – essentially, our business – but you cannot deny the fact that one of the greatest features of our society is the right to do so. Squelching rebellion has been the object of many a government throughout history. In fact, the early United States seemed bent on continuing this practice, offering nothing but a swift resistance to the uprising of farmers led by Daniel Shays and actually passing the Alien & Sedition Acts, one of the most unconstitutional pieces of legislation ever to be snuck through Congress. No one is perfect, and it is often the feedback of a society which keeps its government from abusing power. Here are five films on satellite TV exercising this right to protest.
5. Good Night, and Good Luck. It was 2005 and it was fairly clear that the Bush White House was making an unprecedented power grab, most notably from the vice-president’s seat. Separation of powers came into existence to avoid this crisis, yet a largely complacent Congress (routed electorally the following year) and a cowering press (smarting from the administration’s rebukes) seemed to allow it to happen. This George Clooney film focuses on the showdown between Sen. Joseph McCarthy and crusading journalist Edward Murrow, but it’s really about the state of denial in which many people lived during those years. Check out this film in HD to get the beautiful black-and-white effects. David Strathairn shines as Murrow.
4. Frost/Nixon. Another modern film about a seminal moment in American history, Frost/Nixon is the account of Nixon’s eventual admission of guilt years after leaving the White House. Frivolous reporter Frost somehow manages to transcend his limitations and get under the skin of this crafty ex-President, in another example of going to the past to question the present.
3. JFK. Probably the most renegade piece of political protest ever filmed, JFK is not just an explosive film in terms of its claims, but also in its cinematic style. Leave it to Oliver Stone to make such a controversial piece of propaganda, which he admitted was just as much of a myth as the one the people were fed regarding the JFK assassination. See this film without commercial interruption on premium satellite TV networks like HBO.
2. Fahrenheit 911. Although working in the documentary style, you can be sure to expect a number of outrageous statements and accusations from Michael Moore as he attempts to expose government conspiracy and corruption. In many cases, he need only roll the footage and let the accused speak for themselves. It is a shocking but effective technique. Revisit this bold statement on satellite TV networks like Showtime.
1. Dr. Strangelove. You might not focus on the political commentary while you’re howling with laughter, but there is a lot being said by Stanley Kubrick in this film. Check out this anti-nuke classic in high definition on Turner Classic Movies.
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Author: John R. Harrison
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Pressure cooker
