Media Term Thursday #4
/Propaganda
propaganda film
A simplistic and obvious manipulation of information by selection, exaggeration and appeal to people’s fears, insecurities and basic instincts. It produces an emotional response rather than a rational one, creating a sense of ‘us’ and ‘them’ and so needs an ‘enemy’ to blame. If there isn’t an enemy, propaganda creates one. Complex issues are reduced to simplistic slogan and ‘blame’.
Generally refers to the manipulation of political beliefs.
A propaganda film is a film produced (often by governments) for the express purpose of convincing the viewer of a political point. In war time, propaganda films are produced by governments to support the war effort and convince the public that it is for the good of their country.
Nazi propaganda films were commissioned by Adolf Hitler to chronicle his reign.
Triumph of the Will (1934), Olympia (1936), Reefer Madness (1938).
