Politics on Screen

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Samuel Goldwyn, one of Hollywood's founding moguls, famously said that if someone had a message, they should send a telegram, not make a movie. He implied that cinema was meant to be apolitical, serving only as entertainment. But that, of course, is far from the truth. Popular culture, and cinema in particular, is much more than mere amusement: it's a barometer of public sentiment, a reflection of the country's current challenges, and ultimately, a political tool.

American authorities recognized the political power of cinema early on. In the 1940s, they commissioned anti-Nazi action films; by the 1950s, every major Hollywood studio had produced at least one anti-communist drama. Since the 1930s, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has monitored how its agents are portrayed in popular culture, and the Pentagon still maintains a liaison to the film industry, ensuring that the U.S. military is depicted as the Department of Defense prefers.

In cinema, ideology is everywhere, and political messages are omnipresent – sometimes boldly, sometimes subtly, whether intended or not. Political is Casablanca, political are Star Wars, Nashville, Forrest Gump, and Get Out. Even Legally Blonde carries political undertones.

However, there are films in which American politics take center stage, focusing on Congress, election campaigns, senators, congressmen, and, of course, presidents. These films not only frame political thinking but also – perhaps more importantly – offer viewers a lens into how politics seemingly functions in practice. For many Americans (and even more non-Americans), their understanding of the US political system comes largely from popular culture.

We’re excited to present a selection of these films in the Politics on Screen section, curated by Podkast amerykański for this year's American Film Festival. We will feature both non-obvious films (A Face in the Crowd by Elia Kazan, Sidney Lumet's Network), somewhat forgotten films (Franklin Schaffner's The Best Man or Robert Altman's Secret Honor) and, finally, films we particularly like for some reason: John Frankenheimer's The Manchurian Candidate (which Piotr insisted on), and Wag the Dog (which Łukasz was keen on including).

As it happens, this year's AFF kicks off just as a fascinating, unprecedented election campaign comes to an end. On November 5, millions of Americans will cast their votes for their representatives – and their president. Delighted or disappointed, pleased with or dismayed by the election result, join us in watching some of the greatest films ever made about American politics.

Łukasz Pawłowski i Piotr Tarczyński
Podkast amerykański

A Face in the Crowd, dir. Elia Kazan, USA 1957

In A Face in the Crowd, drunken drifter Larry Rhodes becomes the unexpected star of a local radio show. His rough charm captivates listeners, leading to a permanent broadcast and transforming him into a nationally recognized TV sensation. Over time, Rhodes grows convinced of his power to manipulate and control millions of Americans.

Łukasz Pawłowski

The Manchurian Candidate, dir. John Frankenheimer, USA 1962

A masterpiece of the paranoid thriller genre, The Manchurian Candidate intertwines Cold War-era fears of communism with the fanaticism of McCarthyism and the “Red Scare.” Set against the backdrop of a presidential election and political assassinations, the film features an unforgettable performance by Angela Lansbury. Following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the film was pulled from distribution for over 25 years.

Piotr Tarczyński

The Best Man, dir. Franklin J. Schaffner, USA 1964

One of the first real political fiction films: a fictional president, a fictional political party, a fictional presidential election, and a convention that tries to name a candidate. Who will be “the best man”? A seemingly virtuous intellectual, or a ruthless yet energetic populist?

Piotr Tarczyński

Network, dir. Sidney Lumet, USA 1976

A dark and prophetic satire on the ruthless television industry and its relentless pursuit of ratings. The film paints a vivid picture of 1970s America, weary from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, where one man, “mad as hell,” becomes the voice of a frustrated nation. Featuring masterful performances by Faye Dunaway and Peter Finch.

Piotr Tarczyński

Secret Honor, dir. Robert Altman, USA 1984

Former President Richard Nixon, with a bottle of scotch in hand and a gun nearby, paces around his office, recording his thoughts on his turbulent years in the White House. Conspiracy theories intertwine with facts, presenting Nixon as both a villain and a victim.

Piotr Tarczyński

Wag the Dog, dir. Barry Levinson, USA 1997

Just days before the election, a president seeking re-election is accused of harassing an underage girl during a Scouts visit to the White House. Enter the spin doctor—a professional at shaping public opinion. But how do you cover up such a scandal?

Łukasz Pawłowski