You should seek out the movie "Red Dawn" circa 1986.
Some maintain it is the worst movie ever made. I'm tempted to agree, but . . .
The production values of the movie are fine — the setting, the cinematography, and for the most part, the acting, all pass the test. But the script is something else.
Every stereotype is exploited to the max. One the one hand, this is an abysmal movie, to be avoided. On the other hand, this is a brilliant satire of every Cold War phobia and every American myth, taken to the Nth degree. There are no greys in this movie — everything is stark black and white. It is wonderful, as good or better than Dr.Strangelove, although not as subtle. I'm inclined to believe that the director was so pissed off at the studio for forcing this script on him that he made every effort to exaggerate the implausible, and convey a hidden message to those smart enough, and well enough educated, which says exactly the opposite to the message presented to the ignorant masses. When I saw it in the theatre I laughed at the same scenes that had the Yankee patriots crying, it was so absurd.
So watch it, twice — the first time as an ignorant American who believes that Yankee sh1t don't stink, and the second time as a savvy man of the world who understands the limitations of Soviet power and US military strength. The whole notion that Cuba could invade the USA, even with Soviet assistance, is absurd, akin to the Grand Duchy of Fenwick invading Europe. The presentation of the inavaders as Nazi Einsatzgrüppen is classic, and hilarious. I couldn't help laughing, at all the wrong moments as far as the rednecks were concerned. It's a great movie.
So find it, and check it out. It will serve as a yardstick for postwar US propaganda movies, and it is good for a chuckle.
Cheers
Scott Fraser
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