Hollywood and politics: "Get off my plane!"

[rcyannacci]

While watching CNN today, I caught a brief clip about one of Bush's campaign stops. I'm not sure about the exact intent of the report because I was distracted by music that was playing in the background as Bush took the stage. Before I could identify the song, the clip was over and they were on to the next topic. It took me a few minutes to remember where I had heard the tune- it was the theme music from the film Air Force One with Harrison Ford. By DH and I own the video (from our pre-DVD days ), and I double-checked. No mistaking- this was the music that plays at the end of the movie when the president (played by Ford), after saving his family, is caught by a rescue team and flys off into the sunset.

I've always been a sucker for a good melodrama, and Air Force One is an almost perfect example- clear distinction between the hero and the villian, good and evil, a complicated, suspenseful plot, and musical accompaniment that communicates the swells of emotions. Because the movie is about terrorism (a band of political malcontents hijack Air Force One to secure the release of one of thier comrads from a Russian prison), the contemporary relevance and political intent seems fairly clear.

The music is extremely heroic and evocative, and were I standing in the crowd, I'd certainly be moved by it. Is this manipulation, or is it just good politics? Or is it indicative of something else?

My point is not to attack Bush- I think this is an incredibly savvy move, and I am sure that Kerry strategists are making similar ones. But I do think it is interesting how intertwined politics and popular entertainment are becoming, and I wanted to hear what other people's impressions were on this phenomonon. Other examples besides the one above- Arnold and his "total recall" campaign, the democratic events featuring celebrities, the possible entrance of Mike Ditka in the political arena, etc. The uproar over Farenheit 911 suggests that many Americans are split over the idea of politics at the local cinemaplex, so why do we seem to universally accept entertainment as part of American politics?

Does it matter that political strategists use "Hollywood" tactics? Could it be ultimately beneficial by bring a greater number of Americans to the polls? Is it harmful because it confuses the separation between fiction and reality?

Just interested in others' thoughts about this...

 

[shortbun]

I like it. I like the Springsteen songs they use too, like Born in the USA...
Power music like power colors all go into this marketing of
a candidate. I think it's interesting to hear the songs they
pick.

 

[SoonerKate]

I do not understand why candidates insist on using Born in the USA as campaign music -- it was written to critique the treatment of Vietnam Veterans. Sure, the chorus sounds patriotic, but the rest of it...

 

[wvrevy]

Actually, very few politicians use Born in the USA, simply because Springsteen refuses to allow them to do so. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it was Reagan that wanted to use it (or had started to use it already) and Springsteen said no.

(I'd think it was particularly amusing should Bush try to use it, considering )

As to the OP's question, I think it is both manipulative AND good politics A fired up crowd chanting "four more years" or "Bush must go" looks good for the tv cameras, and music can help set or accentuate that mood.

 

[gallaj0]

People use music in almost everything because it works on us (usually) subconsciously to add emotion to something we are doing; shopping for groceries, watching a movie, or having fun a theme park.

Certain tones and frequecies cause us to have certain emotional reactions, and people know how to use that influence the way we think about things.

 

[Bob Slydell]

That was such a horrible movie!! I guess I never paid much attention to the theme music, I was too busy laughing at the crappy dialogue!!

 

[rcyannacci]

Originally posted by gallaj0
People use music in almost everything because it works on us (usually) subconsciously to add emotion to something we are doing; shopping for groceries, watching a movie, or having fun a theme park.

Indeed, it's the subconscious factor that I found so interesting about Bush's choice. Again, it took me a while of really concentrating to figure out where I had heard the music before. I don't think the strategists are expecting people to recognize the tune, but are hoping that there will be a subconscious connection between Bush and the type of Harrison Ford/good looking/heroic president that can only be a creation of Hollywood.

 

[minniepumpernickel]

On a very basic level isn't it a subtle form of brainwashing. Isn't it based on how vulnerable the recipient is to subliminal messages? Before anyone fraeks out, aren't food commercials and other types of advertising the same thing?

Cool that you noticed what type of music it was. You must be very perceptive!