 Goodbye
D.C., Hello Hollywood!
Politically charged films, songs perk up bored
voters
BY JORDAN CURRIER
MESA LEGEND
Submitted November 7, 2000
For many, the political process can grow tiresome. Deconstructing major
issues with a panel of Washington insiders on CNN isn’t the most appealing
entertainment for many students, and presidential debates don’t provide
the thrills and chills that the entertainment industry generously dispenses.
As the political season winds down, it’s time to turn to the entertainment
industry for all your political needs. Hollywood has turned to the political
arena more than once for a much-needed screenplay or lyrical inspiration.
Here are just a handful of highlights among the many political films
and songs that have been churned out over the past half-century.
MOVIES
 "All
the President’s Men," this 1976 Academy Award-nominated film
is based on the true story of journalists Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman)
and Bob Woodward (Robert Redford), Washington Post reporters who uncovered
Nixon’s Watergate scandal. Directed by Alan J. Pakula.
"Wag the Dog," Director Barry Levinson’s 1997 comedy
about an American president trying to escape the bad press that ensues
after an incident regarding a certain young girl scout in the oval office.
By hiring a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) to create a mock-war in
Albania, a patriotic atmosphere creates the good press the president needs.
"Primary Colors," a viscious circle of schemes and
low-blows plague the road to the White House in this satire of a U.S.
presidential campaign. Starring John Travolta in a character shockingly
similar to Bill Clinton.
"Good Morning Vietnam," Robin Williams delivered an
acclaimed performance as a disc jockey assigned to take over the Air Force
Radio’s Saigon broadcasts during the Vietnam war. Adrian Cronauer (Williams)
churns out humor and pizzazz during every broadcast. This 1987 critical
darling was based on a true story.
"Malcolm X," Director Spike Lee’s captivating biography
of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X. The film chronicles Malcolm X’s
(Denzel Washington) rise to the Nation of Islam from a troubled childhood
and time in prison to his fateful fall after he realizes the error of
his ways.
 "The
American President," Michael Douglas portrays President Andrew
Shepherd, a bachelor, who falls in love with Sydney Wade (Annette Bening),
an environmental lobbyist. The two initiate a relationship closely monitored
and scrutinized by a pessimistic American society.
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," easily one of Hollywood’s
classics. Jimmy Stewart, in a landmark performance, plays a likable and
lovable every-day-Joe elected to a crooked Congress. Directed by Frank
Capra.
SONGS
Bruce Springsteen: "Born In the U.S.A," the title track
of Springsteen’s breakthrough album. "Born In the U.S.A," one
of the most revered American rock anthem of the 1980’s, paints the portrait
of Vietnam veterans coping with the highs and lows of being born in the
U.S.A. 1984/Sony/Columbia Records.
 U2:
"Sunday Bloody Sunday," a track from U2’s "War"
album, addressing "Bloody Sunday," a 1972 incident where British
para-troopers killed 13 civilians in a civil-rights demonstration in Londonderry.
1983/Island Records.
John Lennon: "Imagine," a tune from Lennon’s self-titled
solo album, that asks humanity to "imagine" a world devoid of
religious and national differences, and that a non-divided world could
equal peace and brotherhood. 1971/Capitol/Apple Records.
Public Enemy: "Fight the Power," this track displays
Public Enemy frontman Chuck D’s frank disdain of the powers-that-be in
America; from Public Enemy’s politically-fueled and visceral "Fear
of a Black Planet" album, the perfect record to usher in the 90’s.
1990/Def Jam Records.
 Rage
Against the Machine: "Killing in the Name," one of the
many anti-racism statements this band has made in a huge catalog of politically-active
music; from Rage’s self-titled debut album. A picture of a Buddhist Monk
setting himself on fire in protest of the Vietnam war was used as the
album cover. 1992/Sony/Columbia Records.
N.W.A: "F*** Tha Police," from N.W.A’s seminal "Straight
Outta Compton" album. The name says enough, in this track by the
controversial rappers of this early 1990’s rap ensemble. Many believe
this track was a premonition of the 1992 L.A riots to come. 1988/Priority
Records.
The Smiths: "Meat is Murder," this pro-vegetarianism
track, from the album of the same name, proudly decrees those three simple
words: meat is murder. Passionately sung by Morrissey, who also claims
to practice celibacy. 1985/WEA/Warner Brothers Records.
 Peter
Gabriel: "Biko," Gabriel’s tribute to poet and black
nationalist Steven Biko, who was murdered by South African police in 1977
while in custody. From Gabriel’s self-titled album, as well as his 1990
greatest hits compilation "Shaking the Tree." 1980/UNI/Geffen
Records.
Creedence Clearwater Revival: "Fortunate Son," CCR’s
most outright political song, about a senator’s son dodging the Vietnam
draft just because he’s a senator’s son. "It ain’t me," the
song decrees, for CCR vocalist John Fogarty wasn’t "a fortunate one."
One of the most timeless and successful singles to come out of the CCR
camp. 1969/Fantasy Records.
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