It’s election time again, and of course politics is fertile ground for horror, with shared themes of power, control and manipulation. Political horror films hold a unique place in cinema, blending the visceral fear of horror with the critique of political systems. These films often delve deep into societal issues, whether overtly or symbolically, using the horror genre to explore themes of power, control, and the human condition. Here, I’m going to examine some of the most impactful political horror films, analysing how they intertwine political commentary with horror elements to create thought-provoking narratives.
They Live (1988)
John Carpenter’s They Live is a quintessential political horror film that critiques consumerism and the control exerted by the powerful elite over the masses. The film follows a drifter, played by Roddy Piper, who discovers sunglasses that reveal the subliminal messages used by aliens to control humanity. The narrative is a scathing critique of the Reagan-era politics, highlighting the disparity between the rich and the poor and the manipulation of the masses through media and advertising.
Narrative and Political Themes
They Live portrays a world where the elite, represented by extraterrestrial beings, use fear and propaganda to maintain control. The film’s setting in a decaying urban landscape reflects the economic struggles of the working class. The protagonist’s journey from ignorance to awareness mirrors the awakening of political consciousness, making a powerful statement about the importance of questioning authority and seeking truth.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Carpenter uses stark visual contrasts to highlight the hidden reality of the world. The black-and-white scenes viewed through the sunglasses reveal the true nature of the aliens and their messages, symbolising the unveiling of truth. The iconic phrase “Obey” becomes a symbol of the subtle ways in which society is controlled.
Real-World Impact
Released during a time of economic disparity and political conservatism, They Live resonated with audiences who felt disillusioned by the status quo. Its commentary on consumerism and control remains relevant, reflecting ongoing concerns about media influence and economic inequality.
The Purge (2013)
The Purge series, created by James DeMonaco, presents a dystopian America where all crime is legal for one night each year. This premise serves as a vehicle to explore themes of social inequality, government control, and the erosion of civil liberties. The series critiques the idea of using fear as a tool for political manipulation and the dehumanisation of the underprivileged.
Narrative and Political Themes
In The Purge, the government’s sanctioning of violence against the disenfranchised highlights the extreme disparities in wealth and power. The narrative exposes the dangerous consequences of unchecked authority and the moral decay that can result from a society driven by fear and survival.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
The visual imagery of masked perpetrators juxtaposed against their victims underscores the anonymity and detachment involved in societal violence. The use of security systems and barricades symbolises the divide between the protected elite and the vulnerable masses.
Real-World Impact
The Purge series has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of government policies and the potential for state-sanctioned violence. Its portrayal of a divided society resonates with contemporary concerns about social justice and civil rights.
Get Out (2017)
Jordan Peele’s Get Out is a masterful blend of horror and social commentary, addressing the subtleties of racism in modern America. The film follows Chris, an African American man, who discovers the horrifying truth about his white girlfriend’s family and their sinister intentions.
Narrative and Political Themes
Get Out uses horror to expose the insidious nature of racism, particularly the concept of liberal racism. The film critiques the facade of progressiveness while highlighting the persistent underlying prejudices. The narrative challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about race relations.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Peele employs symbolism such as the sunken place, representing the suppression of black voices and experiences. The use of hypnosis as a tool of control further underscores the theme of exploitation and dehumanisation.
Real-World Impact
Get Out received critical acclaim for its bold commentary on race, sparking widespread conversations about racism and privilege. Its success highlighted the power of horror to address social issues and influenced a wave of socially conscious filmmaking.
The Omen (1976)
Richard Donner’s The Omen explores the theme of political power through the lens of religious prophecy and supernatural horror. The film follows the rise of Damien, the Antichrist, and his influence on global politics.
Narrative and Political Themes
The Omen reflects fears of political corruption and the influence of dark forces in positions of power. The narrative intertwines religious prophecy with real-world political anxieties, suggesting that evil can manifest in the highest echelons of society. The Antichrist chooses a politicaly high flying family to be his ‘parents’ in order to be a position to take over the world.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
The film uses religious iconography and ominous settings to create a sense of dread and inevitability. The symbolism of the Antichrist in political power serves as a warning about the potential for malevolent forces to infiltrate and corrupt.
Real-World Impact
The Omen taps into Cold War-era anxieties about the balance of power and the potential for global catastrophe. Its exploration of political and religious themes continues to resonate, reflecting ongoing concerns about leadership and morality. We have to ask, did someone beat the Antichrist to it already?
The Crazies (1973)
George A. Romero’s The Crazies presents a chilling vision of government experimentation and its catastrophic consequences. The film centers on a small town affected by a biological weapon that causes madness and violence.
Narrative and Political Themes
The Crazies critiques the government’s disregard for human life in the pursuit of power and control. The narrative highlights the dangers of biological warfare and the ethical implications of using citizens as test subjects.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Romero uses chaotic and disorienting visuals to convey the spread of madness and the breakdown of order. The depiction of the military’s heavy-handed response symbolises the tension between authority and individual rights.
Real-World Impact
The Crazies resonates with concerns about government transparency and the ethical limits of scientific experimentation. Its themes remain relevant, reflecting contemporary fears about bioterrorism and public health crises.
Society (1989)
Brian Yuzna’s Society is a surreal and grotesque critique of class disparity and elitism. The film follows a teenager who discovers that his wealthy family and their social circle are part of a monstrous secret society.
Narrative and Political Themes
Society uses body horror to symbolise the predatory nature of the elite, feeding off the lower classes. The narrative exposes the dehumanising effects of extreme wealth and the lengths to which the powerful will go to maintain their status.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
The film’s infamous “shunting” scene is a visceral representation of the consumption and exploitation inherent in class disparity. The grotesque transformation of characters reflects the moral corruption of the elite.
Real-World Impact
Society has become a cult classic, appreciated for its bold and unflinching critique of social inequality. Its visual and thematic boldness continues to resonate with audiences aware of the growing divide between the wealthy and the poor.
Dawn of the Dead (1978)
Another masterpiece by George A. Romero, and my all time favorite film, Dawn of the Dead critiques consumerism and societal collapse through the lens of a zombie apocalypse. The film follows a group of survivors who take refuge in a shopping mall.
Narrative and Political Themes
Dawn of the Dead portrays the mall as a microcosm of society, critiquing the mindless consumption and materialism that drive modern life. The film suggests that in the face of crisis, societal structures break down, revealing the fragility of our political systems.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
The zombies’ aimless wandering through the mall is a powerful symbol of consumer culture. Romero uses the juxtaposition of the living and the undead to question what truly separates human beings from mindless consumers.
Real-World Impact
Dawn of the Dead remains a seminal work in both horror and political commentary. Its critique of consumerism and exploration of societal collapse continue to be relevant, reflecting ongoing concerns about economic instability and cultural values.
Jaws (1975)
Steven Spielberg’s Jaws may not immediately come to mind as a political horror film, in fact as a tutor, one of my activities to get kids debating is to discuss whether or not Jaws is a horror film at all. Regardless, its exploration of fear and authority makes it a significant entry. The film follows a small-town sheriff dealing with a deadly great white shark.
Narrative and Political Themes
Jaws critiques the political and economic pressures that influence public safety decisions. The mayor’s reluctance to close the beaches, prioritising tourism over safety, serves as a commentary on the conflict between economic interests and public welfare.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Spielberg uses the shark as a symbol of uncontrollable fear and the unseen threats that lurk beneath the surface. The film’s suspenseful pacing and iconic musical score heighten the tension between human authority and nature’s unpredictability.
Real-World Impact
Jaws had a profound impact on the film industry and popular culture, but its political undertones also resonated with audiences. The film’s exploration of leadership, crisis management, and public safety remains relevant in discussions about political accountability.
The Mist (2007)
Frank Darabont’s adaptation of Stephen King’s The Mist, another of my favorites explores the breakdown of societal norms in the face of an existential threat. The film follows a group of townspeople trapped in a supermarket by a mysterious and deadly mist.
Narrative and Political Themes
The Mist examines the fragility of societal order and the ease with which fear can lead to extremism and authoritarianism. The characters’ descent into paranoia and violence critiques the human tendency to seek scapegoats and the dangers of mob mentality.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
The mist itself serves as a metaphor for the unknown and uncontrollable forces that can disrupt society. Darabont uses claustrophobic settings and tense character interactions to convey the breakdown of social cohesion and the emergence of primal instincts.
Real-World Impact
The Mist resonates with contemporary concerns about societal division and the impact of fear on human behaviour. Its exploration of leadership, trust, and extremism offers a cautionary tale about the consequences of losing sight of shared humanity.
The Stuff (1985)
Larry Cohen’s The Stuff is a satirical horror film that critiques consumerism and corporate greed. The film follows the discovery of a highly addictive dessert that turns people into mindless zombies.I loved this film as a kid, renting it several times from my local video shop.
Narrative and Political Themes
The Stuff uses horror to expose the dangers of unchecked corporate power and the manipulation of consumers. The narrative critiques the way corporations prioritise profit over public safety and the susceptibility of consumers to marketing and addiction.
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Cohen uses grotesque imagery and dark humour to highlight the absurdity and horror of consumer culture. The transformation of characters into mindless consumers serves as a metaphor for the dehumanising effects of corporate greed.
Real-World Impact
The Stuff has gained a cult following for its sharp satire and bold critique of consumerism. Its themes remain relevant, reflecting ongoing concerns about corporate responsibility and the impact of mass marketing on society.
Conclusion
Political horror films offer a unique lens through which to explore and critique societal issues. From the overt commentary of They Live and Get Out to the more subtle critiques in films like Jaws and The Mist, these films use the horror genre to address political themes such as power, control, inequality, and the fragility of society.
By examining the narrative, visual, and symbolic elements of these films, we can gain a deeper understanding of how they reflect and challenge real-world political ideologies and events. Political horror not only entertains but also provokes thought and encourages viewers to engage with important social and political issues.