October 21, 2008

Historian talks about how politics, elections are portrayed in movies

"There has always been a strong connection between Hollywood and Washington, D.C.," says Randy Roberts, a distinguished professor of history. "It's a reciprocal and symbiotic relationship. Washington looks for the glamour of Hollywood to help its crusades, and Hollywood looks to Washington for legitimacy."

Roberts says there are two reccurring themes in political and election films. The first focuses on the country's problems and the hero who fixes everything, and the second theme examines how America's leaders are chosen.

 "'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' is a good example of the common cynical theme about how American government functions. The system is corrupt, yet a single person can make a difference," Roberts says. "If you look at many of these films from the 1939 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' to today's movies, the message that we have a dysfunctional government is perpetuated."

This theme reinforces ideas that American government is strongest when led by average individuals, says Roberts, a pop culture historian.

Examples of movies that focus on who – voters or the media – really elects American leaders are "Dave" and "Wag the Dog."

"Conspiracy theories drive these types of films," Roberts says. "Obviously, the plots are entertaining, but they raise questions that voters should be thinking about, such as how are candidates and election issues portrayed in the news. Ideally, these films not only entertain, but also motivate people to learn more about American government, and therefore, vote."

Roberts has published 13 books on history, Hollywood and sports. His subjects have included Jack Johnson, John Wayne, Mike Tyson, Jack Dempsey, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston sports, the Vietnam War, Charles Lindbergh and the Alamo. He also has published works on film director Oliver Stone, American presidents, Sherlock Holmes, women's sports, and the politics and economics of televised boxing.

Roberts has made more than 50 appearances on television documentaries and films for the History Channel, ESPN Classic, HBO, BBC, PBS, E!TV and on the ABC, CBS and NBC networks.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Randy Roberts, (765) 494-0040, rroberts@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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