When we watch movies, we have to be aware of the cultural significance of each movie. In particular, we are examining the post-Vietnam culture of the 1980s. For the post-Vietnam culture, this is the era where veterans were dealing with disillusionment, shame, and persecution from their participation in the Vietnam conflict. As a result, the popular culture reflected this in two ways specifically. Firstly, patriotism was dead as an ideological concept.
This was the opposite of the era of the 1950s Americana where JFK dictated, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” This was the idea of serving the establishment. Vietnam Veterans blamed the government for the shortcomings of the conflict, and this sentiment became a legacy for the next generation. The second effect of the
post-Vietnam disenfranchisement emerged in the 1980s as propaganda to reassert patriotism in the popular culture. These two cases of ideology clashed wonderfully in 1980s cinema in many ways. There was GI-Joe which romanticized war and patriotism and sold a record amount of toys and comics. And there was The A-Team which showcased that disenfranchisement of the Vietnam veteran. In both of these franchises, there are examples of the stoic soldier who was in
contrast to the rebellious recruit.
Films of the post-Vietnam era grant the audience a look at cultural stereotypes, the various views of “living freely” and the concept of “the way of life” within American society. Please compare and contrast Top Gun (1986) and Top Gun: Maverick (2022). Both films are critical masterpieces and are at the epicenter of popular culture of the 1980s and 2020s.
– You will need to first examine character archetypes and plots. What are the similarities and differences, and how do they reflect the needs and wants of the audience for the time of 1980s and 2020s?
– Then, address the cultural significance of two films for the era in which they were published. More importantly, pull from other films we have already discussed as examples of reoccurring themes and tropes. How is the sequel an evolution of the first film? What elements of 1980s themes and tropes are utilized in the sequel and why are they relevant to use? Ultimately,
discuss the combined cultural significance of the films.
– Both are “post War” era films. But how do the 1980s ideals still live on today in the 2020s? Address this as the final talking point as the “larger issue” to these films.
– Use Modern Language Association format, intext citations, and Works Cited documentation style. List films discussed in
the Works Cited. Outside research may be limited to information about producer and director intent (and implications) of these films. Cite all films discussed.
– Use the Academic Discourse conventions of writing. This means using an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement and a conclusion paragraph that summarizes and closes the paper. Be certain to cite specific examples (with intext citation) from the movie and explain them according to themes. Be aware to cite examples that support your points. Be sure to exceptionally defend your points as well as how thorough you are in your analysis of the cultural significance.
– Discuss other films that might apply as well as needed as part of your response, as appropriate.