BIAS IN LATEST MOVIE "SEABISCUIT"

self | Feb. 7, 2004 | self

[upcountryhorseman]

Has anyone noticed The beginning of the new movie Seabiscuit? The story of Seabiscuit took place during the big depression and the viewer is given a montage of depression era souplines, "okie" camps, stockmarket wipeouts, etc. Then the venue changes and we are treated to 1930's news shots of WPA construction projects, CCC rural improvement projects and a quick shot of FDR with the commentator saying "Things are better because of FDR and the help of the government".

I was shocked by this propaganda display and feel that it had nothing to do with the story. Also, interjecting this material made the beginning of the movie very disjointed and difficult to follow. It goes without saying that FDR did not end the depression, WWII did. I liked the rest of the movie. But this exemplifies the soialist bias of many Hollywood screenwriters.

[muawiyah]

Your best bet on getting a feel for FDR is to rub Fala's head, and then stand in the bread-line.

It's the image ~ not the reality ~ just be happy we don't live in those desperate times.

[Glenn]

Dang. History books might put you over the edge. Stay away from them, okay?

[OpusatFR]

It's a movie.

[Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh]

yes, i saw the same bias. its sublime, but its there...

[jpsb]

[I was shocked by this propaganda display]

Well it is called history, and it all pretty much happened just like the book/movie protray it. FDR was president and there were soup lines and bread lines and work programs that were funded by the government.

[jocon307]

"Also, interjecting this material made the beginning of the movie very disjointed and difficult to follow."

I didn't notice the bit about FDR, but we thought that the whole beginning of the movie is as you describe. In fact we found the movie way too long, and while it was good, it could have been much better paced, esp. by shortening the beginning.

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

In two term Ronald Reagan "got the country going again," "whipped inflation," ended the "energy crisis," and "transcended Communism."

In his first two terms (the way all other presidents are judged) FDR did not get the country going and did not prevent WWII. Yet FDR is seriously cited as an exemplar of leadership, a paragon among presidents. There is no reason to be surprised at one more fatuous reference to FDR's greatness; they are already legion.

[Stallone]

Go see 'Miracle'. It is an old-time Disney movie that would make Walt proud.

Starring Libertarian Kurt Russell, who happens to support President Bush, this movie includes the same bio-historical footage during the Carter years.

It is a subtle, but effective means to condemn the Democrat malaise of the time.

Miracle was an inspiration.

AWESOME!

[Bluntpoint]

I heard that in "Miracle" there is not one mention of Carters alcoholic brother.

Another Hollyweird whitewash.

[Sonny M]

Starring Libertarian Kurt Russell, who happens to support President Bush, this movie includes the same bio-historical footage during the Carter years.

I'm not sure about this, but I believe it also has Al Michaels playing himself.

Over the years Brent Bozelle has noticed that Al Michaels has a subtle Conservative bent to him, give credit to Brent, he is good.

[KC_Conspirator]

Yeah, there was an instant of FDR loving there. However, you have to understand that most people liked FDR and people that criticize him are the exception.

[HardStarboard]

>>>most people liked FDR and people that criticize him are the exception.<<<

Not in my family - I was born in 1935 and my conservative roots go back to my father hating FDR for creating dependencies on big government in fighting the depression rather than stimulating the private sector.

[Sprite518]

Speaking of Al Michael. I think he helped sway Dennis Miller to the right. I could tell they were good friends on MNF. That is when I noticed the transformation from Dennis from Liberal to Conservative. I believe Dennis and Al are very good friends.

[Moonman62]

Seabiscuit is a great movie. Watch it a few more times. It actually makes the case that the horse did more for this country than FDR did in the late 1930's. The author of the book notes that in 1938, more was written about Seabiscuit than FDR or Hitler.

I think the problem is that the narrator, David McCullough is a big government commie, and perhaps you're picking up some of those vibes from him. Of course, these days he could be a Republican.

[socal_parrot]

The Gub-ment did put folks to work during the depression. Take a walk around the Washington DC Mall and the monuments a notice how many things were built during the 30's. Seabiscuit was a great movie and ranks up there with Field of Dreams (more lib bias), Hoosiers, The Natural and others as my favorite sports movies. As anything Hollywood puts out, Seabiscuit is far from the gospel truth. Seabiscuit was a great horse and a visit to the PBS site about him shows his true greatness.

American Experience: Seabiscuit.

Seabiscuit vs. War Admiral Radio Call.

Seabiscuit Timeline.

[Dr. Frank fan]

Well it is called history, and it all pretty much happened just like the book/movie protray it. FDR was president and there were soup lines and bread lines and work programs that were funded by the government.

Have you seen the film? The poster is not incorrect in calling it propaganda.

The montages he refers to do not simply say "there were soup lines and bread lines and work programs that were funded by the government".

What they say is something more like: because of FDR the country got working and optimistic again.

I noticed it too, as would anyone who has seen the film. I'm not saying I was hugely bothered by it, actually I mostly just chuckled.

It's a horsey movie!

[Sprite518]

You know that does not surprise me one bit. I see a leftist bent on many movies, and TV programs. Most people who do not pay much attention to politics do not realize they are being subconsciously brainwashed by the left in this country. I see it in sports too. The only reason I know this is because of the way I follow politics. It sticks out like a sore thumb.

[Dr. Frank fan]

The Gub-ment did put folks to work during the depression.

Of course it did. The Mafia put folks to work. So did Joseph Stalin. No one is quibbling with the idea that the government "put folks to work"; what they are quibbling with is the idea that the manner in which it did so was economically beneficial when the reality is that the Depression became extended all the way to the Second world war.