It's time to settle this once and for all.
Starship Troopers (1997) does NOT work as a satire. I will demonstrate with this short ๐งต
Starship Troopers (1997) does NOT work as a satire. I will demonstrate with this short ๐งต
First let's address the common arguments people have in support of ST being a satire. Starting with the "False Flag" in Buenos Aires.
No it was not a false flag. Not 1 thing in the film indicates the possibility of it being planned and executed by the Federation...
No it was not a false flag. Not 1 thing in the film indicates the possibility of it being planned and executed by the Federation...
The film however DOES indicate that the arachnids are capable of traversing space and do so more than once. Including the slaughter of Space Mormans at the films start.
So the argument of it being a false flag is entirely fan fiction.
So the argument of it being a false flag is entirely fan fiction.
2: The Federation is fascist
This argument hinges on 2 main points, with the first being the Federation is a military centric authoritarian gov with selective citizenship.
This is true. It is military centric, it is authoritarian and citizenship is earned.
But it works...
This argument hinges on 2 main points, with the first being the Federation is a military centric authoritarian gov with selective citizenship.
This is true. It is military centric, it is authoritarian and citizenship is earned.
But it works...
In the film the cities are safe and clean while also being diverse and equal among sex/race etc. Noncitizens have rights and can live prosperous, luxurious lives.
Remember Ricos family lives in a mountainside mansion with Harvard lined up for him after an off world vacation...
Remember Ricos family lives in a mountainside mansion with Harvard lined up for him after an off world vacation...
Looking at the government itself it made 1 major mistake by being overconfident in its initial attack with the Klendathu Drop.
The film then shows the official responsible for the failure being replaced.
The government owns up to its mistake. Very fascist of them...
The film then shows the official responsible for the failure being replaced.
The government owns up to its mistake. Very fascist of them...
This brings up the only other argument for the Federation being fascist.
The aesthetic.
Oh no, everybody is absolutely dripped out. If there is 1 thing EVERYBODY agrees fascists did right, it's the fashion.
So shut up.
The aesthetic.
Oh no, everybody is absolutely dripped out. If there is 1 thing EVERYBODY agrees fascists did right, it's the fashion.
So shut up.
3: The in movie ads
Yeah it's propaganda. So is your favorite show, everything you see on Fox/CNN and absolutely every ad.
Like... have you seen a commercial? It exaggerates how good something is make you want it.
Do you consider real life a satire because propaganda exists?
Yeah it's propaganda. So is your favorite show, everything you see on Fox/CNN and absolutely every ad.
Like... have you seen a commercial? It exaggerates how good something is make you want it.
Do you consider real life a satire because propaganda exists?
4: The mocking tone
The claim that everything the movie shows is being mocked is downright insane.
Is it mocking the very real losing loved ones in a tragedy? Citizens actually supporting their government? Maybe it's too silly a disabled veteran has self respect and a job...
The claim that everything the movie shows is being mocked is downright insane.
Is it mocking the very real losing loved ones in a tragedy? Citizens actually supporting their government? Maybe it's too silly a disabled veteran has self respect and a job...
Oh you mean the toxic Xenophobia humanity had against the.. dangerous, hostile, literal brain eating insect?
Uhm... ok? Go live with the Arachnids then idiot. See how it goes
Uhm... ok? Go live with the Arachnids then idiot. See how it goes
Lastly, Verhoeven said it was satire so it just is okay!
Intent is irrelevant. If I make a sandwich but tell you it's actually soup, that makes me a liar. Even if I really *wanted* it to be soup.
Intent is irrelevant. If I make a sandwich but tell you it's actually soup, that makes me a liar. Even if I really *wanted* it to be soup.
The only argument he has is that some scenes are comedic.
Which is true. Zim throwing a knife through Ace's hand IS funny.
But Zim isn't wrong. The enemy can not unfact press a button if you disable his hand.
Which is true. Zim throwing a knife through Ace's hand IS funny.
But Zim isn't wrong. The enemy can not unfact press a button if you disable his hand.
The film has plenty of opportunities to subvert itself but doesn't.
By the end, everybody supports the Federation, Rico is stronger as a person, humanity is winning, the bugs are evil etc.
Now stop over analyzing everything and go watch a truly great film.
By the end, everybody supports the Federation, Rico is stronger as a person, humanity is winning, the bugs are evil etc.
Now stop over analyzing everything and go watch a truly great film.
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