used to make propaganda movies. While this one is an art movie.
They call Olympia a nazi propaganda movie. They call oktyabr or potemkin a commie propaganda movie. But for this it's used the words Based on real life.
Well....
If this ain't a propaganda movie, than no movie is.
It's a biopic. You do realize that Alvin York was an actual American solider, yes?
The timing of its release makes a difference, sure, but the fact remains that Alvin York led an interesting life and was a heroic soldier.
In 1941 propaganda had a different definition than what is used today. Then it was considered "information expressing a certain point of view" rather than "lies, disinformation and other information intended to mislead people to a certain viewpoint." Semantics maybe, and as the poster above me states, the timing's a bit querky.
The movie IS based on real life; obviously his pre-war life was "hollywoodized" but his exploits and religious philosophy were real.
Actually, his pre-war life wasn't really all that "Hollywoodized."
Growing up just a lettle ways away from his old stomping ground, I knew folks (as a kid) that knew him. Yes, some things were "stretched" a timy bit, but most of the really raucous stuff couldn't even be used...
I don't act...I react. John Wayne
Alvin C. York agreed to allow a film to be made about his heroism, after saying NO for so many years, because he realized that war was once again unavoidable, and he wanted his story to be an example to other Americans. York donated the money he got from Warner Brothers to start religious schools in Tennessee.
shareIt's unquestionably propaganda. Propaganda can be pursued by both sides in a war. But because we all inevitably tend to see our views and positions as being 'right', and those of whomever we're in dispute with as 'wrong', by definition it's difficult to recognise propaganda when it's extolling a version of events we already prescribe to. Therefore the other side has propaganda whilst we have things that 'help the war effort'. They're both the same thing, technically it doesn't make any difference who's a goodie and who's a baddie in this context.
It reminds me of an exchange from the British sitcom Blackadder:
Captain Darling: So you see, Blackadder, Field Marshall Haig is most anxious to eliminate all these German spies.
General Melchett: Filthy hun weasels, fighting their dirty underhand war!
Captain Darling: And fortunately, one of our spies...
General Melchett: Splendid fellows, brave heroes risking life and limb for Blighty!