Overview
This lecture analyzes "Captain Fantastic" by exploring its political ideologies, micro features, aesthetics, and how it compares to "La La Land" regarding spectatorship and ideology.
Key Ideological Concepts
- The film critiques American society, especially political ideologies and representations of the American family and the American Dream.
- Key focus: How the film represents America politically and how different audiences might react based on their beliefs.
- Spectatorship: Analyze personal and diverse audience responses, informed by political or religious perspectives.
Political Compass & Ideologies
- The political compass illustrates left (communism, socialism) vs. right (neoliberal capitalism), and authoritarianism vs. libertarianism.
- Communism: Collective ownership, anti-inequality, no private property, extremely left-wing.
- Neoliberal capitalism: Minimal government interference, free markets, extremely right-wing.
- Authoritarianism: Strong state control, dictatorship (e.g., North Korea).
- Libertarianism/Anarchy: Minimal or no government, maximum individual freedom.
- "Captain Fantastic" fuses anti-establishment views from both left and right.
- Noam Chomsky, referenced in the film, is an anarcho-syndicalist (very left-wing, anti-capitalist, libertarian socialist).
Representation in the Film
- The movie critiques over-medication, under-education, and consumerism in America.
- The family’s lifestyle is anti-authoritarian, anti-religious, and anti-capitalist.
- Contrasts between Ben (liberal, socialist, atheist) and Jack (conservative, authoritarian, Christian, wealthy) depict binary ideological opposites.
- Female characters are less developed; the narrative focuses more on fathers and sons.
Micro Features & Aesthetics
- The film uses establishing shots and lens flares to depict nature as utopian and idyllic.
- Reflection shots symbolize introspection and identity struggles.
- Individualized, retro costumes highlight non-conformity and counterculture.
- Supermarket scenes represent consumer capitalism and artificiality.
- Influenced visually by nature photographers and Matt Ross's own off-the-grid upbringing.
Character Notes
- Ben Cash: Protagonist, linked to leftist ideology.
- Children: Names and costumes reflect individuality, but girls are less narratively prominent.
- Noam Chomsky: Referenced as a leftist intellectual hero.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Spectatorship — how audiences perceive and emotionally respond to a film.
- Ideology — system of ideas, beliefs, and values reflected in the film.
- Political Compass — a tool to map political ideologies along left-right and authoritarian-libertarian axes.
- Simulacrum — an imitation or simulation that replaces reality with its representation.
- Zeitgeist — spirit or defining mood of a particular era, especially as reflected in culture or politics.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Complete the political compass online test to identify your own ideological position.
- Research more about "Captain Fantastic" and its political context.
- Be ready to compare "Captain Fantastic" with "La La Land" regarding ideology and spectatorship.
- Prepare explanations for personal responses to both films, focusing on ideological reasons.