Reviews by Tag: satire

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a timeless classic filled with moments of levity. Scenes like the “burn the witch” incident, the use of the Holy Hand Grenade, the discussion about swallows and Lancelot running continually toward the castle without making any progress whatsoever will be deeply ingrained in the minds of viewers long after they watch the movie.

Airplane! is a masterful spoof of ‘70s disaster movies that transcends genres to make fun of anyone and everyone. No group or idea is safe from this movie’s relentless onslaught of stereotypes and comedic jabs so quick you may miss them. This precisely is what makes it so fun to watch. Its subjects of ridicule are varied, from proselytizing churchgoers to differences in cultural tendencies between members of different races. 

Dr. Strangelove, often considered the magnum opus of director Stanley Kubrick, is one of the all-time leading examples of dark satire in film. Through this satire the film demonstrates the absurdly terrifying nature of Cold War politics, and, though it originally contained some more ridiculous scenes (the film was supposed to end in a pie fight), the final product uses a series of unlikely (but possible) events to address this situation in a cold, precise manner. 

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.” 

When the mistreated animals of the farm rise up against the evil humans, they try to establish a fair and just society. As they work out their rules and sayings, the leading power begins to take over slowly, until the animals that now run the farm remain as cruel as the human who once ruled over them all.

Animal Farm by George Orwell is a classic literature short story, or fairy story, about totalitarianism. The story takes place on Manor Farm, where various farm animals initially live with the owner named Farmer Jones. However, the animals’ rebel and drive Farmer Jones out of the farm after a speech from one of the wise pigs. The animals are left to run the farm themselves, and two pigs named Napoleon and Snowball are assigned as leaders. The events that follow demonstrate the impact of a totalitarian government.

The Death of Stalin is a darkly comedic masterpiece that hilariously chronicles the chaotic power vacuum following Joseph Stalin's demise. This action-packed film, though rooted in historical events, unfolds with a frenetic energy as high-ranking Soviet officials scramble for control, engaging in backstabbing, betrayals and farcical power plays.

In my opinion, Animal Farm is a brilliant and powerful work that captures the dangers of power and corruption in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you don’t know much about the historical context. Orwell’s use of animals to represent real historical figures and political movements makes the story both engaging and accessible, while also delivering a biting critique of how revolutions can go wrong.

Summary: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller is a satirical novel set during World War II, focusing on the absurd and paradoxical experiences of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. bomber pilot stationed on the fictional island of Pianosa.

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is a satirical novel that explores the absurdity of human pursuits and the destructiveness of technological advancements. The story follows the narrator, John (or Jonah), as he attempts to write a book about the day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. His research leads him to the enigmatic Dr. Felix Hoenikker, the inventor of the apocalyptic substance Ice-Nine, which can freeze water instantly.

The Scarlet Letter is a story that follows Hester Prynne, a woman living in 17th century Puritan society, who has been accused of adultery and must wear a letter “A” to atone for her sin. She struggles to raise her baby without the father there to help her, as he will not confess to his sin. Hester continues to hide the identity of the baby’s father from her husband and the rest of the town until the baby grows up and it’s ultimately revealed.