[Quick Summary: A political player and a Hollywood producer create a fake war as a distraction to an upcoming US election.]
the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, deriding vice, folly, etc.
However, as film critic Roger Ebert points out:
"It is getting harder and harder for satire to stay ahead of reality."
So what keeps a satire relevant? I think when it jabs home a perennial problem.
In politics and war, that problem is attrition. It's one thing to lose a battle to the other side, but when your own rank and file lose faith? Double ouch.
In the scene below:
- Ames, the political aide, is about to leave for the airport, but stops to overhear a phone conversation.
- Notice that this betrayal is not simply a jab in the gut, but is used to show the hurdles that the protagonists have.
- The irony is that one expects betrayal from a foe, not a supposed supporter.
INT. SIDE OFFICE. NIGHT.
...AMES: I'll see you at National.
BREAN NODS, AND EXITS.
HOLD ON AMES.
HE HEARS SOMETHING, AND TURNS.
ANGLE
HIS POV.
A YOUNG STAFFER, IN THE CORNER, SPEAKING SOFTLY ON THE PHONE.
STAFFER (ON PHONE): Tell him, well, tell him we, I know we just signed it, but we're going to cancel it. (PAUSE) Because, because we're not going to be staying here the next four years. (PAUSE) Well, I can't tell you on the phone.
WHAT I'VE LEARNED: This is what satire does best: poke fun at our humanness.
Wag the Dog (1997)(10/4/96 draft)
by David Mamet
Based on the book, "American Hero," by Larry Beinhart
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