fascinating documentary about Soviet propaganda

kenny olav
kenny olav Posts: 3,319
edited February 2008 in A Moving Train
I have a quite a bit to say about this, and I think I actually have time this weekend to revisit this thread, but I would love to see all of your opinions first and see where the discussion goes...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7491390673056169905

I'll say one thing first... the animation on these Soviet films is really striking!
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Collin
    Collin Posts: 4,931
    In high school we saw and compared American, German and Russian propaganda. It's always the same. It's interesting indeed.
    THANK YOU, LOSTDAWG!


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  • kenny olav
    kenny olav Posts: 3,319
    Collin wrote:
    In high school we saw and compared American, German and Russian propaganda. It's always the same. It's interesting indeed.


    Well, the Russian style is more dramatic than the American style. Or at least dramatic in a different way. There seems to be some elements of Japanese anime in the Russian style, but it's still very unique.
  • Collin
    Collin Posts: 4,931
    Kenny Olav wrote:
    Well, the Russian style is more dramatic than the American style. Or at least dramatic in a different way. There seems to be some elements of Japanese anime in the Russian style, but it's still very unique.

    I know what you mean. What I meant was they all rely on the same mechanisms i.e. symbolism, scare tactics, demonising the 'other', euphemisms, repetition... Some do it more subtly, or more orientated towards how the home country or system is absolutely the best in the world, while others openly demonise the other system or people...

    The style is indeed unique but I think that's necessary. Do you think this style would've been equally effective if it was used by America, or Nazi Germany or any other country. I think it's very important that the people to whom the propaganda is aimed, can identify with what they see. Byzantine art was and maybe still is very ubiquitous in Russia (or the Soviet Union) while almost anywhere else byzantine art only 'lasted' until somewhere in the Middle Ages, perhaps that tells us something about the Russian people and their 'tastes'. Also the Russia or the USSR is/was huge and is partly in Asia, maybe that could explain those Asian influences. It would have been very illogical if they used Western style animations in their propaganda.

    Thanks for posting this, by the way.
    THANK YOU, LOSTDAWG!


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  • leethal
    leethal Posts: 134
    Pearl Jam's do the evolution video is a great imitation of propaganda.

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