Cold War Movies of 1960s and 1980s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cold War Movies of 1960s and 1980s - Essay Example A medium that, while being consumed by millions throughout the world, would play a factor in distinguishing ideological differences between nations, whatever those may be. In the case of this time in history, "The Cold War was characterized by mutual distrust, suspicion, and misunderstandings by both the United States and the Soviet Union, and their allies. At times, these conditions increased the likelihood of a third world war. The United States accused the Soviet Union of seeking to expand Communism throughout the world. The Soviets, meanwhile, charged the United States with practicing imperialism and with attempting to stop revolutionary activity in other countries," ("Cold War", p.1). Such mistrust would greatly impact how each nation was viewed on the part of the other. By the 1980s, "In 1987, Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev signed a treaty to eliminate many of the ground-launched, nuclear missiles of both nations. The treaty went into effect in 1988. In 1988 and 1989, the U.S.S.R. withdrew its troops from Afghanistan. Also in the late 1980's, the Soviet Union began to reduce its conventional military forces in Eastern Europe. In the U.S.S.R., Gorbachev worked for a more decentralized economic system and allowed more democracy and freedom of expression. He also encouraged similar actions in Eastern Europe," ("Cold War", p.1). In the 1960s, two movies produced, which would best exemplify the present views held about the Soviet Union, would have been, 'The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!' & 'Dr. Strangelove'. In the case of "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming!", the movie would have to do with a Russian submarine that would approach the American coastline. A Russian gentleman that was seeking to get a better look at America. A group of 9 men, lead by a Russian gentleman, is given the task of taking care of the submarine. These men head to a house, where they seek to convince the inhabitants that they are Norwegians, but are unsuccessful. One of the Russian gentleman points a gun at the man who lived in the house and requested his assistance in finding a boat so that the Russian crew could leave. As for 'Dr. Strangelove', Director Stanley Kubrick uses his movie to show what could very well occur, if when the time came, the decision to initiate a nuclear attack occurs. While doing this, Kubrick would take a more comedic approach to the broader issue at hand. In the movie, a US bomber is going about completing the mission they are involved in, when they are told by their command to attack the Russians. A chance for some in the American military to flex their muscle, they are later informed by representatives of the Russian government that they too have in their possession a weapon of great magnitude. On that, if fired, would create massive destruction that would be felt throughout the world and would be used if they were attacked. With the 1980s came a change in political policy, as well as the movies that would be produced. In 'Moscow on the Hudson', Robin Williams stars as a young Russian man that arrives in the United States looking for opportunities, which he felt he didn't have in his home country. After going to a major department store, Williams' character makes it known that he desires to become an American