Animal Farm (1954) - Historically Important Well-Made Propaganda

MOVIE DISCUSSION:

Kathryn joins Melvin in discussing George Orwell's other popular communist-criticism tale, Animal Farm! In this early animated adaption the two discuss the complicated social dynamics of Animal Farm, what makes the story so timeless and accessible, and the fascinating history behind this film's development.

Topics:

• (PATREON EXCLUSIVE) 31-minutes of Melvin running an improv game wherein Kathryn must make war or diplomacy with different Animal Farms taken over by different barn animals. (PATREON EXCLUSIVE)
• Kathryn & Melvin kick things off by explaining their knowledge of Animal Farm before watching this adaption.
• This adaption of Animal Farm is animated, and while it doesn't match the same quality of animation as something like a Disney-animated feature, it stands-up well against them.
• The literature of Animal Farm is impressive, proposing multiple metaphors for multiple insights, but the implication of individuals being born with inherent qualities (i.e. certain animals - ergo; people - being capable of only certain actions) is questionable, and showcases how the metaphor breaks down.
• The tragedy of Boxer cleverly showcases how exploitative leaders not only view those beneath them as a means to an end, but also how Boxer was nothing more than product that moved product with the sole purpose of producing more product to Napoleon.
• Certain characters in Animal Farm are very pointedly representative of historical leaders. Kathryn breaks down some of their representations.
• It's a fact: If you watch Animal Farm (1954), you are watching CIA Propaganda.
• Because of the CIA's involvement, this adaption has a different ending. Kathryn & Melvin share their thoughts on this simple yet massive change.
• To help with the proliferation of Animal Farm (1954) propaganda (and profit), toys were also produced of various characters from the film (seen here, as Melvin was able to collect screenshots from the featurette).
• Finalizing thoughts on both Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm as stories.

Recommendations:

• The Muppet Movie (1979) (Movie)
• The Final Girls (2015) (Movie)