Why John Carpenter’s They Live speaks to our current political landscape

As a lifelong fan of John Carpenter’s work, I can confidently say that his 1988 masterpiece, They Live, has never been more relevant than it is now. With billionaires playing significant roles in recent elections and Elon Musk becoming an unavoidable presence, Carpenter’s scathing critique of capitalism makes this film the most apt of his oeuvre for our precarious times.

John Carpenter’s 1988 film, “They Live,” which was a satire on politics during Ronald Reagan’s era and used his campaign slogan “Morning in America,” seems strikingly contemporary given the influence of billionaires in recent presidential elections, with Elon Musk being particularly prominent. As such, Carpenter’s exploration of capitalism makes “They Live” an exceptionally pertinent reflection of our present situation.

1980s Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for the movie “They Live”, where the story revolves around a vagabond named Nada (Roddy Piper). Within the opening 15 minutes, he finds himself in a makeshift settlement. The colossal skyscrapers in the horizon catch his attention, symbolizing the stark contrast between the wealthy and the less fortunate. Initially, Nada is indifferent to this disparity, as he’s merely seeking employment and maintains faith in the American dream.

In the makeshift settlement, Nada meets Frank (Keith David). Their initial chat reveals their contrasting thoughts on social class. Similar to many working-class individuals from Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin who were interviewed in 2016 and later in 2024, Frank mourns the disappearance of high-paying factory jobs. He’s tough and prepared to take action, but what stands out most is his urgent need for employment. If he doesn’t secure a job soon, he’s willing to overthrow the system.

In their initial conversation, we gain insights into Frank’s difficult situation and his past actions. He confides in Nada, saying, “We granted steel companies leniency when they were struggling. Do you know what they did in return? They gave themselves raises,” followed by quoting one of the film’s iconic lines about power and wealth: “He who controls the money, dictates the terms.

Frank’s justified fury stands out among the two characters, clearly evident. Much like numerous other workers, he’s been unfairly treated. With recent elections centering on economic matters such as escalating housing costs and increased prices of daily necessities following COVID-19, Frank’s anger appears justifiable and well-deserved. He’s ready to demolish the entire system with a sledgehammer.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: “Dude, your reaction seems a bit too rushed to me. Maybe we could all use a little more time to roll with life’s punches.” Now, here I am, in my gaming setup, with my controller in one hand and a can of energy drink in the other, but I feel like I could be singing along to a classic rock tune by Bruce Springsteen or John Mellencamp without fully grasping their lyrics.

Nada’s awakening

It’s possible that Nada could have dismissed Frank’s complaints and continued holding onto his basic perspective. Yet, his character undergoes a transformation when the shantytown he knew is brutally demolished by riot police and bulldozers, an event depicted as one of the film’s most intense scenes. Nada stands there, stunned and terrified, witnessing this senseless destruction. He manages to escape the authorities, but later finds a pair of sunglasses that reveal the world in its true light to him. This marks the beginning of Nada’s political and social enlightenment.

The glasses give Nada a sense of strength, shielding him from the grasp of excessive consumerism and manipulation. Whenever he dons them, he perceives extraterrestrial beings who are working to keep humanity in a haze of consumerism as they conquer Earth. With these glasses, Nada witnesses advertisements that read “Obey”, “Consume”, and other similar messages. When he focuses on money, he is confronted with the message, “This is your deity.

Carpenter’s political critique isn’t exactly subtle, but it’s incredibly effective. When you have Musk paling around with the new president-elect or the barrage of celebrity endorsements secured by VP Kamala Harris, They Live’s over-the-top political satire speaks to the moment. In 2017, speaking out against a bizarre Neo-Nazi claim that the film traffics in stereotypes, Carpenter made clear that’s not the point of the film, tweeting that it is about “yuppies and unrestrained capitalism.”

A potential way forward

As a fervent admirer, I’d like to highlight that beyond its obvious criticism of consumerism and capitalism, “They Live” carries a subtler yet powerful message: the importance of worker solidarity and unity. For a significant portion of the movie, Frank and Nada, two men hailing from working-class origins, find themselves on opposite sides, initially due to Frank’s simmering anger that Nada initially brushes off with naive optimism. Towards the end of the film, the roles are reversed, with Nada encountering skepticism from Frank, albeit for reasons unique to their circumstances.

When Nada meets Frank again towards the end of the movie, he urges him to wear the glasses and view the world in its authentic form. But by this time, Frank had found a position in construction. Given that Nada was prominent in the news following the alien killings, Frank is reluctant to associate with him. He feels compelled to safeguard his job. There’s no other option for him.

In a narrow alleyway, some men engage in violent altercations among themselves. The incident seems ludicrous yet underscores Piper’s past as a wrestler. Despite its playful tone, this skirmish underscores the discord between these working-class men, particularly between different groups within the working class. As long as they stay divided, those in power continue to amass and preserve their wealth. This social divide is further perpetuated by the aliens’ repeated promises that workers can climb up the societal and economic ladder if they comply with the takeover process.

In time, Frank and Nada, joined by fellow members of an underground resistance group, unite in their struggle against extraterrestrial invaders. This highlights the importance of unity, potentially being the key strategy for building a fairer society.

Currently, John Carpenter’s movie “They Live” seems particularly relevant due to its timeless quotable lines, poignant social commentary, and standout performances by Piper and David. At the moment, it’s the film of his that best reflects our current state. The message in “They Live” remains powerful as we move forward, transcending the ongoing divisions among us.

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2024-11-19 22:25