Reasons Why We Love Conspiracy Films
How do we define conspiracy in films? Do we define it as a particular genre, or do we define it with the many sub-genres that covers the heading of conspiracy? Only with our own interpretation can we fully understand what conspiracy means to each one of us. We all have our own preferences in this category. Mine is political conspiracy, or political dramas as it is categorized in the conspiracy genre. So many great films have been created under this heading that it is almost impossible to list them all. Some of my favorites are some of the greatest films ever created. Some are true stories, others are lesser known, there are even foreign political conspiracies to which I hold dear as some of my all-time favorites. What-ever yours may be, they can create a depth of understanding, a moment of clarity, or even an eye-opening experience to a time or subject you never knew existed. How-ever you may see it, a change in your opinion or viewpoint can be changed forever.
Defining Conspiracy is complicated to do. Conspiracy by itself is defined as a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful. This can cover so many groups, whether it be government or just a local group with no government affiliation. In films they can be gangsters trying to leverage power, Government trying to gain more control and power, even locals trying to influence a way of life. There are so many ways films play out their stories to capture the viewer’s attention. It is all on how the playwright wants to direct the story. The interpretation hinges on the audience they are trying to capture. A person’s interpretation depends solely on their interest. Does the audience member lean towards government or other? Is it a mistrust of the government, or a love of gangster’s influence, or a protection of personal ideals in a community? What-ever your choice, one can love films of all kinds in this genre, foreign or domestic.
For my own preference of conspiracy films, I almost always choose political conspiracies. The thoughts of the government trying to enrich the people controlling it or even trying to cover up a secret they do not want the general public to know intrigues me. My top American conspiracy films are “All the President’s Men” made in 1976 starring Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, and Jason Robards. Second in that same category is “JFK” released in 1991 starring Kevin Costner, Gary Oldman, and the great Jack Lemmon. Now American conspiracy films are not my only selection in my favorites list, I love foreign conspiracy films as well. Among many in my catalog there are two French films that stand out to me in this list. The first is “The Assassination” from director Yves Boisset in 1972. In which a political Activist is lured to his capture with the help of a police informer who is upset with how he was manipulated in the whole plot. Second on the list is “Judge Fayard Called the Sheriff” also by Yves Boisset in 1977. Where a young Judge fearlessly does his job with complete honesty regardless of the consequences. Regardless of your preference, these films are certainly worth a watch.
If you enjoy an underlying mystery, then conspiracy films should be up your alley. Even if you are not a fan, consider giving a few films a look, you might be surprised. For me I will say that I will continue to watch conspiracy films new and old alike. Mystery, suspense, Danger, Thrills, Scares, unlikely suspects, these are all key elements in any conspiracy film. With all these elements combined you can cover just about three to five different genres at one time. How can you go wrong.
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