Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer 

First, read these articles to help you to understand the role the military plays in modern filmmaking:

"Operation Hollywood" from Mother Jones Magazine
http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2004/09/operation-hollywood

"Calling The Shots On War Movies" from the Los Angeles Times
http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jul/07/nation/na-armyfilms7

The textbook presents the Office of War Information as having attempted to ensure that Hollywood’s account of World War II reflected America’s best interests. As you read in the articles above, modern film directors that want help from the military (in terms of loaning equipment, facilities, etc.) must turn over their scripts to the Pentagon for approval.

In 400-500 words or more espouse your opinion on the issue of government control of the film industry.

1. Should the federal government ever control American entertainment? Is this in America’s best interests?

2. Does an ongoing war justify government control of the media? Support your argument with examples from history, current events and films you have seen in this class and/or outside of class. Develop hypothetical situations if you like, but take a stand on the question. (For example, imagine the United States is under attack from a foreign power; should Hollywood films continue to have the right to depict America in unflattering ways?)