Movies are often taken at face value: what you see is what you get. They’re more than capable of entertaining us without having a deeper meaning. Other films, however, do have messages they’re trying to tell. Sometimes, people miss those messages.
Tropic Thunder
Much has been made about the controversy over Robert Downey Jr.’s blackface, but that’s the entire point. It’s a satirical take on the industry. It also landed well, as Tropic Thunder was a box office success. Sadly, there’s no way the movie could be made today.
First Blood
While Rambo has become an iconic action hero, he was never supposed to be that. The character is widely misunderstood and deviates from the source material, the 1972 novel First Blood by David Morrell.
That didn’t stop the Rambo film series from spawning several sequels.
Full Metal Jacket
The classic film has ironically inspired many people to join the military. In reality, it’s a critique of war and military culture.
The Kubrick movie has that in common with songs such as “Fortunate Son” and “Born in the USA.”
Whiplash
Many people view the film as a story of redemption, but writer and director Damien Chazelle pushes back against this. He told Slash Film, “Fletcher will always think he won, and Andrew will be a sad, empty shell of a person and will die in his 30s of an overdose. I have a very dark view of where it goes.”
Wolf of Wall Street
Despite being an incredibly successful businessman, Jordan Belfort is a scam artist. He cons people out of their money with sleazy tactics, and the movie is not meant to be a glorification. Despite Belfort going to jail for his crimes, some people still idolize him.
Monty Python’s Life Of Brian
Some critics were upset that the movie was blasphemous, but they’re missing the point: Brian isn’t Jesus, something Monty Python makes clear from the very beginning. Despite this, the film doesn’t have the same popularity in Monty Python’s catalog as their other work. It’s a shame, as the film is an absolute classic.
Scarface
Say hello to his little friend? No thanks; Tony Montana is, to be blunt, a terrible person. His idolization in pop culture is baffling to many moviegoers.
High Fidelity
The first time you watch the John Cusack movie, especially as a teenager, it’s easy to relate to his character. With subsequent viewings, especially as you get older, however, it becomes clear that he’s a man-child.
The Last Samurai
Many criticized Tom Cruise’s role as an example of the White Saviour trope. However, the reality is that the Japanese rebels in the film actually save Captain Nathan Algren (Cruise). They share a mutual respect together.
Starship Troopers
The sci-fi film may seem like it’s doing its part as an action flick, but the undertones are very anti-fascist and anti-military.
(500) Days of Summer
Despite being the leading man, Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is an incredibly insufferable person and has an unrealistic and delusional take on his relationship with Summer (Zooey Deschanel). You are not supposed to root for him.
Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Like Tom, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) isn’t a good guy. A big theme of the movie is Scott realizing this. His biggest enemy isn’t Ramona’s exes; it’s himself.
Oppenheimer
This doubles as an example of a movie that people think ends before it really ends. The Christopher Nolan film isn’t about the atomic bomb; It’s about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the person, and his entire life.
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