Independence Day

We watched Independence Day in my class on heroes. It's, as I have recently learned, a sci-fi classic...but I can honestly say I wasn't enthusiastic about it. It was plagued with too many overused sci-fi tropes (ie. nonsensical seemingly-scientific jargon, inserting random kids to seemingly up the stakes, last second getaways, etc.) and American elitism for me to take it seriously. Does it have a few "Fuck YEAH!" moments? Absolutely. Overall reaction? Eh...I guess?


It also employs a very Michael Bay-ish form of movie storytelling - lots and lots of explosions, movement, and commotion. The only visually spectacular moment was the destruction of the major cities; The aliens employed a cool weapon and the scene actually looked realistic for early 90's CGI and practical effects.

Anyway, I had to write a review on it for the class so there's that:

Independence Day was undoubtedly a product of its times - that is, nostalgic for the sense of community developed after America's victory in the second world war. However, what is far more interesting is how this interpretation has changed since its release, because at least for me, and I think for many millennials, it has taken on a different meaning entirely.

Take for instance President Whitmore's speech. He delivers a moving and passionate appeal to all of humanity, yet the film dedicated more screen time to American iconography (ie. Statue of Liberty, American flags, etc) than other nations and peoples actually making their resistance. It seemingly introduces shots of Russian and Chinese soldiers taking arms and other crashed spaceships only as an afterthought. For a film about a universal independence day, there isn't much universality, and in the end it is a lot more about American strength and resolve than general human strength and resolve.

And I think this greatly affects how Independence Day's interpretation has changed in the last few years. Because for me, someone who was raised during two wars decidedly less triumphant than World War II, this movie was both highly uplifting and very satirical. On one hand I can't deny that punching aliens and blowing up spaceships is uplifting in any context. The visuals, the score, even the frequent and emphatic "Let's get those sons of bitches” comments can make anyone feel enthusiastic and proud. But on the other hand I think my generation is far more naturally cynical of military chest-thumping, and this movie is so "feel-good”, so tongue-in-cheek about its own presentation of America, that I couldn't help but view it as intentionally satirical. So in a way, history added its own ironic layer to its interpretation.