‘One Battle After Another’ Faces Conservative Criticism
Paul Thomas Anderson’s film, One Battle After Another, has emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon. This nearly three-hour adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland stars Leonardo DiCaprio and has captivated audiences globally. The film recently crossed the $100 million mark in box office sales, marking the highest debut of Anderson’s career.
Political Themes and Critical Reception
One Battle After Another is characterized by its intense political narrative. The plot revolves around DiCaprio’s character, a disillusioned revolutionary, focused on rescuing his daughter from a white nationalist officer portrayed by Sean Penn. The film opens with a dramatic raid on an ICE facility, reflecting the heated political discourse around immigration and federal enforcement tactics.
Despite its acclaim, particularly among liberal audiences, the film has faced criticism from conservative commentators. Notable figures like Ben Shapiro have described it as a justification for radical left-wing violence, arguing that the film promotes a divisive worldview. Shapiro stated that it presents a conspiracy theory framing the U.S. as controlled by white supremacist nationalists. He asserted, “For this movie to make any sense, one has to believe the United States is a fascist dictatorship.”
Conservative Backlash
Other conservative commentators echoed similar sentiments. David Marcus from Fox News labeled the film an “ill-timed apologia for left-wing violence.” He expressed concern over its implications, especially in light of recent political tensions. Additionally, The National Review critiqued the film for supposedly romanticizing political assassination and provoking violent sentiment among viewers.
- Ben Shapiro: “An apologia for radical left-wing terrorism.”
- David Marcus: “A dangerous fallacy and a deadly one.”
- The National Review: “Provokes bloodlust.”
Contrasting Perspectives
In contrast, some critics view One Battle After Another as more of a satirical fantasy rather than a straightforward political statement. They argue that it highlights the absurdities of its themes rather than endorsing violence. David Klion from The New Republic described the portrayal of left-wing rebels as exaggerated, emphasizing that they do not accurately reflect contemporary activism.
Richard Newby from The Hollywood Reporter suggested that while the film depicts political violence, it does not glorify it. Instead, he remarked that it illustrates the detrimental outcomes of such actions, affecting all involved in the conflict.
Audience Reception
Despite the controversies, audience reactions have been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers resonated with the film’s emotional beats and found humor in its depiction of political struggles. This suggests a disconnect between critical reception and public sentiment.
As One Battle After Another continues to provoke discussion, it reflects the complexities of contemporary American politics through the lens of cinema. The film stands out not just for its box office success, but as a cultural touchpoint that captures current ideological battles.
