A critical examination of the actions undertaken by the United States reveals a troubling history that challenges the narrative of it being the "greatest nation in the world." The military's involvement in Vietnam resulted in unimaginable suffering, yet the subsequent portrayal of this conflict in films and television often centers on the psychological impact on American soldiers, overshadowing the broader consequences of the war. During the Gulf War, the bombing of Iraq was similarly followed by media representations focusing on the trauma experienced by U.S. troops. The events of September 11, 2001, led to the initiation of the Second Gulf War, which spanned from 2003 to 2011 and resumed from 2014 to 2021, alongside a prolonged military presence in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. The toll of these conflicts, including those in Syria, Yemen, and other areas, has resulted in millions of casualties. With the cessation of large-scale military interventions, Hollywood now appears to be preoccupied with the prospect of a domestic civil conflict.
In Lesli Linka Glatter’s series Zero Day Flixtor, crafted by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, Michael Schmidt, Eli Attie, Dee Johnson, and Roberto Patino, the narrative follows former President George Mullen. Residing in Hudson, New York, with his wife Sheila, their dog, and caretaker Hector, George maintains a distant relationship with his daughter, Alexandra, while keeping an eye on her life. Following his daily routine, he engages in an interview with Anna Sindler, who is tasked with writing his biography. However, when the discussion shifts to the tragic death of his son, Nick, and his choice to forgo a second presidential term, George abruptly dismisses Anna. Shortly thereafter, a cyber attack occurs, resulting in Anna's death along with approximately 3,400 others. In response, President Evelyn Mitchell dispatches Roger Carlson to persuade George to help restore public confidence in the government.
The political commentary presented in Zero Day can be summarized as follows: both political parties are contributing to the nation's decline, while simultaneously collaborating with billionaires and tech leaders to steer the country towards dictatorship, all under the guise of restoring democratic principles. The narrative suggests that the resolution lies in the hands of a singular virtuous individual and those who support his methods. While this perspective is certainly valid, it appears somewhat lacking in depth. It has become increasingly clear that the distinctions between the left and right, Democrats and Republicans, are largely superficial. The pursuit of power, wealth, and recognition seems to overshadow any genuine concern for the populace among those in authority. This realization has been reinforced by the experiences of the past two administrations in the United States. However, addressing this disheartening reality through the framework of a conspiracy thriller, culminating in the revelation that all parties are compromised, may not be the most effective approach, as it lacks the impact it once had in 2017. The electorate is now more informed about their choices and motivations, a topic that may be too complex for Hollywood to engage with adequately. In contrast, George's character development is more compelling, as it raises the critical question of how far one is willing to go to genuinely protect democracy. This is particularly relevant in an age where anyone with internet access considers themselves knowledgeable about political matters; yet, when faced with real challenges, many opt to escape to countries with more lenient laws and taxes.