The flaws in a system are not always noticeable until they are viewed from the perspective of another system. In Terry Gilliam’s 1985 film, Brazil, the Ministry of Information exercises authority over the public through surveillance, strict procedures, and the collection of confidential information. These may sound like typical operations of a government department until one discovers the flawed means by which they are carried out. Franz Kafka’s short story, “A Hunger Artist” allows one to consider how the consequences of inconsistent surveillance and oppression by authority play out in Brazil. On the other hand, Michel Foucault’s definitions of an ideal system of discipline and surveillance featured in “Panopticism” reveal the Ministry of
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The Ministry of Information maintains control of the people by alienating them from the reality of terrorism. Authority figures discuss terrorism as though it is under control and there is nothing to worry about. However, viewers will clearly notice that this is a huge misinterpretation, especially since terrorist attacks seem to be poorly handled by the authorities. For example, at the beginning of the film, Deputy Minister Eugene Helpmann is being interviewed, which the audience watches on a television that is surrounded by flames from the terrorist attack that has just occurred. When asked what he believes has caused the recent increase in terrorist bombings, Helpmann answers, “Bad sportsmanship” (Gilliam, Brazil), as though he is having a casual conversation about a sports team. He even states that he believes the government is “winning the battle” against the terrorists (Gilliam, Brazil). This is an ironic statement considering that evidence of terrorism can literally be seen in the flames that engulf the television. Even more ironic is Helpmann’s comment that the fact that the terrorist bombings have been occurring for thirteen years can be attributed to “beginner’s luck” (Gilliam, Brazil). It seems as though Helpmann is simply saying what he believes the public wants to hear regardless of truth or
The Ministry of Information maintains control of the people by alienating them from the reality of terrorism. Authority figures discuss terrorism as though it is under control and there is nothing to worry about. However, viewers will clearly notice that this is a huge misinterpretation, especially since terrorist attacks seem to be poorly handled by the authorities. For example, at the beginning of the film, Deputy Minister Eugene Helpmann is being interviewed, which the audience watches on a television that is surrounded by flames from the terrorist attack that has just occurred. When asked what he believes has caused the recent increase in terrorist bombings, Helpmann answers, “Bad sportsmanship” (Gilliam, Brazil), as though he is having a casual conversation about a sports team. He even states that he believes the government is “winning the battle” against the terrorists (Gilliam, Brazil). This is an ironic statement considering that evidence of terrorism can literally be seen in the flames that engulf the television. Even more ironic is Helpmann’s comment that the fact that the terrorist bombings have been occurring for thirteen years can be attributed to “beginner’s luck” (Gilliam, Brazil). It seems as though Helpmann is simply saying what he believes the public wants to hear regardless of truth or