the windmills of your mind

[theladyrose]

Why is it that inspiration strikes at random, often inopportune, times?

I just had a sort of electric storm in my brain on my document analysis for my DBQ (primary source) project, so I'm nearly done with it now. The funny thing is that I'm having the hardest time writing a lot about the stuff I know the most about and discuss on a regular basis. Perhaps it's because I assume that people already know what I'm talking about. I think I almost have too much to say! I've always been very fond of films and TV of the Cold War period, so I'm just glad that I'm finally able to come up with a more academic use for my pastime. I keep thinking of all these last minute sources that I'd like to incorporate but haven't been able to use as I don't have the time to research and find them thoroughly. You guys all have been a great help, especially eldritchhobbit, a_mire, dfordoom, and clarequilty. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have time to watch the Spy Who Came in From the Cold as recommended by dfordoom.

I think I'll just finish up writing soon because if I figure that if my legs are starting to fall asleep, my brain probably will too at this rate.

Comments

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Congrats on seeing the light at the end of the tunnel on your project! It sounds sooooo fascinating! Would you be willing to share a recommendation list of films for us when you're done? I'd love to know you're suggestions! (As if you don't have enough to do - don't you love people who make more work for you?) At any rate, conI hope you're patting yourself on the back for your hard work!

By the way, the icon is lovely!

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

Thanks a lot, and no problem! I literally finished about five minutes ago, so it's no trouble at all :)

These are the sources I've been using:

One, Two, Three-a satire of America's economic imperialism in the rebuilding of post World War II Europe and Soviet communist doctrine; the Soviets come across as very human and want to join the free market economy and buy as much as they'd like. Consumerism is a growing trend everywhere, not just in the Western world.

the Manchurian Candidate-the manipulation of anti-communist hysteria for political gain, a growing perception of the corrupt nature of government, and the fear of Soviet scientific developments.

From Russia With Love-the West and the East still distrust each other, but they're not out to purposely provoke each other. They are generally content to keep the status quo, but their suspicions can be easily manipulated by outside forces. Also, JFK had mentioned that FRWL was in his top ten favorite books and so the producers decided to make FRWL the second James Bond film because of this endorsement.

Dr. Strangelove-absurd fear of communism that has creeped into politics, criticism of the nuclear arms race and the potential for a holocaust on both sides, increasing influence of the military in foreign policy

the Danger Man episode, "Parallel Lines Sometimes Meet"-the willingness for the East and the West to work together when they have mutual goals, mockery of the stereotypes that each side has of the other

Funeral in Berlin-continued cynical outlook and distrust of the Soviets in East Berlin and Eastern Europe in general, the Soviets secretly emulate the West as they desire the same freedom of materialistic consumption

Ice Station Zebra-similar message to "Parallel Lines"

Re: By the way, the icon is lovely!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Oooh, fantastic! Thanks so much. Hey, wasn't Ice Station Zebra just finally released on DVD? I need to see One, Two, Three and Funeral in Berlin. I appreciate the details - great stuff!

Re: By the way, the icon is lovely!

[theladyrose.livejournal.com]

You're welcome! Yes, ISZ was released on DVD just a few months ago. I saw it for the first time yesterday afternoon, and Patrick McGoohan as David Jones is great! :)

I must confess that I haven't seen Funeral in Berlin, either, although I'm a huge fan of the Ipcress File; I was mostly just using the basic premise. I'm not sure if this one is widely available or not.

I highly recommend One, Two, Three-it's a wonderfully fast-paced satire that I happen to consider Billy Wilder's best :)