Starship Troopers Got Another Pass

For the 175th episode of Another Pass, we had to talk about a cult classic so cultish and such a classic that it demanded two separate panels! That's right! For a discussion on Starship Troopers, Case and Sam are joined by John Lestrange (The History Wizard), Samantha Perez, Keith Lehtinen, and Mitch Punpayuk! Would you like to know more?

Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan

Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi

Overview

• Episode 175 of 'Certain POV's Another Pass' podcast explores Starship Troopers, addressing its satirical elements and impact on audiences, featuring two distinct panels.
• Personal viewing experiences highlight how initial interpretations of the film changed over time, with multiple guests recognizing the underlying satire.
• The film's satirical intent often missed by audiences; Poe's Law indicates difficulty in distinguishing extreme satire from genuine claims without clear indicators.
• Elements of fascism illustrated in the United Citizen Federation's military service requirements and portrayal of authority figures with war injuries.
• Propaganda within the film includes false flag operations, demonstrating dehumanization of 'bugs' and justifying violent military actions.
• Johnny Rico's character illustrates an alt-right pipeline, showing the process of radicalization through military indoctrination and societal pressure.
• Significant differences between the original book and movie adaptation noted, including a shift in character motivations and depictions of technology.
• Production challenges included injuries during boot camp training and instances of disrupted filming, showcasing the difficulties faced by the crew.
• Cultural impact acknowledged, as Starship Troopers influenced franchises like Starcraft and Helldivers, with modern audiences resonating with its themes.
• New adaptations are in development, including a Sony project directed by Neil Blomkamp, indicating ongoing interest in the Starship Troopers franchise.

 

Notes

️ Episode Introduction & Format (00:01 - 02:51)

• Episode 175 of 'Certain POV's Another Pass' podcast discussing Starship Troopers as a movie that overcame adversity.
• Two-panel format with different guest combinations to cover extensive discussion topics.
• First panel features Case Aiken, Sam Alicea, John Lestrange, and Samantha Perez focusing on sociological themes.
• Second panel includes Case Aiken, Sam Alicea, Keith Lehtinen, and Mitch Punpayuk discussing filmmaking aspects.

Personal Experiences with Starship Troopers (04:08 - 16:01)

• Case Aiken saw it at age 13 in 1997, initially missed satirical elements, took it as straightforward action film.
• Sam Alicea watched at 16-17, uncomfortable with bugs but recognized something 'off' about the film.
• John Lestrange first viewing at age 7 when released, watched for first time yesterday with Holocaust studies background.
• Samantha Perez saw chopped TV versions as teenager, recently rewatched with fresh perspective.
• Keith Lehtinen was 14 when released, became aware of actors through this film, Dina Meyer was first crush.
• Mitch Punpayuk saw at 15, bought DVD before owning DVD player, waited two years to watch it.

Satirical Elements & Reception Analysis (20:09 - 29:48)

• Movie functions as fascist propaganda satire but audiences often missed the satirical intent.
• Poe's Law applies - satirical expressions of extremist views indistinguishable from actual extremist views without clear indicators.
• 1997 timing problematic for satire reception - post-Cold War, pre-9/11 context limited audience understanding.
• Director Paul Verhoeven grew up in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, assumed audience familiarity with fascist themes.
• Susan Sontag's 'Fascinating Fascisms' (1975) referenced - Nazi ideal of 'brave, pretty and stupid' Aryan forces.

️ Fascist Society Elements (24:14 - 01:01:13)

• United Citizen Federation requires military service for citizenship and voting rights.
• All adult authority figures shown with missing limbs or severe scarring from military service.
• 14 characteristics of fascism present bu