The Pentagon's grip on Hollywood

The military entertainment complex is an old phenomenon that binds Hollywood with the US military. Known as militainment, it serves both parties well. Filmmakers get access to high tech weaponry - helicopters, jet planes and air craft carriers while the Pentagon gets free and positive publicity.

The latest offering to come from this relationship is Act of Valor and it takes the collaboration one step further. The producers get more than just equipment -- they have cast active-duty military personnel in the lead roles, prompting critics to say the lines have become so blurred that it is hard to see where Hollywood ends and Pentagon propaganda begins. In this week's feature, the Listening Post's Nic Muirhead looks at the ties between the US military and Hollywood.

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[partymariner]

Can you say fascism?! I have an idea to make a film about vets who are homeless and suffering from emotional illness brought about by their "service". Good luck selling that one right!

[thedriftmc]

All advertising is propaganda. News is propaganda. A supreme court judge recently ruled that television news "doesn't need to be more accurate than any other reality show."

[Shilly Storm]

Who is the enemy ?..is asked.. WELL 'They' consider YOUR free mind and rational thinking to be 'the enemy'--- Thats who their enemy really is - Its a perfect system of using budgeted, tax money to brainwash impressionable, dissappointed people- into throwing their lives into harms way. Get someone else to actually fight the wars - you know, where you actually die. But really, who has proven to be the real immediate enemy to the stability of people in this country?

[Mikael Overmark]

I don't care about either of the nominees, jackass. You just proved my point. :)

[geeceesteiner62]

I wouldn't mind watching a film in which the military destroy the international bankers, the leaders that start these wars and support them, and those who take the money to militarize society. I'd enjoy watching that! That's what would make the military be exciting!!

[geeceesteiner62]

This is sad. The only way to fight back is to not vote. If you vote, you're voting for killing, thievery, lies and corruption. Help yourself and your family: do not vote.

[XXXAnonGodXXX]

BWAHAHAHAHAHA YOUR JUST PISSED OFF BECAUSE YOU VOTED FOR OBAMA!!!!!

PURPLE CRAYON LOVER!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Mikael Overmark]

ALL-CAPS DOESN'T MAKE YOUR POINT SEEM THOUGHT-OUT BY ANYONE SMART

[Bob LobLaw]

correction: if you vote for ANYBODY, you're an idiot

[XXXAnonGodXXX]

OH YA AND IF YOU VOTE FOR OBAMA YOU ARE AN IDIOT

[XXXAnonGodXXX]

THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT IS THE REAL TERRORIST THREAT

[XXXAnonGodXXX]

AMERICA IS NOT A FREE COUNTRY