UDC

[94(73).091+94(73).091:94(47).084]:791.43.05

DOI

10.37482/2687-1505-V165

Authors

Ekaterina V. Prosolova
V.I. Vernadskiy Crimean Federal University;
prosp. Akademika Vernadskogo 4, Simferopol, 295007, Respublika Krym, Russian Federation; ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3937-3851
e-mail: katerina.prosolova@mail.ru

Abstract

This article examines the role and place of film propaganda in the formation of specific fears in mass consciousness during the Cold War. The study focuses on characteristic narrative models, which were used by Soviet and American state propaganda to create a simplified perception of the enemy. Based on more than 150 films for the period of 1946–1991, an attempt is made to analyse the typical film plot structures that create, support and spread public fears of the enemy. Four types of fear are singled out: fear of alienation, hidden enemy, occupation, and nuclear war. Each of them had a significant impact on mass consciousness and formed the basis for the development of sophisticated propaganda models. Further, the dynamics of changes in public opinion over the decades on issues related to clear threats – nuclear war, occupation, actions of spies and saboteurs – is demonstrated. The paper establishes a direct link between foreign policy events of the Cold War and transformations of film propaganda, which actively used these events for its purposes. As a result, the initially reasonable fears among the population were consolidated with the help of various tools of influence, including cinematography, and existed through the late 20th century. Based on the analysis carried out, the author concludes that fears reflected in film propaganda played a significant role in stereotyping and mythologizing the mind. The phenomenon of self-reproduction of this type of ideological influence indicates its relevance at the present stage of Russian-American relations.

Keywords

Soviet-American ideological confrontation, state propaganda, anti-Soviet films, anti- American films, Cold War fears, global threats, information and psychological warfare

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