Upplyst Despotism i saker som kommer (1936)
H.G. Wells wrote the story of Things to Come, som förvandlades till en film i 1936. Filmen öppnar under julen 1940 i Everytown (uppenbarligen London) precis innan krigsutbrottet. Kriget varar nästan trettio år innan “Airmenna” ledd av John Cabal, tidigare bosatt i Everytown, leads the survivors to victory over the remaining war lords.
Still from Things to Come of Everytown in 1940
“The Airmen” use non-deadly means such as sleeping gas to bring the war lords to surrender. John Cabal, played by Raymond Massey, leads the Airmen in rebuilding society on principles of non-violence and mutual support.
Things to Come (1936) struggles with the issue of enlightened despotism. While the film seems to advocate John Cabal’s remaking of society, it cannot escape the reality that enlightened despotism is despotism just the same. Whether the despot believes his actions are benefiting him or benefiting society, the despot does not trust citizens with their freedom.
As you will see in the film even a society that has extended life and improved societal condition will experience rebellion when citizens do not have freedom to make their own decisions. “The Airmen” are no less despotic than the regimes that they replaced.
Still from Things to Come (1936)
Things to Come (affiliate länk) is a feature film and runs approximately 90 minuter.
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