Barry Levinson's Wag The Dog

A transparent political system that trumpets freedom and democracy is a universal misconception. In a world tainted by corruption and the abuse of power, the sole motivation for political leaders is merely to obtain dominance and inherent control— not for the benefit of the country but for those in power and "their" endeavors. This notion is explored in Barry Levinson’s satirical Black comedy, Wag the dog, as well as George Orwell, in his allegorical novella, Animal Farm. Both text present an alternative yet powerful representation on political leaders and their motivations, forcing the audience to recognise that political success and control is beyond the directed interference of political leaders, rather a sophisticated process of manipulation, the exploitation of public ignorance and abuse of patriotic sentiment. The composer's critical analysis fosters a heightened

Old Major, an aged prized boar provides the inspiration that fuels the animal rebellion though a motivational speech and ‘stirring tune’, Beasts of England; a direct appropriation of the 1871 French communist anthem, ’Internationale'. The lofty optimism and notions of idealism inspire the beasts a false sense of righteousness, elation and pride, ‘golden future time… riches more than mind can picture’. A manipulative strategy used to blur the boundaries between reality, and the common animals envisioned utopia. Like the majority of the characters in Animal Farm, Old Major character symbolises philosopher Karl Marx, creator of The Communist Manifesto, and Vladimir Lenin, a communist leader of the Russian Revolution and the early Soviet nation. Orwell’s references to genuine anthems and pivotal leaders of historical events transform the ‘fairy tale’, into a powerful and relevant reflection on today’s