The Impact of Hollywood Political Films on US Politics and Politics Culture: A Case Study of Thirteen Days

Abstract

This essay uses the Hollywood political film Thirteen Days as a case study, by combining the authentic historical and political background of the 1960s Cuban Missile Crisis in the United States, examines the roles and impacts of Hollywood political films in shaping U.S. politics and political culture. Specifically, by reconstructing historical decision-making processes, portraying an idealised presidential image, and conveying ideological information, Thirteen Days has contributed to enhancing public understanding of politics, strengthening the political beliefs, and fostering social unity and cohesion to some extent. However, it may also promote information bias by selective storytelling and perpetuating the manipulation of ideology by dominant political interests. In addition, this essay also discusses Thirteen Days’s global cultural impact as a vehicle for exporting American values and reshaping Cold War memory.