Starship Troopers Got Another Pass

For the 175th episode of Another Pass, we had to talk about a cult classic so cultish and such a classic that it demanded two separate panels! That's right! For a discussion on Starship Troopers, Case and Sam are joined by John Lestrange (The History Wizard), Samantha Perez, Keith Lehtinen, and Mitch Punpayuk! Would you like to know more?

Music by Vin Macri and Matt Brogan

Podcast Edited by Sophia Ricciardi

Overview

• Episode 175 of 'Certain POV's Another Pass' podcast explores Starship Troopers, addressing its satirical elements and impact on audiences, featuring two distinct panels.
• Personal viewing experiences highlight how initial interpretations of the film changed over time, with multiple guests recognizing the underlying satire.
• The film's satirical intent often missed by audiences; Poe's Law indicates difficulty in distinguishing extreme satire from genuine claims without clear indicators.
• Elements of fascism illustrated in the United Citizen Federation's military service requirements and portrayal of authority figures with war injuries.
• Propaganda within the film includes false flag operations, demonstrating dehumanization of 'bugs' and justifying violent military actions.
• Johnny Rico's character illustrates an alt-right pipeline, showing the process of radicalization through military indoctrination and societal pressure.
• Significant differences between the original book and movie adaptation noted, including a shift in character motivations and depictions of technology.
• Production challenges included injuries during boot camp training and instances of disrupted filming, showcasing the difficulties faced by the crew.
• Cultural impact acknowledged, as Starship Troopers influenced franchises like Starcraft and Helldivers, with modern audiences resonating with its themes.
• New adaptations are in development, including a Sony project directed by Neil Blomkamp, indicating ongoing interest in the Starship Troopers franchise.

 

Notes

️ Episode Introduction & Format (00:01 - 02:51)

• Episode 175 of 'Certain POV's Another Pass' podcast discussing Starship Troopers as a movie that overcame adversity.
• Two-panel format with different guest combinations to cover extensive discussion topics.
• First panel features Case Aiken, Sam Alicea, John Lestrange, and Samantha Perez focusing on sociological themes.
• Second panel includes Case Aiken, Sam Alicea, Keith Lehtinen, and Mitch Punpayuk discussing filmmaking aspects.

Personal Experiences with Starship Troopers (04:08 - 16:01)

• Case Aiken saw it at age 13 in 1997, initially missed satirical elements, took it as straightforward action film.
• Sam Alicea watched at 16-17, uncomfortable with bugs but recognized something 'off' about the film.
• John Lestrange first viewing at age 7 when released, watched for first time yesterday with Holocaust studies background.
• Samantha Perez saw chopped TV versions as teenager, recently rewatched with fresh perspective.
• Keith Lehtinen was 14 when released, became aware of actors through this film, Dina Meyer was first crush.
• Mitch Punpayuk saw at 15, bought DVD before owning DVD player, waited two years to watch it.

Satirical Elements & Reception Analysis (20:09 - 29:48)

• Movie functions as fascist propaganda satire but audiences often missed the satirical intent.
• Poe's Law applies - satirical expressions of extremist views indistinguishable from actual extremist views without clear indicators.
• 1997 timing problematic for satire reception - post-Cold War, pre-9/11 context limited audience understanding.
• Director Paul Verhoeven grew up in Nazi-occupied Netherlands, assumed audience familiarity with fascist themes.
• Susan Sontag's 'Fascinating Fascisms' (1975) referenced - Nazi ideal of 'brave, pretty and stupid' Aryan forces.

️ Fascist Society Elements (24:14 - 01:01:13)

• United Citizen Federation requires military service for citizenship and voting rights.
• All adult authority figures shown with missing limbs or severe scarring from military service.
• 14 characteristics of fascism present but modified - notably lacks typical gender hierarchy/sexism.
• Reproduction licensing system makes having children difficult for non-citizens.
• Public flogging and televised executions as standard punishments.

Bug War Propaganda Analysis (30:42 - 40:12)

• Buenos Aires meteor attack potentially false flag operation rather than bug weapon.
• Mormon colony massacre on bug territory used as justification despite humans being invaders.
• 'Would you like to know more?' segments function as in-universe propaganda reels.
• Children encouraged to stomp bugs in disturbing propaganda scene.
• Brain bug capture presented as victory but war clearly being lost.

‍️ Character Development & Military Pipeline (51:47 - 01:00:16)

• Johnny Rico represents alt-right pipeline - young man radicalized through military indoctrination.
• Carmen Ibanez portrayed as ambitious, prioritizing military career over relationships.
• Dizzy Flores changed from male character in book to female love interest.
• Carl Jenkins represents military intelligence, disappears into classified operations.
• Sergeant Zim and Lieutenant Rasczak serve as father figures in military structure.

Book vs Movie Adaptation (23:13 - 28:17)

• Originally titled 'Bug Hunt at Outpost 7' before being adapted to Starship Troopers.
• Director didn't finish reading Heinlein's book, called it 'too boring'.
• Mobile Infantry in book wore powered armor with jump jets, removed due to budget/wire work complexity.
• Bugs more technologically advanced in book, movie presents them as purely biological.
• Buenos Aires not Rico's hometown in book, major plot change for personal motivation.

Production Challenges & Behind-the-Scenes (39:34 - 07:35)

• Cast underwent intensive boot camp training, Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer sustained injuries during filming.
• Intoxicated crew member mentioned bomb on flight, disrupting production travel.
• Pre-visualization test at Vasquez Rocks convinced TriStar to fund after Waterworld concerns.
• 15-foot practical ship models used alongside CGI for space scenes.
• Starship Trooper armor reused in multiple productions including Power Rangers, Firefly, Planet of the Apes.

Special Effects & Technical Aspects (08:52 - 06:24)

• Mix of practical and CGI effects particularly effective for bug creatures.
• Netflix 4K viewing shows quality variations, some scenes appear grainy especially green screen backgrounds.
• Brain bug close-ups noted as particularly disturbing and well-designed.
• Space scenes generally poor quality except for specific flight sequences.

Cultural Impact & Legacy (14:18 - 17:26)

• Starcraft, Warhammer 40K, and Helldivers directly influenced by Starship Troopers aesthetics.
• Five-movie franchise plus Roughnecks CGI TV series expanded universe.
• Modern resonance with current political climate makes satirical elements more apparent.
• Gif culture frequently references film during political tensions.

Cast & Casting Decisions (17:18 - 21:57)

• Unknown actors cast intentionally to look 'authentically young' but appear older due to training.
• Mark Wahlberg and Matt Damon auditioned for Rico role.
• Dina Meyer originally read for Carmen, chose Dizzy role instead.
• Neil Patrick Harris commentary recorded pre-How I Met Your Mother fame.
• Character actors include Amy Smart, Seth Gilliam, Timothy Omundson in small roles.

Audience Reception & Box Office (15:07 - 20:09)

• Test audiences disliked Carmen character, preferred Dizzy.
• Critical reception missed satirical intent, even thoughtful reviewers uncertain.
• Box office made budget back but not considered major success.
• Cult classic status developed over time as satirical elements became more apparent.

Thematic Analysis (34:39 - 51:47)

• Dehumanization through 'bug' imagery parallels historical genocidal rhetoric.
• Violence as societal foundation explicitly stated in film's philosophy.
• Military-industrial complex critique through endless war presentation.
• Youth radicalization process demonstrated through Rico's character arc.

Future Adaptations (13:51 - 13:51)

• Sony developing new Starship Troopers adaptation directed by Neil Blomkamp.
• Helldivers movie also in development as spiritual successor.