The Political Misappropriation of Ghostbusters: A Comprehensive Analysis

The transformation of the Ghostbusters reboot into a political agenda has been a topic of debate ever since its release. While the original film, directed by Ivan Reitman, was notably political, Sony and Paul Feig’s version brought a different set of controversies. This article delves into the reasons why the reboot’s main focus on gender inclusion and its public reception led to misunderstandings and polarized opinions.

Original Ghostbusters and Its Political Undertones

The original Ghostbusters, released in 1984, was a film imbued with political undertones, as admitted by its director, Ivan Reitman. The movie depicted a Reaganite perspective, with a spiteful caricature of a government regulator and a glorification of business. The character of Walter Peck exemplified the film’s political stance, representing the government’s regulatory body in an unfavorable light. This portrayal of public service was a clear commentary on the era's political landscape.

The Ghostbusters: Answer the Call Reboot and Its Public Reception

When Ghostbusters was rebooted in 2016, titled Ghostbusters II, the primary change was the gender of the main characters. The reboot aimed to make the franchise more inclusive by casting women as the lead Ghostbusters. However, this change led to unexpected and intense controversy.

The film’s approach to gender inclusion was seen as more of a financial strategy than a political agenda. In an era where controversy equalled popularity, the producers ingeniously leveraged this strategy. By replacing male lead characters with female actors, they tapped into a broader demographic and media discourse. This move resonated with the feminist movement, drawing attention to gender parity in the movie industry.

The Flaw in the Controversy Strategy

The fundamental flaw in the approach was the misunderstanding of which groups the controversy was intended to reach. In the case of Ghostbusters, the producers had assumed that pissing off one group (those who felt the reboot strayed too far from the original) and sorting out another (part of the feminist community) was a viable strategy. However, the key issue was that the groups involved were not entirely distinct, leading to a failure in the intended messaging.

Did Sony and Paul Feig Intentionally Make a Political Movie?

It is misleading to label the Ghostbusters reboot as a political movie. The primary intention behind the project was to reinvigorate the franchise with a fresh perspective. Sony and Paul Feig cast a diverse and bankable ensemble, ensuring the film’s commercial viability. The political agenda was not their creation but rather a reaction by critics who found fault with their approach.

The film addressed gender issues subtly, mostly through its casting choices. There were no explicit speeches about gender parity, no confrontation of sexist characters. Instead, the reboot was more of a story about friendship and teamwork, centered on the main characters’ abilities to tackle supernatural threats. While the film wasn’t a masterpiece, it succeeded in engaging audiences with a mix of humor and engaging action.

The marketing and critical reception of the film played a significant role in shaping public opinion. The initial backlash provided the film with a constant stream of publicity, ensuring it remained in the spotlight. Even if the movie was not a dramatic success, its impact was undeniable, as it sparked discussions and debates about gender representation in the film industry.

Ultimately, the Ghostbusters reboot was a strategic choice aimed at addressing contemporary audiences’ expectations. Its success lies in its ability to bridge the gap between nostalgia and modernity, challenging the status quo without alienating its core fan base.

By examining the historical context and reception of the Ghostbusters reboot, we can better understand the complexities of promoting inclusivity in a commercially driven industry. While the film may not have been a political masterpiece, its impact on the discourse around gender and representation in Hollywood cannot be overlooked.