The film The Iron Giant ,takes place in 1957 and tells the story of a boy befriending a Robot from seemingly nowhere , that learns the true meaning of heroism. Now, from a distance, this may appear an average hero’s tale or superhero movie if you will, but taking a look further reveals the filmmaker’s intentions. The intentions can be clearly seen in the main antagonist of the film not a person, monster, or threat , but the “Red Menace” an idea and fear of foreign enemies and nuclear warfare. The film provides a satirical depiction of the paranoid mentality (the second “red scare”) America had during the 1950’s with a message of the ability to choose who you want to be . Through the entirety of the film the paranoia is heavily present in the background and in the forefront.
The Film
In the beginning of the film after the protagonist , Hogarth Hughes, has his first encounter with the robot he begins to sketch the robot in class. However, while in class, a presentation is being shown in the background on the tv. The classroom is watching a program about techniques of taking cover during foreign bombing. This may seem like a nod to the paranoia America had, but it gets expanded upon even further. When paranoid American agent Kent Mansley is reporting to command about the robot, he says there is a possible “menace”. Mansley even has a rant about Sputnik the russian satellite stating that America is on edge as many people are out for them including; China, Russia, Canada, etc. Throughout the film the Giant’s origins are never disclosed. In the span of the film, Hogarth humanizes and teaches the Giant about american folk hero Superman, while Mansley remains intent on finding and ending the giant. The film concludes with Mansley getting the government involved and making the giant appear hostile. This leads to Mansley calling a bomb to be dropped upon the Giant, but due to the Giant’s location, the town would most definitely be decimated. However, the Giant (being inspired by Hogarth and Superman) chooses to sacrifice himself for the sake of the city , ultimately becoming a hero. Even with just the plot, it is clear the cold war and Red menace influence the story.
The History
Now that the plot itself is out of the way, time for the history behind it. In the 1940’s a “Doomsday Clock” was created after the dropping of the atomic bombs in Japan by the United States, which symbolized a countdown until complete nuclear warfare. The times fluctuating as time goes on. In 1953 the Bulletin (Eugene Rabinowitch) stated that “ a Soviet H-bomb will follow the American without much delay. The British, if they so decide, undoubtedly will be able to produce one, also.” and that the clock was 2 minutes until midnight. Simply from the content and tone of this statement alone , the concern of foreign countries and their capabilities of replicating or even advancing American technologies is heavily present. The National Security Council aided in spreading the concern as well. In the report “United States Objectives and Programs for National Security” the Council highlights Russia and China as highly intense and threatening, even going so far as to say the russians’ mentality was “Antithetical” to the American morals, and that “ With the development of increasingly terrifying weapons of mass destruction, every individual faces the ever-present possibility of annihilation should the conflict enter the phase of total war”. This quote alone if it were released today, would cause panic and controversy. Another influence on America causing the second Red Scare was Senator Joe McCarthy. Joe McCarthy stated in 1950 that there were many communists who had infiltrated the government and were among the Americans, causing paranoia. Americans all over the nation were paranoid, (albeit , the propaganda did not help ) of not only foreign nations, but fellow Americans and technology advancements of the foreign nations. One can’t speak upon the spread of the Red Scare without bringing up who was also involved in spreading the anti-communism ideal, the House Un-American Activities Committee. HUAC along with McCarthy accused many people and figures of being communists or communist sympathizers. This only got worse with government involvement and acts of legislation such as the McCarran Internal Security Act of 1950, which helped the government accuse immigrants and american citizens of being undercover communists. This was a very dark point in America’s history.
Where the Film gets History right
Now is the time to explain the historical significance of the film. This film gives many nods to the 1950’s with its choice of music, homage to horror films, diner classic america, beatnik culture,… and the horrifying tension of the cold war. In the film, we see America’s fear of the unknown in the forefront. Most of all , we see the horrifying presence and tension of the atomic bombs with schools in America showing children to take cover. This portrayal of the fear in 1957, lines up almost perfectly with the tension and fear in America of the early 1950’s. This fear , being caused by the government, McCarthyism, the Cold War, and propaganda. The film also touches upon the presence of Sputnik, which was supporting the idea of McCarthyism and the “Communist Infiltration”.With Sputnik, it showed that the Soviet Union had surpassed American Capability. This lines up perfectly with providing more of a reason to be against the Giant, Americans wouldn’t want to accept the loss and instead destroy the rival and foreign technology/advancements. The film shows their desperation to get back at the Soviet Union and China perfectly.
Why “Superman” matters
The film also provides a look at American icons as well. With the film showing the worst of America, it also chooses to show the juxtaposition and show the best of America. The American military and everyone reacts negatively towards the Giant initially with skepticism,distrust, and fear. All, except for Hogarth Hughes , who arguably is the most American or at least shows the Giant the most American folk hero. Hogarth introduces the Giant to Superman. This is heavily relevant as Superman himself is historically significant. He was created during the Great Depression as a spectacle by Jewish Immigrant Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster. Superman is commonly associated with Truth, Justice , and the American Way. Superman is also an Alien from the fictitious planet Krypton. Superman himself is literally an alien created by an immigrant, who becomes America’s most beloved hero. This why it’s so important that Hogarth introduces the Giant to the comic-book character. The idea of the all-american hero and wanting to be a hero himself, is what leads the Giant to choose not to give into the mindless weapon portrayal everyone perceives him out to be, but choose to be a selfless american hero saving the lives of the people. “Superman” is the last word of the Giant, the idea that saved the city, and the idea that saved him.
The Verdict
As it can be seen , The Iron Giant provides a scarily accurate depiction of the second Red Scare and its influence on America in the 1950’s. Albeit, there are many incredibly fictitious parts in this heartwarming fiction movie, there is underlying truth about what America was at the time, and what it means to be American.