Antz Film Analysis

Throughout history, there have been many different types of government seen around the world. This is relevant to the 1998 comedic and adventurous animation film Antz directed by Tim Johnson and Eric Darnell, since it reflects the opposing types of government democracy and autocracy. From the beginning of the film, it is evident that Z, the individualistic worker ant resembles the democratic type of government, while General Mandible, the militaristic ant resembles the autocratic type of government.

To begin, a close analysis on Z’s character reveals that Z favours a democratic system of government in which all citizens have political power and can participate in the government. Similar to the system of democracy, he wants to choose his own
To be more specific, General Mandible conveys a desire for a fascist type of government which is a type of dictatorship that “controls the lives of the people and in which people are not allowed to disagree with the government” (“Fascism”). Similar to a fascist leader, he is ultra nationalistic based on belief in national superiority. In the film, when General Mandible delivers his speech he states, “A proud colony, a pure colony. A colony reborn … The past will be washed away and bring a new dawn” (Antz). This speech reflects General Mandible’s extreme belief in national superiority because he demonstrates his willingness to drown away the weak in order to gather the strong to create a supreme nation. Additionally, like a fascist leader, he puts strong emphasis on militarism and war. In the film, during the march of the soldier ants he states, “It’s beautiful. The precision. The order” (Antz). It is evident General Mandible puts strong emphasis on militarism since he positively reflects on the beauty of the soldier ants that hold skills of discipline, commitment and accuracy. Also, General Mandible puts strong emphasis on war since he was willing to send the queen’s loyal soldiers to die in the war with the termites. Lastly, comparable to a fascist leader, General Mandible eliminates citizens’ rights and gains total power. In the film, when speaking to Cutter he proclaims, “We all know one individual ant does not matter … I am the colony!” (Antz). This reflects the fascism beliefs of the general since he ensures no one has a say except for him and therefore no one else has power. Overall, General Mandible’s type of government mainly rests on force and violence. There is no defying the law, having opposition, or controversy and the decisions are made up by a dictator, who has total