I didn't think it was meant to be satirical, nor contemporary. It was written at a time when 'the reds' amongst others were some of the USA's public enemies, all libertarian views were 'suspect', and I get the impression that Heinlein would have been a staunch Republican.
P.S. I've read a few Heinlein books, and some of them were fun, but he was a bit of a loony.
Heinlein was a libertarian - initially a left wing libertarian, later a right wing libertarian.
And the film bears absolutely no relation to the book, other than the title and a few names.
moffatross11 Feb 2015
I'd always got the impression that while some may have thought he was a 'libertarian' through his positive depictions of incest and human eugenics, in most respects, he just came across as a right-wing nutter. I'm sure he was a loyal friend to many causes though, I'd guess the National Rifle Association being one of them.
In reply to greg_may_: I fully understand the OP and he's far from the first to express that view. Why people don't get taste is a varied thing is beyond me. I enjoyed it (although it's far from being great in my view) but am 'soft' on Sci-Fi stuff. As satires go I found it rather blunt and one-dimensional. I sort of enjoyed the sequel's: tongue-in-cheek 'cartoon-like' marketing exploitation 'n'all and worry about people who claim a huge difference in anything but budget related stuff from the first (in a similar sense to claims made for Highlander).
> As satires go I found it rather blunt and one-dimensional
If we're talking dimensions, I'd give it at least 2. I think it works as a straight action movie, but it's also a commentary on American fascism. Do they count as dimensions?
People tend to do better for themselves by forming groups and working together. Patriotism is just a name for how we group together by country, and show loyalty to that group. Obviously it doesn't always lead to a nice happy existence for everyone.
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