What Movie Is Everybody Wants to Rule the World In: A Dive into Cinematic Ambitions and Unrelated Musings

The phrase “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” evokes a sense of universal ambition, a desire for power, control, and influence that transcends time, culture, and medium. While the phrase is famously tied to the 1985 hit song by Tears for Fears, it has also found its way into the realm of cinema, where the themes of power, ambition, and the human condition are explored in myriad ways. But what movie truly encapsulates the essence of this phrase? And how does it connect to the broader, often illogical, discussions about ambition and control in film?

The Cinematic Landscape of Ambition

When we think of movies that embody the idea of “everybody wants to rule the world,” several titles come to mind. Films like The Godfather, Scarface, and The Social Network explore the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve power and dominance. These movies delve into the psychological and moral complexities of ambition, showing how the pursuit of power can corrupt, destroy, and ultimately consume those who seek it.

In The Godfather, Michael Corleone’s transformation from a reluctant outsider to a ruthless mafia boss is a chilling portrayal of how ambition can warp one’s sense of morality. Similarly, Scarface’s Tony Montana rises from a Cuban immigrant to a drug kingpin, only to be undone by his own greed and paranoia. These films suggest that the desire to rule the world is not just about achieving power, but also about the personal cost of that pursuit.

The Illogical Connection: Ambition and the Absurd

While the phrase “everybody wants to rule the world” is often associated with serious, dramatic films, it can also be applied to more absurd and fantastical narratives. Consider The Lego Movie, where the villain Lord Business seeks to control the entire Lego universe by gluing everything in place. On the surface, this seems like a whimsical, child-friendly take on the theme of ambition. However, beneath the colorful bricks and catchy songs lies a deeper commentary on the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of creativity and individuality.

In a similar vein, The Hunger Games series presents a dystopian world where the Capitol rules over the districts with an iron fist. The protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, becomes a symbol of resistance against this oppressive regime, highlighting the tension between those who seek to rule and those who fight for freedom. The absurdity of the Capitol’s excesses—such as the extravagant costumes and lavish feasts—serves as a stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by the districts, underscoring the irrationality of ambition when taken to extremes.

The Philosophical Underpinnings of Ambition in Film

Beyond the surface-level narratives, many films that explore the theme of ambition also delve into philosophical questions about human nature, morality, and the meaning of power. The Dark Knight, for example, presents a complex interplay between order and chaos, with Batman and the Joker representing two opposing forces in the battle for Gotham City’s soul. The Joker’s anarchic ambition to “watch the world burn” is a direct challenge to Batman’s more controlled, albeit morally ambiguous, approach to justice.

Similarly, Inception explores the concept of ambition through the lens of dreams and reality. The protagonist, Dom Cobb, is driven by the desire to reunite with his children, but his ambition leads him into increasingly dangerous and surreal situations. The film raises questions about the nature of reality and the lengths to which people will go to achieve their goals, blurring the line between ambition and obsession.

The Role of Ambition in Character Development

Ambition is often a key driver of character development in film, shaping the arcs of protagonists and antagonists alike. In Whiplash, the young drummer Andrew Neiman is consumed by his ambition to become one of the greats, pushing himself to the brink of physical and mental collapse. His relentless pursuit of perfection is both inspiring and terrifying, highlighting the fine line between ambition and self-destruction.

On the other hand, The Wolf of Wall Street portrays ambition in a more hedonistic light, with Jordan Belfort’s rise and fall serving as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Belfort’s unquenchable ambition leads him to engage in increasingly unethical behavior, ultimately resulting in his downfall. The film’s dark humor and over-the-top antics serve to underscore the absurdity of Belfort’s ambition, making it both entertaining and unsettling.

The Broader Implications of Ambition in Society

Films that explore the theme of ambition often reflect broader societal concerns about power, inequality, and the human condition. Parasite, for example, uses the story of a poor family infiltrating a wealthy household to comment on the class divisions and systemic inequalities that exist in modern society. The film’s characters are driven by their ambitions to improve their circumstances, but their actions ultimately lead to tragic consequences, highlighting the destructive potential of unchecked ambition.

Similarly, The Great Gatsby portrays the American Dream as a double-edged sword, with Gatsby’s ambition to win back Daisy Buchanan leading to his downfall. The film’s exploration of wealth, love, and ambition serves as a critique of the materialism and moral decay that can accompany the pursuit of power and success.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of Ambition in Film

The phrase “everybody wants to rule the world” resonates deeply with audiences because it taps into a universal human desire for control, influence, and success. Whether portrayed as a noble pursuit or a destructive force, ambition is a theme that continues to captivate filmmakers and audiences alike. From the gritty realism of The Godfather to the surreal landscapes of Inception, films that explore the complexities of ambition offer a window into the human psyche, revealing both the heights of our aspirations and the depths of our flaws.

In the end, the question of what movie truly embodies the phrase “everybody wants to rule the world” may be less about finding a definitive answer and more about appreciating the diverse ways in which filmmakers have tackled this timeless theme. Whether through drama, comedy, or fantasy, the exploration of ambition in film reminds us of the power of storytelling to illuminate the human condition, challenge our assumptions, and inspire us to reflect on our own desires and aspirations.

Related Q&A

Q: What are some other films that explore the theme of ambition? A: Other notable films that delve into the theme of ambition include Citizen Kane, There Will Be Blood, Wall Street, and Black Swan. Each of these films offers a unique perspective on the pursuit of power and success, highlighting the personal and societal consequences of ambition.

Q: How does the theme of ambition differ across genres? A: The theme of ambition can manifest differently depending on the genre. In dramas, ambition is often portrayed as a driving force that leads to personal growth or downfall. In comedies, ambition might be used to create humorous situations or satirize societal norms. In action or thriller films, ambition can be the catalyst for high-stakes conflicts and moral dilemmas.

Q: Can ambition be a positive force in film? A: Yes, ambition can be portrayed as a positive force in film, particularly when it is aligned with noble goals or personal growth. For example, in The Pursuit of Happyness, the protagonist’s ambition to provide a better life for his son is depicted as a source of strength and resilience. However, even in these cases, the film often explores the challenges and sacrifices that come with pursuing one’s ambitions.