By Michael Kelman Portney

Overview of the Film 'A Few Good Men' and Its Iconic Scene

The film "A Few Good Men," directed by Rob Reiner and released in 1992, is a courtroom drama that has left an indelible mark on American cinema. Its most memorable moment comes when Colonel Nathan Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson, delivers the line, “You can’t handle the truth!” This scene encapsulates the film’s exploration of power, authority, and the moral complexities of national security. Jessup’s outburst is not just a dramatic climax; it serves as a metaphor for the broader theme of how Americans are often shielded from uncomfortable truths by those in power. This article delves into how this iconic scene mirrors the ways in which Americans are kept from the truth and how powerful interests justify this concealment, believing that people “can’t handle” the harsh realities that lie beneath the surface.

1. The Justification of “Necessary Lies”

In "A Few Good Men," Colonel Jessup argues that ordinary Americans need soldiers like him to “stand on that wall” and do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. This includes bending the rules, concealing the truth, and engaging in actions that, if made public, would undermine trust in the government and military. Jessup’s rationale parallels the way many powerful interests—whether in government, media, or Big Tech—justify withholding information from the public. Americans are often fed sanitized narratives, supposedly for their own good, while the complex, ugly truths of issues like surveillance, corporate influence, and corruption are hidden away. When leaders justify deception in the name of “national interest” or “public good,” they’re essentially telling Americans they “can’t handle the truth.”

This concept of “necessary lies” is deeply ingrained in the fabric of American society. From the justification of military interventions to the manipulation of economic data, the narrative is often controlled to maintain public order and confidence. The idea is that the average citizen is incapable of understanding or coping with the full scope of reality, thus necessitating a filtered version of the truth. This paternalistic approach not only undermines democratic principles but also erodes public trust over time.

2. Cultivating a False Sense of Security

In the film, Jessup insists that the American people need to believe they’re safe. To him, this means maintaining illusions, because exposing the truth would shake the nation’s confidence. Similarly, Americans today are often reassured with half-truths and false narratives to maintain a sense of security—economic, social, and political. From downplaying economic inequality to concealing the true reach of surveillance programs, powerful interests craft narratives that give Americans the illusion of safety and fairness. They promote a worldview in which hard work and patriotism are rewarded, even as systemic inequalities persist. Like Jessup, they argue that revealing the truth—whether about the impacts of corporate policies or the reality of wealth gaps—would lead to public disillusionment or outrage.

This false sense of security is perpetuated through various means, including media portrayals, political rhetoric, and educational systems that emphasize nationalistic ideals over critical thinking. By creating a narrative that aligns with the interests of those in power, the public is lulled into a state of complacency, believing that the systems in place are inherently just and equitable. This manufactured sense of security prevents meaningful change and perpetuates the status quo.

3. Censorship as “Protection”

Colonel Jessup’s mentality isn’t just about keeping people safe; it’s about controlling the narrative to maintain order. This mentality has parallels in today’s America, where censorship is increasingly framed as a means of “protection.” Algorithms and media filters are used to prioritize certain messages, frame specific issues, and silence dissenting voices, all in the name of public good or “safety.” By controlling the information Americans consume, powerful interests curate a reality in which inconvenient truths are hidden away, much like Jessup tries to hide the dark underbelly of military justice. This manipulation reinforces certain beliefs and discourages critical thinking, keeping people within mental “safe zones” that reflect only part of the truth.

The rise of digital platforms has exacerbated this issue, as algorithms designed to maximize engagement often prioritize sensational or agreeable content over nuanced or challenging perspectives. This creates echo chambers where individuals are exposed only to information that reinforces their existing beliefs, further entrenching divisions and stifling open discourse. The framing of censorship as protection is a dangerous precedent, as it allows those in power to dictate what is considered acceptable or safe, often at the expense of truth and transparency.

4. Brainwashing Through Manufactured Loyalty

Jessup’s belief is that loyalty to one’s country requires submission to authority without question. He views any challenge to his authority as unpatriotic, and he expects his subordinates to trust his decisions blindly. This idea mirrors the brainwashing of Americans into equating patriotism with conformity. Dissent, questioning authority, and seeking the truth are often framed as unpatriotic, un-American, or even dangerous. Powerful entities frequently equate loyalty to the nation with loyalty to their version of the truth. This creates a culture in which Americans are subtly discouraged from questioning authority or challenging official narratives, while alternative perspectives are painted as “dangerous” or “unpatriotic.” This tactic is a direct parallel to Jessup’s perspective, where submission is loyalty and questioning is betrayal.

This manufactured loyalty is reinforced through symbols, rituals, and rhetoric that glorify national identity while marginalizing dissenting voices. The conflation of patriotism with blind allegiance serves to suppress critical inquiry and maintain the dominance of prevailing power structures. By framing dissent as a threat to national unity, those in power can effectively silence opposition and maintain control over the narrative.

5. The Power of the “Big Lie”

Jessup embodies a worldview in which truth is malleable—a tool to be shaped to maintain order and power. In America today, a similar concept plays out through the idea of the “Big Lie.” Whether in politics, media, or advertising, people are bombarded with repeated messages designed to override critical thought and shape public perception. The “Big Lie” works because it’s delivered with conviction and authority, making people doubt their own perceptions. In "A Few Good Men," Jessup’s truth is as absolute to him as the official narratives Americans are often told to believe. When truth is presented with authority and repetition, it becomes difficult to question, creating an environment where brainwashing isn’t a matter of coercion but of unrelenting conditioning.

The effectiveness of the “Big Lie” lies in its simplicity and repetition. By presenting a consistent narrative across multiple platforms and voices, those in power can create a sense of inevitability and acceptance. This tactic is particularly potent in an age of information overload, where individuals are bombarded with conflicting messages and may struggle to discern fact from fiction. The “Big Lie” exploits this confusion, offering a clear and authoritative narrative that simplifies complex issues and discourages critical engagement.

6. “Protecting” People by Distorting Reality

In "A Few Good Men," Jessup’s version of the truth is skewed to justify his actions. Similarly, Americans are often shielded from reality by distorted narratives that justify harmful policies or unethical practices. From corporate greenwashing to selective media coverage, the public is presented with filtered realities meant to keep them passive, loyal, and uninformed. This distortion serves to maintain power structures and prevent people from fully grasping the truth. Much like Jessup argues that ordinary Americans “need him on that wall,” powerful interests imply that Americans “need” a filtered reality for their own good. This tactic not only distorts reality but conditions Americans to trust authority over their own judgment.

The distortion of reality is a deliberate strategy employed by those in power to maintain control and prevent dissent. By presenting a curated version of events, powerful interests can manipulate public perception and justify actions that may otherwise be deemed unacceptable. This manipulation is often subtle, relying on selective reporting, biased framing, and strategic omissions to shape the narrative in a way that aligns with the interests of those in power.

7. Breaking the Cycle of Controlled Truth

In "A Few Good Men," the climax comes when Lieutenant Kaffee exposes Jessup’s “truth” for what it really is—a carefully constructed lie that serves his power. This mirrors what’s needed to combat the brainwashing of Americans today. Just as Kaffee challenges Jessup’s justification, there’s a growing need for Americans to challenge the narratives they’re fed and seek the truths hidden beneath them. This scene serves as a metaphorical wake-up call, urging people to question authority, challenge the status quo, and demand transparency. Breaking the cycle of controlled truth requires courage and a willingness to confront uncomfortable realities, much like Kaffee does in the film’s courtroom.

To break free from the cycle of controlled truth, individuals must cultivate critical thinking skills and seek out diverse perspectives. This involves questioning official narratives, engaging with alternative viewpoints, and demanding accountability from those in power. By fostering a culture of inquiry and skepticism, individuals can resist the pressures of conformity and challenge the narratives that seek to control them.

Final Thoughts: Confronting Our Own “Jessups”

Jessup’s declaration that “you can’t handle the truth” reflects a belief that ordinary people must be protected from harsh realities. In America, similar dynamics play out every day, as people are kept in the dark about the full implications of the systems around them. Whether through controlled narratives, censorship, or corporate doublespeak, Americans are often told that they “can’t handle” the truth—only to be handed a carefully filtered version of reality. But just like Kaffee’s determination to reveal the truth, there’s a need to confront these manufactured realities. The real path to empowerment lies in challenging the narratives that seek to control us, refusing to accept “truths” that justify the unjust, and demanding accountability from those who insist on keeping us in the dark. Because, at the end of the day, the truth is something we all have a right—and the capacity—to handle.

In conclusion, "A Few Good Men" serves as a powerful allegory for the ways in which truth is manipulated and controlled in American society. By examining the parallels between the film and contemporary issues, we can better understand the mechanisms of brainwashing and the importance of challenging the narratives that seek to control us. Only by confronting our own “Jessups” can we hope to achieve a more transparent and equitable society.