The Sunset of Screen Satire

The Sunset of Screen Satire

Hidden satire. “Starship Troopers” actor Casper Van Dien (left) and writer Edward Neumeier. Image Credit: Albert L. Ortega/Getty ImagesIf comedy is harder than dying, as somebody supposedly once said, satire is the hardest subspecies of screen comedy. Satirists not only take on the burden of moral authority in targeting aspects of society perceived as overweening—such as politicians, the military, high finance and Hollywood itself—they must do s…