Conspiracy in the Spy Film

In conspiracy ideologies, intelligence services play a central role. Due to
reduced knowledge, the public image of the world of agents is also composed
of fragments and stereotypes from spy films. Spy films usually merge
facts and fiction—with the greatest possible freedom, because they are usually
not verifiable—offer simple and coherent explanations of the complex world
of intelligence and resort to conspiracy narratives. While conspiracy ideologies
are stigmatized in broad society, they are now a defining basic element
in spy films and are accepted as a legitimate means for a growing audience.
The societal challenge is that spy films, which tell conspiracies realistically
and stringently, can ultimately be used as supposed evidence for the correctness
of these. The essay argues that it is precisely blockbusters and successful
film series that significantly contribute to the spread and subtle acceptance of
conspiracy ideologies.