While the chickens remain on the “chicken farm”, they are under a dictatorship. Mrs. Tweedy (Miranda Richardson) oversees and makes all decisions on the farm. Even Mr. Tweedy (Tony Haygarth) does not get to make any choices with regards to the farm. He is controlled by Mrs. Tweedy just as much as the chickens.
She also represents a fascist regime. This type of government also utilizes a main person in-charge. However, it also includes an element of racism. Mrs. Tweedy refers to the chickens as “stupid, worthless creatures”. She is so sick of them she decides to eliminate all of the ones on her farm to make more money.
The chickens have been dominated by her for so long, they cannot even image a world without a “farmer”. When they think about freedom, they still expect Mrs. Tweedy or some other farmer to watch over them and “feed [the]”. They are so used to someone overpowering them that freedom is almost unimaginable.
While Mrs. Tweedy is in the house and out of the chicken coop, the chickens recognize a more democratic system. They are working together to escape the farm and live on their own. Democracy gives the power to the people, or in this case chickens.
After the chickens finally escape, they appear to be utilizing a communist style government. Everyone appears equal, even the rats. Also, they all seem to contribute to their society, making it a functioning environment. They have moved away from needing someone to direct them to living peacefully together in a "sanctuary".
Ultimately, these chickens experience many different ways of managing their society. We do not get to see what happens after their time as communists; however, I image they would have continued to change, just like society.
On a side note, the World War II references are frightening.
We as the audience see the chickens respond to many different forms of leadership.
Film students always have different views on what is happening.
Thanks for reading! See you next week!