A "Micro" View of 9/11
This interesting piece asks in effect: "Where are all the movies about 9/11?"
Yes, of course, it concedes the existence of "United 93" and now, Oliver Stone's new film. But tellingly, the Stone film is described as a "micro" view of 9/11, and, in fairness, so was Paul Greengrass' movie, excellent though it was. And there's a reason for that.
"Micro" films about 9/11 show the attacks' impact on specific individuals -- the people on an airplane, those buried in the rubble at 9/11 for many harrowing hours. And they're affecting. But nowhere -- in stark contrast to many of the fine World War II movies -- do they discuss "why we fight" . . . which is, precisely, the highest and best function of war films: To put events in context, and boost morale for the right course of action.
The reason is simple but sad: To talk about "why we fight" is to be forced to make the argument that we fight because we believe that we are right -- and that the Islamofascist attackers and all that they stand for is wrong. The problem is that many of America's elites have lost both the capacity and the will to make that argument, to unashamedly advocate for the superiority of our way of life. For, after all, in these multicultural and relativist days, who are we to say what's good and bad? As those at Reuters have explained to us, "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."
The American people as a whole know better. And they're being poorly served by Hollywood.
Yes, of course, it concedes the existence of "United 93" and now, Oliver Stone's new film. But tellingly, the Stone film is described as a "micro" view of 9/11, and, in fairness, so was Paul Greengrass' movie, excellent though it was. And there's a reason for that.
"Micro" films about 9/11 show the attacks' impact on specific individuals -- the people on an airplane, those buried in the rubble at 9/11 for many harrowing hours. And they're affecting. But nowhere -- in stark contrast to many of the fine World War II movies -- do they discuss "why we fight" . . . which is, precisely, the highest and best function of war films: To put events in context, and boost morale for the right course of action.
The reason is simple but sad: To talk about "why we fight" is to be forced to make the argument that we fight because we believe that we are right -- and that the Islamofascist attackers and all that they stand for is wrong. The problem is that many of America's elites have lost both the capacity and the will to make that argument, to unashamedly advocate for the superiority of our way of life. For, after all, in these multicultural and relativist days, who are we to say what's good and bad? As those at Reuters have explained to us, "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter."
The American people as a whole know better. And they're being poorly served by Hollywood.
posted by LadybugUSA at 5:22 PM
4 Comments:
Speaking of propaganda, wrabkin offers "Syriana". Haven't seen it. Heard it's a convoluted load of crap. Considering Clooney's part in creating it, I wouldn't be at all surprised.
The various pundits and think tanks are busy trying to counter the incredible amount of nonsense being put out by the left. Talk about "versions" of reality. The right tends to just stick to "reality", not some "version" thereof. A good film would bring home to the viewer on a more personal level, just what the stakes are. You lefties wouldn't understand, as you have a real problem in discerning the stakes.
Honestly, I think Hollywood understands that the September 11, 2001 terror attacks have been used for political gain enough. If they make a film that shows Frank capra like struggle and faith they are only showing one side of the struggle and only one faith. If they make a film where they show oil companies betting the future of America on current profits from cruel backward governments rather than upgrading refining capability then they are vilified. They become Michael Moore or communist or whatever the fascist spew of the day is.
In the coming years I am sure you will some fictionalized Tom Clancy like Counter-terror films where blonde Bosnian muslims infiltrate an airport secuirty system or a nuclear power plant or some such and Harrison Ford saves the day. But this is not a war with battles that are easily seen and victories that are won generally remain secret for long periods of time. It just does not make very good "classic" plot.
I would suggest for a great film Carol you rent a DVD of "The Siege" with Denzel Washington, Tony Shalhoub and the lovely Annette Benning. It was prescient then it is prescient, moreso, now.
See Detroit after the next attack on US soil.
OT: And that's another thing if liberals who drift to far left are commies are conservatives who go too far right Nazis?
C.E.
"Obviously, you never worked in the energy industry."
Sure, I pumped gas as a kid. What's your point?
Good point, Carol. I linked with additional comments.
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