The other day I spent the afternoon watching three films. These three films were vastly different in presentation and theme and honestly the three would never be grouped together in any way but entirely random. After watching all three I realized that in a way each one of them said something about contemporary society here in the United States. Now these weren't explicit statements made by the filmmakers rather these observations come from my perspective as a cinephile and as a person who likes to observe and comment on our society in general. So I am going to give the following general observations I had after watching these films.
The first film I watched was THE SWITCH (Will Speck and Josh Gordon, Miramax Films, 2010). This film is your standard romantic comedy. It doesn't deviate from the conventions of the genre, and it was made in a way that surely maximized profits. That said;
- why do we as an audience continue to tolerate these type of films? With the ongoing digital revolution within the film industry and the ever expanding ability to not only make films but to have them exhibited anywhere, this is what we get? From our studios, particularly Miramax? The film has no substance, no humor and the stars have no chemistry. It has been three days since I watched it and all I can remember is Jason Bateman was bland, I didn't laugh and Jennifer Aniston was....
- I love Jennifer Aniston. I mean more than most. If you put me in a room with Gary and Wyatt and we strapped bras to our heads I would make Jennifer, not Lisa (and if you get that overly indulgent film reference we are forever friends). But why does she keep making these romantic comedies that are just not romantic and certainly not funny? Her two best film roles EVER are OFFICE SPACE and HORRIBLE BOSSES. Can you name a true romantic comedy she has been in where the film is memorable? Like I said, I absolutely love Jennifer Aniston. She is gorgeous and is a good actress. But please Jen, branch out beyond what romantic comedy your agent is trying to get you to do next.
- my biggest issue with the film though is that it portrays contemporary American society and those who reside in it as emotionally closed off, mentally vacant and incapable of survival against the littlest amount of stress that might be introduced into their lives. At least this scares me because maybe it is an entirely accurate portrayal?
After THE SWITCH I turned to my DVR and remembered I had recorded SAVING FACE (Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, HBO, 2011), the 2012 Academy Award winning documentary short film. With this film I had no idea what to expect. I knew it had won the Oscar but had no idea what the film entailed. I came away floored.
- the dichotomy that exists between our lives and those of the rest of the world is enormous. We are so insular in our outlook, our daily lives and our perception of the rest of the world as to be laughable.
- the brutality that not only is allowed to exist but which is commonplace in the everyday relationships between men and women. Personally men beating women is abhorrent to me, but dousing them and burning their faces with acid? Come on. How is this not shown to us? How can we turn a blind eye to such behavior and criminality? Seeing these women scarred for life is utterly heartbreaking.
- it is really nice to see filmmakers around the world standing up and making films which show the world such abhorrent practices. Without such brave people the world would be a much worse place.
- speaking of brave though, their are none braver than the women showcased in the film. Zakia and Rukshana were the two examples shown in the film and they are just two among the countless women fighting this injustice. And I have to give credit to the lawyers and politicians in Pakistan, the women lawyers and politicians who are working diligently and tirelessly to amend the situation.
- I do not claim to be a religious person nor do I know intimacies of religious texts. But I have to believe that this dichotomy that exists between the actions of these men and the teachings of the Quran is huge. Just insane that these men can justify their actions to themselves and then cloak themselves under their religion.
- back to Zakia and Rukshana. Every day they face shame and humiliation. For the rest of their lives they are disfigured, forced at times to wear the full burqa and cover their faces. Justice is coming for them, but at a glaciers pace. And they face the constant threat of further brutality. So with all the fear they face they cannot be commended enough.
- the selflessness of the doctors from around the world that volunteer their time to help these women. Spectacular.
- finally it is really difficult knowing that the majority of Americans will never hear of this film let alone take the FORTY-FIVE minutes to watch it. That is the most painful realization of the film.
At the end of this triple header I watched A BETTER LIFE (Chris Weitz, Summit Entertainment, 2011). I had wanted to see this film at the theatre but like so many of its ilk it was in and out of theaters rather quickly. But luckily the best was saved for last.
- how refreshing to see a film from the perspective of the illegal alien. And not one where tired stereotypes and blunt racism is used to make it an "important film" (please see CRASH, 2006). Regardless of your personal stance on the issue of illegal immigration and it's effects in the end they are people the same as you and I. They have dreams, ambitions and families. They have lives.
- the immense gap between the immigrant generation and the first generation of children born here in the United States. Luis Galindo (Jose Julian) for various reasons is almost completely unaware of the traditions and heritage of his father. He barely speaks proper Spanish and knows nothing of his culture. I can only imagine for generations of immigrants that come here to see their culture so easily dismissed by their children is hurtful.
- (disclaimer, you might see my view towards illegal immigration here) OUR inherent need as a society for immigrant labor and vitality.
- a side of Los Angeles that is rarely seen in movies. Like TRAINING DAY (Antoine Fuqua, 2001) this film goes into the neighborhoods of L.A. And this gives the film that much more authenticity. For those that do not live here L.A. it is a vast place with the unique characteristic of being able to go from mansions to ghetto within minutes. Just a great portrayal of another side of L.A.
- what a performance by Demian Bichir! The guy was absolutely fantastic as Carlos Galindo. Bechir showed us the all encompassing tiredness of the back breaking work he performed, his eternal love and desire to provide for his son and the subtlety with which he infused the role. An understated performance. With Jean Dujardin beating him for the Oscar this year it is really good to see foreign actors not only getting roles for American films but doing so well in them as to be nominated. It shows just how globalized the film industry has become.
- again, how many Americans have heard of this great film? Or will even attempt to see it? It doesn't go with populist politics that's for sure.
Just a really good day for me being able to watch all three films and as a film buff seeing such diversity amongst three different films. We truly live in a great time for film.
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