Monday, April 21, 2008

Just Got Back From Watching Expelled

First of all, I know without a doubt, going into these films I'm watching propaganda. It's undeniable. But I don't think thats a bad thing. I go to these types of movies, not just to obtain information, for I am nothing but a sponge when it comes to debates like this, but I go to these movies for the exact same reason I go to any movie - The narrative flow. That's why I think Michael Moore is a genius. He can make me generally care about any topic he decides to make a movie on. You always got to stand back and realize that you are being manipulated, but that's true of all movies. You're being manipulated to believe a certain way whether you are aware of it or not.

Anybody smart enough can realize their being manipulated by this film when stock footage clips of the Berlin Wall being built at the same time Ben Stein is trying to convince us of a wall being built in the scientific community about Intelligent Design vs. Darwinism. As a screenwriter, I must say that's brilliant story telling. I can really care less about either argument, but I love the fact that I'm being manipulated to one side or the other. That's where emotion comes from. I feel for the victims of this movie. I am appalled by the atrocities being laid forth. Do I care if there true or not? Not one bit.

Personally I feel, my time here on earth is such of a minuscule amount, that it's not worth the effort to take a side. My life, where at I'm at right now, and where I'm heading as a screenwriter or artist, is not deeply effected by such scientific inquiry. Unless I plan on writing a screenplay on said subject, it doesn't matter in my universe. But that's just my beliefs. Take it or leave it.

But to delve further into the matter, another reason I love such documentaries like this, is not just the narrative flow, but the amount of conflict involved. We're talking about philosophical ideals held in high regard by both sides and they're butting heads, Clash of the Titans style. That's what really makes these movies so interesting. That's what makes all movies interesting. who will win the conflict?

Personally, I believe such conflict is beneficial to our society. As long as we have opposing sides bashing it out, the truth will be revealed somewhere in the middle. Whether it's Republicans vs. Democrats. Creationism vs. Darwinism. Pro-life vs. Pro-choice. Both sides will keep the other side in check. And they'll come to a necessary compromise to ensure life as we know it will continue on as best as possible.

That might be my narrow-minded sugar-coated version of what's really going on, but that's the position I'll take. Whoever wins, I will follow. What really worries me, is when one side or the other is taken out of the picture. That's when we get the dictators, the megalomaniacs like Hitler who leave a tremendous dark spot on the history of humanity. As long as we have two opposing sides, we're all safe somewhere in the middle.

And In Other News...

I'm not sure if my last post was appropriate for me or not. On one side I want to be professional with this blog. But the other side of me treats this more like an online diary of sorts. The post may have come off as a bad joke, one that I nonetheless, felt like sharing. I could delete the post, but I would hate to have to censor myself. Free speech is free speech, not matter how ill-humored it may be. But, as it was pointed out to me, professionalism is always preferred to immaturity. From this point on, I will act my age and not my I.Q.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Pacino Cops A Feel

I just got back from watching 88 Minutes. Not a bad movie at all. I thought it was told really well. I was generally concerned with the characters. It had a great plot. Blah, blah, blah. I mean is there any other way to describe a good movie. Not a great movie. We can easily write about movies we're blown away with, but good movies get the same old tired expression. Maybe, because I just got back from watching it, I can't clearly articulate how I feel yet. Maybe, I need time to digest the movie before I can go in depth about it.

But I had to post right away, because there's a scene you should look out for. It's Pacino coping a feel on his co-star Alicia Witt. It happens right after the car explodes. He had just knocked her down and his hand brushes across her right tit. Then, when he picks her up, his hand brushes against her left tit. Way to go, Pacino! Even in the midst of peril, he manages to cop a feel. Ain't Al just the personification of cool?