Winner of the 1987 Academy Award for Best Picture, Platoon is one of Oliver Stone’s best written and directed films.
The Story
Platoon follows the journey of Chris Taylor, a white middle class idealistic American who decides to join the Army and fight in Vietnam. As the story begins, it’s apparent that Chris is very green. When he sees the enemy for the first time, he freezes and does not alert the platoon that the enemy is upon them. The result is the death of another newbie soldier.
As the movie unfolds, Chris discovers that the platoon is split into two squads. One group follows Sgt. Barnes while the others adhere to Sgt. Elias. The group that follows Sgt. Barnes resembles hard drinking militaristic patriots while the crowd that trails Sgt. Elias is marijuana smoking multicultural free spirits. Initially, Chris follows Sgt. Barnes and then realizes that he relates more to the Sgt. Elias clan.
Even though the groups are different, they manage to coalesce for the common cause. However, after the platoon discovers the brutal murder of one of its members, Sgt. Barnes leads the platoon in the senseless destruction of a Vietnamese village. And, just as he is about to execute the elder of the village, Sgt. Elias stops him since he believes Barnes is acting immorally. The internal strife that was brewing inside the platoon then erupts into a civil war. Each soldier must now choose sides.
With the animosity running deep between the two sergeants, Barnes assassinates Elias. Chris, realizing that Sgt. Elias was killed by Sgt. Barnes, wants to seek vengeance. As the movie climaxes, the platoon experiences its most intense fight of its campaign. During this fight, Chris finds the bravery and strength to become a great soldier. Yet, as the fight ends, Chris still wants revenge and he kills Sgt. Barnes.
The Meaning
Almost twenty five years after its release, Platoon is even more relevant today than it was in 1986. Platoon is about the cultural war that began in the nineteen sixties which is currently playing out all across America.
Even though it is very obvious that Oliver Stone relates to and empathizes with the cultural left viewpoint portrayed by the Sgt. Elias character, he does an excellent job of accurately demonstrating the Red and Blue state mentality that currently defines the U.S. cultural war. With an idealistic belief in progressive attitudes toward racial equality and multiculturalism, the Blue state thought process mirrors the attitudes of Sgt. Elias. Wanting to revert back to time when America dominated the world with militaristic patriotism, suits the Red State mindset portrayed by Sgt. Barnes.
Since the Vietnam War was a civil war between North and South Vietnam, it is a perfect backdrop to tell the story of a divided nation fighting its own cultural war.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
Ordinary People
Winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1980, Ordinary People almost perfectly brought Judith Guest’s 1976 novel of the same name to life.
The Story
Ordinary People is a story of the Jarrett’s, an upper middle class family living in the suburbs of Chicago. The story begins with Conrad, the youngest son, reentering high school after a stint in a psychiatric hospital because he tried to commit suicide. We soon discover that Conrad and his older brother, Buck, were in a boating accident and only Conrad survived. Still dealing with the tragedy after getting out of the hospital, Conrad contacts a psychiatrist to help him. The mother and father try to bring normalcy to the family, yet both are obviously suffering tremendous mental anguish. As Conrad is spending more time with the psychiatrist, he tries to reach out to both parents. However, his mother remains cold and stoic. His father finally seeks help from the psychiatrist and tries to convince his wife to come as well. She declines and the couple’s relationship starts to dissolve. The story climaxes with Conrad finding out that one of his friends from the hospital committed suicide. Considering suicide himself, Conrad rushes to the psychiatrist to help him. As he meets with the psychiatrist, Conrad discovers that he blames himself for his brother’s death and it has been the crux of his pain all along. At the same time, the parents separate. The movie ends with the father and son able to grieve together for the pain they had held inside for so long.
The Meaning
This is a story about the power of psychology to heal mental illness. One of the striking and purposely omitted elements of the story is the lack of religion to help the family through their tragedy. It is apparent that the family is culturally Christian since they celebrate Christmas. However, the only reference to God in the movie is slang as in “Oh my God.” The writer is definitely showing how spirituality is in decline and to resolve one’s mental issues, people must embrace the healing powers of psychology. While the mother never embraces psychology, the father and son do and they are saved. The mother then becomes a tragic figure who cannot resolve her pain.
Whether you believe in psychology or not, since Judith Guest wrote her book and Robert Redford directed this movie, psychology has become much more accepted in American society. With the book being a mainstay for years in high school English classes and the movie attaining critical acclaim, it could be argued that this is the most powerful story ever to sell the benefits of psychology to resolve mental health issues.
The Story
Ordinary People is a story of the Jarrett’s, an upper middle class family living in the suburbs of Chicago. The story begins with Conrad, the youngest son, reentering high school after a stint in a psychiatric hospital because he tried to commit suicide. We soon discover that Conrad and his older brother, Buck, were in a boating accident and only Conrad survived. Still dealing with the tragedy after getting out of the hospital, Conrad contacts a psychiatrist to help him. The mother and father try to bring normalcy to the family, yet both are obviously suffering tremendous mental anguish. As Conrad is spending more time with the psychiatrist, he tries to reach out to both parents. However, his mother remains cold and stoic. His father finally seeks help from the psychiatrist and tries to convince his wife to come as well. She declines and the couple’s relationship starts to dissolve. The story climaxes with Conrad finding out that one of his friends from the hospital committed suicide. Considering suicide himself, Conrad rushes to the psychiatrist to help him. As he meets with the psychiatrist, Conrad discovers that he blames himself for his brother’s death and it has been the crux of his pain all along. At the same time, the parents separate. The movie ends with the father and son able to grieve together for the pain they had held inside for so long.
The Meaning
This is a story about the power of psychology to heal mental illness. One of the striking and purposely omitted elements of the story is the lack of religion to help the family through their tragedy. It is apparent that the family is culturally Christian since they celebrate Christmas. However, the only reference to God in the movie is slang as in “Oh my God.” The writer is definitely showing how spirituality is in decline and to resolve one’s mental issues, people must embrace the healing powers of psychology. While the mother never embraces psychology, the father and son do and they are saved. The mother then becomes a tragic figure who cannot resolve her pain.
Whether you believe in psychology or not, since Judith Guest wrote her book and Robert Redford directed this movie, psychology has become much more accepted in American society. With the book being a mainstay for years in high school English classes and the movie attaining critical acclaim, it could be argued that this is the most powerful story ever to sell the benefits of psychology to resolve mental health issues.
Friday, March 26, 2010
The Hurt Locker
The winner of the 2010 Academy Award for Best Picture, The Hurt Locker, is one of the most controversial, critically acclaimed and yet, unseen films to ever win the award.
The Story
The Hurt Locker follows the exploits of a three man team responsible for defusing mines in the Iraq War. The movie starts with the team leader being killed by a roadside bomb. The squad is then taken over by a reckless and cocky leader who makes a dangerous situation even more daunting. We discover that the new leader’s exploits are legendary as he has defused hundreds of bombs in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The other two members of the team focus on surviving until their assignment is complete, however they are convinced that the new leader will get them both killed with his irresponsible behavior.
As the story unfolds, the new team leader impresses his mates with his direction under fire. Yet, his careless behavior continues which leads to the wounding of one of the men. With the tour complete, the focus shifts to the reckless leader at home with his family as he yearns to get back into the fight. The movie ends with the leader outfitting his protective suit and walking alone presumably towards another roadside bomb.
The Meaning
First of all, The Hurt Locker is an accurate depiction of the Iraq War. The Iraq War, unlike other American wars, does not have any battles or defined missions. The United States, within a matter of days, controlled the country. So, instead of a war, Iraq is more like to an occupation. Each day, week and month of the Iraq War is marked by similar events happening again and again: suicide and roadside bombs. By having the story show one similar scene after another perfectly portrays the situation in Iraq.
However, what makes the movie rise to the level of greatness is its deeper meaning. The Hurt Locker demonstrates the cultural attitudes of present day America. For future generations, they can watch this movie to understand U.S. society in the early part of the twenty first century.
Today, America is reckless, arrogant and stands alone as the world’s only superpower. It doesn’t matter what issue of society you examine: Wall Street, consumer debt, the Afghan and Iraq War or government spending, Americans are being irresponsible and arrogant to the fact that they are flirting with disaster every day. In The Hurt Locker, the main character is an embodiment of all what is America in 2010. Acting almost like a John Wayne character, he believes America is still great and infallible, yet, in reality, he is negligent with no inclination that his actions may have consequences. He has been successful for hundreds of missions, as the United States has been successful for hundreds of years. And, the thought of failure isn’t even considered.
In the last scene, which is the most haunting, the reckless soldier walks alone into one more dangerous situation. The viewing audience is left to wonder whether or not he will make it out alive. As America reels in debt, ignores its problems and continues its reckless behavior, we must also ponder whether or not the United States will survive.
The Story
The Hurt Locker follows the exploits of a three man team responsible for defusing mines in the Iraq War. The movie starts with the team leader being killed by a roadside bomb. The squad is then taken over by a reckless and cocky leader who makes a dangerous situation even more daunting. We discover that the new leader’s exploits are legendary as he has defused hundreds of bombs in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The other two members of the team focus on surviving until their assignment is complete, however they are convinced that the new leader will get them both killed with his irresponsible behavior.
As the story unfolds, the new team leader impresses his mates with his direction under fire. Yet, his careless behavior continues which leads to the wounding of one of the men. With the tour complete, the focus shifts to the reckless leader at home with his family as he yearns to get back into the fight. The movie ends with the leader outfitting his protective suit and walking alone presumably towards another roadside bomb.
The Meaning
First of all, The Hurt Locker is an accurate depiction of the Iraq War. The Iraq War, unlike other American wars, does not have any battles or defined missions. The United States, within a matter of days, controlled the country. So, instead of a war, Iraq is more like to an occupation. Each day, week and month of the Iraq War is marked by similar events happening again and again: suicide and roadside bombs. By having the story show one similar scene after another perfectly portrays the situation in Iraq.
However, what makes the movie rise to the level of greatness is its deeper meaning. The Hurt Locker demonstrates the cultural attitudes of present day America. For future generations, they can watch this movie to understand U.S. society in the early part of the twenty first century.
Today, America is reckless, arrogant and stands alone as the world’s only superpower. It doesn’t matter what issue of society you examine: Wall Street, consumer debt, the Afghan and Iraq War or government spending, Americans are being irresponsible and arrogant to the fact that they are flirting with disaster every day. In The Hurt Locker, the main character is an embodiment of all what is America in 2010. Acting almost like a John Wayne character, he believes America is still great and infallible, yet, in reality, he is negligent with no inclination that his actions may have consequences. He has been successful for hundreds of missions, as the United States has been successful for hundreds of years. And, the thought of failure isn’t even considered.
In the last scene, which is the most haunting, the reckless soldier walks alone into one more dangerous situation. The viewing audience is left to wonder whether or not he will make it out alive. As America reels in debt, ignores its problems and continues its reckless behavior, we must also ponder whether or not the United States will survive.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Little Miss Sunshine
When this low budget independent movie started to gain traction with theater audiences and received an Oscar nomination, there were many viewers who expressed confusion in regards to meaning of Little Miss Sunshine. And, based on the story, it seems logical why many Americans would not understand the meaning of this almost perfect cinematic tale.
The Story
Little Miss Sunshine is a story about a dysfunctional family living in New Mexico. The father is peddling a nine point plan for success that is gaining no acceptance. The mother realizes that her brother, the gay Proust scholar, unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide. The teenage son takes a vow of silence until he achieves his goal of flying jets in the Air Force. The young daughter is obsessed with beauty pageants and lastly, the grandfather is a heroin addict forced to live with his son since he was thrown out of his retirement home.
The story picks up with the realization that the daughter has just qualified for a beauty pageant in California and the family must drive together to attend. During this journey, the VW Van breaks down and can only start in third gear. The father finds out that his book deal is not moving forward. The grandfather dies of a heroin overdose. The gay brother discovers that his lover has left him for his rival and the teenage son finds out that he is color blind and cannot fly jets.
Just making it in time to the beauty pageant, the family is struck by the recognition that the girls in the pageant are much pretty than the daughter. Even though the family wants to stop the daughter from performing, she goes on anyway and does a striptease act taught to her by her grandfather. The movie climaxes with the entire family defending the daughter’s right to perform on stage.
The Meaning
Little Miss Sunshine is a Buddhist tale. For this reason, I believe many Americans have a hard time understanding it. Americans, like the characters in the movie, embrace a tomorrow thinking culture and they do not share the “today attitude” of Buddhist philosophy.
In the movie, the characters ignore today and dream or lament about tomorrow. The father obsesses about a book deal that will make him rich. The son sacrifices any social life to become an Air Force pilot. The daughter dreams about becoming a beauty queen. On the other side, the gay brother gives up on tomorrow since he is no longer the preeminent Proust scholar and the grandfather thinks there is nothing else to live for so he slowly commits suicide by heroin use.
Through all of this forward thinking, when the daughter is making a travesty of the beauty pageant by performing an inappropriate, yet innocent striptease act, the family stops thinking about tomorrow and embraces today. Each individually jumps on stage and dances along with the daughter showing defiance to the beauty pageant. The beauty pageant is a symbol of a forward thinking culture that prepares each of us to participate in future “beauty pageants” that will constitute our “success”. Collectively realizing that life is about the here and now, the family enjoys the moment and rebukes their forward thinking personas.
The Story
Little Miss Sunshine is a story about a dysfunctional family living in New Mexico. The father is peddling a nine point plan for success that is gaining no acceptance. The mother realizes that her brother, the gay Proust scholar, unsuccessfully tried to commit suicide. The teenage son takes a vow of silence until he achieves his goal of flying jets in the Air Force. The young daughter is obsessed with beauty pageants and lastly, the grandfather is a heroin addict forced to live with his son since he was thrown out of his retirement home.
The story picks up with the realization that the daughter has just qualified for a beauty pageant in California and the family must drive together to attend. During this journey, the VW Van breaks down and can only start in third gear. The father finds out that his book deal is not moving forward. The grandfather dies of a heroin overdose. The gay brother discovers that his lover has left him for his rival and the teenage son finds out that he is color blind and cannot fly jets.
Just making it in time to the beauty pageant, the family is struck by the recognition that the girls in the pageant are much pretty than the daughter. Even though the family wants to stop the daughter from performing, she goes on anyway and does a striptease act taught to her by her grandfather. The movie climaxes with the entire family defending the daughter’s right to perform on stage.
The Meaning
Little Miss Sunshine is a Buddhist tale. For this reason, I believe many Americans have a hard time understanding it. Americans, like the characters in the movie, embrace a tomorrow thinking culture and they do not share the “today attitude” of Buddhist philosophy.
In the movie, the characters ignore today and dream or lament about tomorrow. The father obsesses about a book deal that will make him rich. The son sacrifices any social life to become an Air Force pilot. The daughter dreams about becoming a beauty queen. On the other side, the gay brother gives up on tomorrow since he is no longer the preeminent Proust scholar and the grandfather thinks there is nothing else to live for so he slowly commits suicide by heroin use.
Through all of this forward thinking, when the daughter is making a travesty of the beauty pageant by performing an inappropriate, yet innocent striptease act, the family stops thinking about tomorrow and embraces today. Each individually jumps on stage and dances along with the daughter showing defiance to the beauty pageant. The beauty pageant is a symbol of a forward thinking culture that prepares each of us to participate in future “beauty pageants” that will constitute our “success”. Collectively realizing that life is about the here and now, the family enjoys the moment and rebukes their forward thinking personas.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)