AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT...

Believe it or not, I do think about things other than movies (not often, mind you.) I've been thinking about capitalism, thanks to an anarchist friend. He openly states how much he hates capitalism and favors socialism instead. He believes that the capitalist system has created the haves and have-nots. So that got me thinking and I have to say that I don't agree. Let's look up the definition of capitalism: economic system in which the production and distribution of goods depend on invested private capital and profit making.

Doesn't sound too bad (in theory), but than many things sound good on paper. For example:

Communism: political theory advocating public ownership of property.

Socialism: political and economic theory of social organization advocating state ownership and control of the means of production, distribution, and exchange.

Democracy: government by the whole population, usually through elected representatives.

They all seem like sound systems, so why don't they work? It's the people that fail the system, not the system failing the people. Let's face facts folks, we are fallible. The problem with the haves and have-nots is that it boils down to human nature. There will always be those who want endlessly and those-myself included-who don't put much importance on stuff. Our society as a whole believes that it is the things we have and not the values and morals we believe in that make us who we are. It sickens me and I would do anything to change that, but I don't see an answer to it. There will always be people who are greedy and power hungry. And there will always be those who need a leader, who are stuck where they are and don't mind.

Does this sound pessimistic? Perhaps. I often say that I hate humans and what I mean is that I hate how some people are narrow-minded, pig-headed, and flat out stupid. It frustrates me, but what ya gonna do? I have always voted because I can't bitch if I don't. I live in this country so I support capitalism. Do I think things will change? Probably not in my lifetime, but does that mean that I won't express my opinions whenever I can? Hell No!!! My strength is my voice and my ability to share my thoughts whenever I can.

But I digress...my point is that no matter what system we use, we are victims of human nature. We have seen in history that socialism and communism can fail and now we are witnessing the failure of democracy. What's sad is that the majority-those who by definition should have the power-are allowing this to happen. So I have been trying to find a system that would suit human nature and do you know what I have decided? There isn't a system to support the selfishness, narrow-mindedness, and malignant complacency of people. To be honest, I think we could screw up anarchy, too.

That sounds pretty pathetic, but than that's how I often feel about the majority. If I could have one wish it would be one giant slap across the face to wake people up and make them feel again. If for no other reason, so they could see that it doesn't mean shit what car you drive, how big your house is, what kind of job you have, or how much money you have. In the end, we all decompose into the same stuff.

CRONENBERG: LOVE HIM OR HATE HIM

I went to see "A History of Violence" this weekend and I can only say one word: wow! This is a disturbing and very good film. It quickly moves from images of extreme violence to moments of near-boring family life. We are introduced to the Stall family with the scream of a young girl. Her father comforts her after a nightmare. His teenage son comes in and calms her down. Finally, her mother joins them, completing an almost surreal picture of family. This is not the kind of family we are familiar with anymore-a real "Leave it to Beaver" portrait. The film continues to show an existence that seems too good to be true. They live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and they all seem happy. The father, Tom Stall, owns a diner in town. One evening, two men enter and try to rob the diner. Stall protects his employees and customers with brutal force, quickly killing both men with apparent ease.

He suddenly becomes a reluctant local hero and is thrust into the limelight. This brings a stranger into town, Carl Fogarty, who insists that Tom is actually Joey Cusack from Philadelphia. Fogarty goads Tom, telling him that he used to be a great killer. Despite Tom's insistance that Fogarty is mistaken, he lurks around keeping an eye on both Tom and his family. The film escalates into a virus of fury that inflicts Tom, his wife, and his teenage son.

As I said, I enjoyed the film. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal of Tom reveals a man conflicted, confused, and concerned for his family. Maria Bello is mesmerizing as Edie, a woman who must watch as everything she knows crumbles in front of her. I have always enjoyed David Cronenberg; however, I have found that the lines are strictly drawn as far as whether people like his films or hate them. He enjoys shocking his audiences and he succeeds in this film. He lulls the audience into a false sense of comfort and then throws gore in their faces. Don't relax too much because he will grab your shoulders and shake 'em!

It's interesting to note that Cronenberg didn't write this script, which he usually does. The script came from a graphic novel. This is the second film I have seen recently that was adapted from graphic novel that I really enjoyed-the first being "Road to Perdition." If you haven't seen that film, watch it. It stars Tom Hanks as, of all things, a hitman who must protect his son from the mob family he has been a part of for years. Paul Newman plays the head of the family torn between his love for Hanks' character and his fatherly duty to his son who is played by Daniel Craig (the new James Bond.) Every performance in this movie is great. Jude Law is barely recognizable as the creepiest of creepy hitmen. What I truly enjoy about this film is the cinematography. It is beautiful. It takes place in the 1930's and is set in the midwest. It has a simple, quiet beauty about it.

There is another graphic novel I have heard is being adapted into a movie. It is Steve Niles' "30 Days of Night", the story of a quiet Alaska town that is invaded by vampires during the winter month where there is no sunlight. As far as I can see, it should be coming out some time next year, but there is no other information about it. I await it's arrival eagerly. But I digress...

Go and see "A History of Violence" and tell me what you thought of it, but keep in mind if you don't like David Cronenberg films, you probably won't like this one.

CRASHED INTO ME

It's been nearly two weeks since I first watched "Crash" and it stills haunts me. This film has lingered like the image you see when you close your eyes after staring at the sun. It is the in-your-face honesty that intrigued me. "Crash" begins with Det. Waters (Don Cheadle) theorizing about why L.A. drivers get in accidents. "It's the sense of touch. In any real city, you walk, you know? You brush past people, people bump into you. In L.A., nobody touches you. We're always behind this metal and glass. I think we miss that touch so much, that we crash into each other, just so we can feel something." At this point it becomes apparent that he has been in a car accident.

The next scene shows Anthony (Ludacris) and Peter (Lorenz Tate), two young African American men, leaving a restaurant. Anthony is complaining about the service they received saying that it is because they are black. He further rants about prejudices that his race suffers on a daily basis. I can't tell you any more. You have to see it for yourself.

What I can tell you is this is one of the best films I have seen in a long time. The script is expertly written. It is interesting to note that Paul Haggis wrote it because of an incident that happened to him over ten years ago. He and his wife were car-jacked one night and that crime lingered in his mind,but not because it happened to him. He kept wondering about the men who committed the crime. Who were they? Were they long-time friends or just partners in crime? And did they watch the rented video they had also stolen? I have always been interested in how screenwriters develop their stories, primarily because I am an aspiring screenwriter myself and I think it is fascinating how simply some people can find a story.

The other thing I must shout about is the entourage of outstanding actors in this film. From the experienced skills of Don Cheadle and Matt Dillon to the fresh new talents of Chris (Ludacris) Bridges and Michael Pena, this film is the best acted film in a long time. The list of excellent performances is amazing. What a coup for Mr. Haggis. Not only has he written a wonderful script, but he has amassed the perfect cast for his directorial debut.

I could continue talking about this film forever, but I won't because I want you to stop reading this blog, rush to your nearest rental place, watch it, think, watch it again, and then let me know what you think.

"Crash" leaves you thinking about many interesting ideas. I will pose this question to you-what makes a person a hero and what makes them a recreant?