If we look at film as the art form it is we can assume that it will at times contain social commentary or inspiration or beauty for it's own sake. It might be enlightening, thought provoking or plain old entertaining.
Viewed as a pastime the movies are probably no more moronic than watching a bunch of blokes chuck a ball round a field, or trying to hit a ball into a hole or burning gallons of gas racing around a track.
I had a quick think about some non-moronic films and there are many many more but off the top of my head I could recommend these:
- Boy
- Ten canoes
- The Cave of the Yellow Dog
- Lives of Others
- Blood Diamond
- The Constant Gardener
- Once
- The Bucket List
- Hotel Rwanda
- The Kings Speech
- Into the Wild
- The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
- Samson and Delilah
- Water for Elephants
- An Education
And when it's all boiled down, what's wrong with a bit of moronic escapism?
*shrug* Nothing wrong with a bit of escapism. who does it hurt to get the mind to a different place for a time?
ReplyDeleteJust because your form of escapism is not the form I or someone else may prefer it mentally offers the same endorphin release.
By the by I have only seen two of the movies on your list. Maybe I should get out more.
mark, you write poetry, i watch movies. it's nothing to do with getting out :)
ReplyDeletebut go on and watch some!
catfish is another interesting one
Who's to say what's moronic escapism as opposed to stimulating creativity? It's all a matter of opinion. Certainly everyone needs something to refresh their mind after a day in the office or a day of domestic chores.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen many of those films. I thought The King's Speech took a lot of liberties with the historical truth, but it was an engaging film with some excellent acting. A lot of films have flaws, but to describe them as moronic is itself moronic.
nick
ReplyDeletei wouldnt know what liberties were taken with the kings speech but i guess its easier when you lived it ;)
Jeez, Kylie, I haven't seen a single one of those!
ReplyDeleteI've fallen into a bit of a rut, lately. Just revisiting old favorites rather than looking at anything new. (Where new is defined as almost everything that has been released in the last ten years.) That needs to be corrected.
I do spend quite a bit of time reading though. So, there's that. :)
megan,
ReplyDeletei'm embarassed to say i havent read a book in twenty years! (slight exaggeration)
if people dont care much for film it's a case of horses for courses but theres no need to be derogatory about it
Haven't read a book in twenty years? Off with her head!!
ReplyDeletenick, i have read a bit...
ReplyDeleteif somebody puts a book in front of me i devour it but i dont make any effort to procure them so its slim pickings :)
babies kind of broke the habit and i never got it back
Hmm there's a few there I haven't seen yet. I've still got a Gold Class voucher from Christmas that needs redeeming, then watching movies on your own isn't much fun.
ReplyDeletei thought you said mormon escapism?
ReplyDeleteBeauty, and therefore works of art, is in the eye of the beholder. If a movie can provoke laughter, fear, and prompt tears in your eyes then it truly initates an emotional response akin to listening to your favourite piece of music , viewing an amazing painting or immersing yopurself in a riveting book (for those of us with time)...
ReplyDeleteFee
Lawrence of Arabia
ReplyDeleteThe Italian Job ie original
The Rabbit Proof Fence
The Castle
The Man from Snowy River
Crocodile Dundee
Oldies that were reasonable "escape"
entertainment in their era
I reserve the right to be derogatory. :)
ReplyDelete