Film as Politics, Allegory, and Morality Play
Many movies present alternative takes on truth. Many movies present a story unheard of, and present it as if it is truth that is unrealized. But this brief commentary is that there are movies that present information and you, as the viewer have to come to a conclusion to fully appreciate the work. I was moved to consider this subject too when I looked up one of the films Nate Barlow mentioned during Interview week, being that it was both vulgar, offensive and possibly fine art, ... "Salò or the 120 Days of Sodom"which I'd heard of, a very long time ago, never knew what it was about, and then Nate reminded me in his words that it was a powerful, if difficult to watch work. (Link to Nate's interview)
RASHOMON: The first film shown was a creative work from the great Akira Kurosawa. In it he presented a famous tale, IN A GROVE by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa and shows how different parties to an event, even eyewitnesses, can all agree on most of the facts, but bring, through their experiences and perspectives an entirely unique take on that single event. I'm not suggesting that it is guilty of being a form of "Moral relativism". It could certainly be considered a work that gives equal weight to the arguments of every participant, and therefore elevates the versions of truth that might otherwise be tossed out. The film presents an event, of a samurai murdered, his wife raped, and the bandit who raped her and killed the samurai, played by the great Toshiro Mifune, and gives stirring accounts of the event, but due to how words can be twisted and motives hidden or denied, allows a mirage of truth, and is made ever more unclear by the accounts of the actors within it. The movie viewer is likely to not have an answer to the question that is the basis of the whole film, despite the end results of the event focused upon being agreed upon in fact.
Z is an allegorical film, which fictionalizes but keeps most elements of, the assassination of war protestor, politician and physician Greek Grigoris Lambrakis in 1963. The work contemplates the factors that are involved in why the assassination happened, political views and ideas contributing to the reasons for the assassination, and the consequence of the event. But it does more, while it presents a case of murder and trials and capture of the killer/s, the movie follows a path where is suggests to the viewer resolution might occur, but instead shows how at the time of possible conclusion and decisive results and adjudication, the lead prosecutor is removed from the case. Eye witnesses are found to be slain, and there is no feeling of justice, as a pitifully short sentence to murderers as well it shows with the ultimate cultural collapse following, and reveals that the right wing who had Lambrakis killed, now have made certain, with a sort of impunity, to remove all liberal products and ideals from Greece. This collapse meant educational curriculum were now to be changed, entertainment now sanitized. The movie director made certain to lead the viewer down a path, but with his ending he makes certain there are no happy endings. The ending leads the viewer to wonder if we ourselves in a similar time and state, if the assassins would be so utilized with such a devastating impact? More so, the question is also about how a modern nation responds to violence as a means to political change.
SEVEN DAYS IN MAY isn't the same level of depths or deception, as the others upon this list, but it is a valuable look into the will to power, what kind of person is drawn to power, and what is the cost of having a leader who might be morally correct but unpopular, or popular, unprincipled leader that seems to take the country into an abyss of disaster, whether by war or by surrender to her enemies. In this case an unpopular president who is seeking a treaty to end the cold war comes into conflict with a popular general who has every force aligned with his desire to acquire power. When a moral military man who is loyal to the US Constitution, the President and the people is asked by the President his views on the treaty, he gives an honest response. He thinks the treaty is a bad idea. But this bad idea is one that is rightfully left to the civilian leadership of the country. Soon the President and the General both begin maneuvering for power, and the use of false documents to take power are thwarted, and the President makes an address to the people. The need for a depth of character required to stand firm in the face of charismatic power, shows how quickly the state might become taken over by military tyrants. In the present day, this is a valuable idea to consider.
SALO OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM This movie will destroy your sense of hope, beauty and ideals. Through direct and indirect allegorical commentary, about all sorts of ideas, this is a beautifully composed work that is horrible to watch. In some ways it is exactly what was said about the Nazi art movement, that as it was created to reflect the fascist state's power and cultural meaning, it is art without a soul, without the needed elements to elevate humanity. And while there is beauty, it is all in the service of propaganda, and not the sort you will used to viewing. In addition to Dante's Comedy themes of Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso, there are references in this to Ezra Pound's narrative Cantos, Nietzsche's essays on morality, and even the surreal and somewhat existential works of Marcel Proust. They are rewarding references, it adds layers to the work, but it is so full of information, few will have the resources to interpret and watch at the same viewing. Nihilism, Fascism, Capitalism, Sexual power, Sadism and Materialism, all are considered by the story told. As there are many themes in this work, it could be considered to be a layered work beyond the reach of many viewers, but the reason most of the themes do not get perceived, involve torture, sexual rape and scatology that goes beyond suggestion. That this work has been banned by many nations isn't a response from a reactionary or political correctness, it is exactly that disturbing. The work does reward the viewing, but... it is a hard watch.
JFK As I mentioned a couple articles back, I have been reading a variety of books about the JFK Assassination and various theories of the event. Mark Lane said in various interviews that Oliver Stone's JFK was mostly correct, in fact, even in general all correct, but his use of a fictional monologue and fictional characters, took away from the facts known and the theory argued. Essentially, with JFK, Oliver Stone takes the arguments of Jim Garrison who was the only DA who charged a member of the public for the act of assassination, and fictionalizes elements so that the story, for film viewing, is a cohesive and settled thing. That makes for good movie watching, but of course, the truth isn't a movie. Someone once pointed out to me that Occam's razor a truism about how more likely a simple answer is to a complicated one didn't apply for most conspiracy theories. I'd agree, except there are events where the simplest and most direct path of information isn't the correct one. I do believe that something outside of the Warren Commission facts happened during the JFK assassination. While I don't suggest I know the answer, the event and flaws in data collection and assumptions about what simple facts may look like, suggest to me something quite different than the government's offerings. JFK the movie is a brilliant work. But it is flawed as well, for in the drive to tell a story from one perspective, it trampled on known facts to prove its own points. And that is never a good thing. So, just as Braveheart the movie is a wonderful film, history it ain't, JFK is a fascinating watch, but pure truth it is not.
COMICS IN REVIEW
T-BIRD & THROTTLE VS THE MOON MEN
By Josh Howard
Review Item provided by creative talent/publisher
Consider me a fortunate man. I have people in my life who are amazingly talented, kind, generous and truly gifted in ways I could never be. I don't envy them, but I do admire them. And I admire Josh Howard a great deal. I have interviewed him since way back in Slushfactory.com days, and have followed his work and became friends with him over time. When his Dead@17 series ended, after many volumes of wonderful work, I expected any of the big publishers to snap him up, his work is great, his work ethic is obviously awesome, and his talent doesn't rely upon cultural clues, keys and tropes to make him seem important, he IS important. And when no publisher stepped forward, I wondered if Josh would be forced to enter into the animation world, as his work is obviously well applicable to that setting. Or I wondered, would he make t-shirt designs and be forced into silence. Instead he made comics. I reviewed the early #0 and 1, 2 issues of this series, but watched as every kickstarter rocked the house and he provided his supporters with many bonuses and blew down the doors of a comic world that thrives on negativity. His work is anything but that.
T-Bird and Throttle are a team of super heroes, of the sorts you'd have found beginning in the 1960s and beyond. There is a great amount of love displayed towards the comic universes of DC and Marvel, with homage in full view. But this isn't the Watchmen, the Dark Knight, The Avengers or anything you've seen before. With perfect art and perfect writing tone, Josh Howard told his own story, one not borrowing from the shared universes of comicdom. He told a story that is both sad and tragic, as well as glorious and joyful. His story of a fallen hero, origins of the same, and the ascent, shows how a positive work can use every tool in the creative tool box, and enter a world long thought dead for new ideas, and create a brand new idea. With both government heroes and villains, aliens as enemies and heroes, and real life relationships at risk, Josh Howard KNOWs who to tell a story, this is a creative paradise, and the story he told brought water to my eyes upon the finish. If you like superheroes this works. If you don't like superheroes it still works, because ultimately, a clever reader will be able to understand, there is a far deeper allegory being presented, and anyone who is human will be well served to understand the ideas being presented, and those presented without a narrative voice to guide the reader. With powerful characters, of both genders, fallen heroes and rising from the ashes tales that affirm one's place in the world, I loved this book. That it was sent for review just made it all that much more amazing.
And for those interested:
Trade paperbacks can be purchased here https://joshhoward.bigcartel.
New Alterna Comics individual issues can be purchased here https://www.alternaaccess.com
JULES VERNE'S LIGHTHOUSE
David Hine, Brian Haberlin, Geirrod Van Dyke
Book published by Shadowline Comics/Image
Works purchased by reviewer
I am a fan of David Hine's writing. Perhaps a big one, but I don't know the other fans to say, at 6'4" and 235 lbs I am big in general... But place him on a work with the artistically amazing Brian Haberlin and the result is beauty, fascination, and a story that moves me, and others. In recent years my first experience with the team came with Sonata, followed by The Marked, and both of those series I bought and shared copies with people, to great appreciation. Sonata was an epic fantasy tale, and the Marked was a primal magic society who fought secret societies of evil and power seeking. Both are amazing.
We begin Jules Verne's Lighthouse with some foreknowledge. It is a brilliant adaptation of the titled book. As that book was a favorite story of mine, easier to read than most Jules Verne, and for its day highly advanced, it is no small thing that this work expands upon the concept, and interprets it perfectly for the modern reader. Three humans, an alien, and a "nanny" bot that is there to serve them, are crew for a station at the edge of the galaxy. The purpose of the Lighthouse is to guide craft through various wormholes and quarks in the grid. Contact with other life forms is possible, but humanity isn't alone in space, and the Lighthouse isn't a simple thing. It is a massive computer brain, and it translates data in ways humans and aliens cannot, or cannot without great effort. The crew learns that a pirate craft has arrived, and then every good intention and every safe thought unravels. When the captain of the crew is introduced to a medication that changes her, the space pirates make a move. Lives are lost, and now it comes down to a duel of opposites, in mech suits, in space.
This five issue series (a limited series) was perfectly done. My appreciation for the mastery of story telling is not limited to the writing or art, or even both in concert. This is a very high quality story, which pays homage to the original source, as well as tells its own story, utilizing concepts but blowing them into such perfect and massive ideas, you can see that it is original, and by far more than an add on. I liked every character, I wanted the story to break me and remake me, in order to enter the world they've offered. It is a book that I cannot imagine being read and not an immediate favorite. However, I am aware that as an old, bald, fat, college edumacated white guy my opinion may not matter. That's fine. This work is one that is worth every penny, and lingered long after completion. I shared copies with people who now expect me to give them all my comics, which is not always the way it works.
Shadowline is quite brilliant to provide a venue for these two talented creators. Over the last 30 years in comics there have been a few wonderful pairings. Doug Moench and Paul Gulacy, Chris Clairmont and John Byrne, Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo, Steve Englehart and Marshall Rogers, Mike Baron and Steve Rude, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, and more. To me, there was an incentive in collecting creative teams that did good work, because even if I were to not have foreknowledge of the concept or characters I could trust that the best teams did a great job creating.
SELECTIONS FROM TIDAL WAVE PRODUCTIONS
Ebooks Provided by Publisher for possible review
CALL OF THE SIREN #1
By Heather Kenealy, Donare, Benjamin Glibert, Fernando Martinena, Maria Pia Perea,
In Alaska a father is a sea captain who at times is a fisherman, but other times he is ready to rescue and help those who have ships lost at sea. His daughter is a minor force of nature, being lovely and filled with a certain vital spirit. She goes to school, has a life that involves friends and love interests, but she is a girl who has a connection both with the sea, and her father's love for his wife, who has died. It is said that both the mother and daughter have an effect upon the sea creatures, almost magical. And when the father is late coming home, there is worry for what caused this. And the daughter has time with her male friend, and they learn something about their place in the world. The story is solidly written. I liked all of the characters and wanted to know them more. The art perfectly matched the writing tone, and presented the story with great ability. The concept is one that you might perceive from the descriptions, but there is far more than what I've shared. It looks like a very fun book. And I have to say, I rarely feel this with new comics from publishers I respect but don't often find in my purchases. Most comics made today are homogenized for our reading safety, looking good, posed properly if artificially, with stories that are guaranteed to be attuned to the reader's level of edge. But this sweet and lovely looking book made me say wow. I'd grade it with the highest marks possible, writing, art and concept all well done. Great stuff.
COMMUNION #1
By Michael Frizell, Neil Chenier, Benjamin Glibert and Boyfiy Miah
The king is dead, and now the crown princess takes the throne as queen. A pacifist stand has left the king and his armies destroyed. The enemy is of a dark alien race, beast like and dangerous, with a floating castle ship has crushed the city's remaining defenders. And the queen is lost. Meanwhile upon a shore a woman washes up, unconscious, and her name is unknown to her rescuers. If she was queen she is missing weaponry and armor, and it seems, the armor is of vital interest to the throne. The rescuers are moved to join this stranger, in what seems an epic quest. Until something dark and dangerous appears. I would say that this work is a viable first issue, setting up the crisis, the characters, the mysteries, and the reasons for both of the sides in conflict. The concept and work in general is aimed at a teen audience, and perhaps those who enjoy female lead characters. Similar in tone to Meridian and Sojourn of CrossGen. The art is not great, as far as facial expression, and depicting all characters uniquely, but it does tell the story well, at the very least, it shows the main characters well. While the writing aspect of the story isn't necessarily brand new in concept at this point, it has done a good enough job presenting the case for further reading. So for readers who have an interest in swords and sorcery and lead female characters, this would be worth a look.
WORLD OF ALUNA
By Ryan Galletta, Corey May, Dooma Wendschuh, Nick Mendez, David T. Cabrera, Alvion Ortiz, Nicole Sherman Created by Antonio Hernandez & Paula Garces.
A member of a tribal people ready to take the earth back into a primal state, due to threat from the Conquistadors, causes the arrival of a Goddess, who bears the earth's powers in her DNA. This story is a history of power, and the attempts of some to tame that power, within the form of a ten year old human and goddess. Aluna is that being, and she bears a spirit that cannot be tamed, at the same time, there are those in proper Old World society who seek to garner that being's alliance, in a new journey to the New World. In this work I found religion portrayed with honesty, a story of a young girl being treated with the desire of others to control her, but she embodies so much more than they can perceive. The struggle for power, control and intrigue found in this are appreciated as they are well done. The characters grow, the layers of the story actually grow in number, rather than becoming fewer as the story moves forward. The concept here is solid, and hard to ignore, it lured me in, and gave me a lesson in a solid work free of archetypes, let alone stereotypes. The art is of a high quality, both in how it tells the story, the quality of the individual panels that tell the story and the depiction of emotions reflecting the tone of the dialogue. The writing was of a superior quality than most comics I've recently read, and carried within the words surprises and intrigue for this reader. This work would be of interest to people seeking a powerful female lead character, but was truly a better work than Communion and as good or better as the book Sirens.
https://tidalwavecomics.com/
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LASTLY
“The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white.
Neither need you do anything but be yourself.”
Lao Tzu
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