I recently saw the movie “Avatar” in theaters in stunning 3D. Even though I’ve seen the substantiated evidence that the plot of this film mirrors that of the 1957 novel “Call Me Joe” by Poul Anderson, I enjoyed the movie for said plot and dazzling special effects.
However, I’m hearing a lot of things about this movie having a liberal message. I hold an interest in politics; I like to stay informed with it. However, I found myself enjoying the quality of the film so much that the political overtones didn’t hit me until the next day. After all, that’s what matters to me – quality. Conservatives berate the movie for its liberal message. The general consensus is that Cameron implies thoroughly that big business is evil, and America has been perverting its power for years; invading other nations for greed while backed up by bigotry.
All valid points. However, I seem to recall the blogosphere up in arms over 2008’s “The Dark Knight” having CONSERVATIVE messages. This time, the political messages didn’t reach me at all – I was more intrigued with the quality. I’m sure you could make the argument that a director can load a blockbuster movie with political messages in accordance with his/her own agenda, since the film will be reaching a vast audience. Isn’t going to see a movie supposed to be a way to avoid all of the political bickering, to be for a moment blind to that which surrounds you? Whatever happened to enjoying a movie? Critiquing it, but not berating it based on some kind of political message?
I understand those who support their beliefs and despise all that goes against their convictions – but therein lies the problem. Why can’t you fully enjoy something because it goes against your thought processes? Willingly, being creatively subdued by your opinions? So much for being objective, eh? If they found a vaccine against cancer that was supported by a liberal constituency, would you refuse it? That may be a little over the top, but I’m just trying to hammer my point home here.
I can also understand Conservatives being against Michael Moore movies, but the reasoning behind that is axiomatic. The bias is spread throughout the entire movie, bias is evident and there’s not a whole lot of dissent against his opinions.
Hate a movie because it’s poorly written, chastise it because of horrible effects or something blatantly wrong. Try not to be so held back because of political reasoning, though. Trust me, I think you’ll find yourself much happier without ANOTHER reason to be upset at the opposite party.
