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- THE DEVIN'S ADVOCATE: IS BARACK OBAMA BAD NEWS FOR THE MOVIES?
THE DEVIN'S ADVOCATE: IS BARACK OBAMA BAD NEWS FOR THE MOVIES?
- By Devin Faraci
- Published 11/13/2008
- The Devin's Advocate
The Dark Knight never would have happened without George Bush. I'm not
talking about the whole wire-tapping angle, but rather the entire feel
and direction of the movie. The Dark Knight is a film that exists as a
reaction to the world in which we're living, a strife-filled, unhappy,
scary and often fucked up place where it isn't that the good guys and
the bad guys are hard to tell apart but rather where good guys seem to
not exist. The bad days in America make for good days in Hollywood. The more depressed the American psyche is, the better the movies get. You just have to look back at the 30s and the 70s to see this principal in action, and after the great year at the movies we had in 1999, we all should have realized the 00s would be shitty as all get out. It's one of the bright sides to being a film fan in tough times - you'll probably get a couple of masterpieces out of the deal. Besides The Dark Knight*, we got the entire year of 2007, a year filled to the gills with so many good movies that my Top 15 list includes essentially a six way tie for the number one spot. That's all about Iraq and Afghanistan and a slowing economy and bad government and environmental problems in the same ways that Taxi Driver emerged from a recession and a crooked president and Viet Nam and a million other things that made the 70s the earth toned, polyester decade it was.
But our current run of good films borne of bad times (oh hey, borne makes me think of Bourne, an action franchise that has benefited from the post-9/11 uneasiness and paranoia more than any other. You couldn't have made that in the 80s) could be in jeopardy. This past week I've seen an incredible thing happening, a major shift in the national mood from pessimism and depression to hope and optimism. And it's all Barack Hussein Obama's fault.
We're still facing all the same problems (and they might well be getting worse in the next year or two), but knowing that Obama is on his way has lightened America considerably. We're out of our Bush malaise long before the guy leaves office, and we're already getting excited and sort of worked up about what comes next. It's great to see folks so fired up, but it also makes me wonder if our filmmakers will have the same level of global angst from which to draw. Could the tide of good feelings that Obama is riding to the White House drown the current crop of darker, more serious and often very good films?
There are a couple of things to keep in mind during these, the burgeoning days of the Next Morning in America. First of all, there are still a lot of movies on their way to theaters and in production. While I like to date the end of the 70s Golden Age to Heaven's Gate (just to make it easy), the reality is that films with a Golden Age pedigree and aesthetic continued rolling out for a couple of years. There may still be some great films reflecting the reality of the last years of the Bush regime headed our way.
But secondly, Obama could quite possibly fuck up. And because so many people expect so much from him, he doesn't even have to fuck up in a significant way to let people down. Hell, Obama just being a regular, compromising politician is likely enough to disillusion many of his supporters before next summer. An Obama presidency that doesn't live up to the messianic hype may well bring us right back to a sour national mood, or make us even more depressed. If this guy can't make it better, who can?
The idea of slipping back into an 80s frame of glib movie making frightens me. Looking at the 80s list of Best Picture nominees, even many of the 'best' movies of the decade are slickly forgettable. But f course a successful Obama presidency is good news for those who revel in shitty 80s movies - we could easily have something just as shallow and plastic as Top Gun in cinemas by 2010, if Obama does well**. A complacent, satisfied audience will be happy to swallow all sorts of pablum... and a recovery from the current fiscal woes should have everybody getting real materialistic and forgetting about that spiritual emptiness that the boom times of the 90s left in them (see the films of 1999 for more on this). Maybe it's no coincidence that Footloose and Karate Kid are both being remade right now.
*Please, for the love of God, note that I am not calling TDK a masterpiece.
** Yeah, I know that there are shallow and plastic movies being released right now. I'm just trying to make a point here.
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Comments
Comment #1 (Posted by BitterTruth)
"Maybe it's no coincidence that Footloose and Karate Kid are both being remade right now." - this line alone reveals just how thin and flimsy your premise is. Just to pluck two related examples out of the air, the Bush years gave us Dukes of Hazzard and Starsky & Hutch movies. Are they somehow darker or more serious than Footloose and Karate Kid? If anything, a remake of Footloose is more likely to be a reaction to the increasingly censorious evangelical culture, which flourished under Bush.
Comment #2 (Posted by Remembers when 9/11 made people paranoid)
Monopoly the Movie. Nuff said.
Comment #3 (Posted by Muzz)
On the bright side, maybe brains will come back in style. The litany of films about poo and dick jokes might slow just a tad. Films with titles that end in '...Movie' and mash ups of other titles will become a thing of the past.
Comment #4 (Posted by Zuki)
"Yeah, I know that there are shallow and plastic movies being released right now. I'm just trying to make a point here." The fact you have to justify your article, even to yourself - shows how shallow it is.
Comment #5 (Posted by patrick)
A little premature. It's all sunshine and roses from here on out is that it? Look, I voted for big O, but I'm not sitting here with tears streaming down my face and screaming thanks to God. That's shit you see on TV.
Comment #6 (Posted by Gaz)
Kind of a pointless observation. America (and the world) has had good days and bad days ever since Hollywood movies came into being, and guess what? We'll still get good films, bad films, happy films and sad films.
There may be a correlation between the general mood of the nation and type of films being made, but it's far from the be all and end all. Even when the nation is joyfully optimistic about the future, there will be directors making dark movies .......... and vice versa. I think you're pulling at phantom strings here
Comment #7 (Posted by jesus)
You guys are taking an obviously tongue in cheek article pretty seriously.
Comment #8 (Posted by Frank)
Tongue in cheek? This is Devin's usual I ARE SOCIALLY CONSCIOUS PAULINE KAEL CRITIC bullshit.
Comment #9 (Posted by Fritz)
This theory is undercut somewhat by the fact that the 90's was politically a more optimistic and mellow decade then the 80's, yet resulted in a far superior film culture.
Comment #10 (Posted by durate et vosmet rebus servate secundis)
Fear not, comrade. Already after one week, Russia's power has grown twofold, so within a year under our Kenyan comrade Barack, Russia will return to its glorious position of power again, while the capitalist evil state formerly known as "USA" will crumble and deteriorate, for it must fall before the new eternal nation of USSA is built on its ruins.
And that is why the Zionists who rule Hollywood will want to retaliate, and make dark movies about "evil" Russians, in a pathetic attempt to take revenge! Fortunately, as the esteemed Jesse Jackson teaches us, comrade Barack will cut off the support for the Zionist state of Israel, thereby decreasing the Zionists' influence in Hollywood, too - but before this happens, they will probably manage to make some dark movies, and while by then you may not have the money for a ticket, you may find someone who chooses to spread some ticket wealth around.
So, never fear, for our Kenyan friend will keep it dark for you.
Comment #11 (Posted by RoboCop)
I hope this was tongue and cheek one can't write this piece with a serious face.
Comment #12 (Posted by fatty fatty fat fat)
This advocate sucks, fatty.
Comment #13 (Posted by JoNuggs)
I would call the optimism that pervades most of the country right now "cautious". There are no guarantees that he's going to be a great president. I think that over the next two years we'll still see some dark stuff as the country recovers from the failures of the past eight years. Then it could go either way.
Nevertheless I think that the problems of the nation will carry through the next four years and that there will be plenty of dark material out there. I do expect, however, to see a rise in decent sci-fi. I don't know why but there seems to be some odd correlation between democrats in the White House and intriguing science fiction on the television and in the theaters.
Comment #14 (Posted by phatso)
I'm sorry, was Robocop made during the Bush administration? God you're a fucking tool, Devin. I'm sure the ass kissers on the forums will heap praise upon this new article of horseshit.
Comment #15 (Posted by joe Uman)
...and the 80's were such great times politically for the US: Iran contra scandal, Reagan, Bush mark 1 et al. Maybe Americans have their head a little less in the sand now but but things were never really "good" morally.
Comment #16 (Posted by J Bradford)
A lot of films comment on the era they take place. When the Cold War was nearing its end in the 80s, we had Rocky IV, Red Dawn, and other films where Americans took down the big evil outsiders.
We know the Invasion of the Body Snatchers was partially a commentary on the political climate at that time.
The fact is that the political climate does help to shape the types of films Hollywood will produce. The political climate isn't the be all to end all.
Dick and fart jokes were being made in Blazing Saddles, Revenge of the Nerds, Clerks, and Knocked Up just to name a few examples from different decades.
Comment #17 (Posted by an unknown user)
Yeah, wouldn't it suck if the world was a better place but movies suffered a bit. That would be terrible.
Comment #18 (Posted by Morgus)
When taxes go up under Obama, no one will be able to afford to go to the movies. Cause inflation will rise. (Take some economics courses lefties.) When he brings back the fairness doctrine, and then weapons bans, then we will have some dark times. I'm sure there will be reboots of Fahrenheit 451, Clockwork Orange and 1984 under the Obama admin. Our constitution is about to get all kinds of F'ed up under those commies. On a side note, i can't believe the communist propaganda coming from hollywood right now, like the 2 part Che, garbage filmaking that will surely win at Cannes.
Comment #19 (Posted by dreary louse)
Obama's presidency should be irrelevant to the movies in general. Almost every head-on indictment of the oughts has made for poor cinema - I point to Oliver Stone's disappointing W., which was unsure whether it was a drama or satire of Bush's life.
Thanks to the human gift of imagination, the political climate shouldn't make a difference. Maybe it will in Hollywood, as it takes less chances, but there's a whole world of problems out there at any given time...
This could herald a time of more personal moviemaking.
Comment #20 (Posted by an unknown user)
"Trying" to make a point isn't making one.
Comment #21 (Posted by Chris)
So the sky is blue again, birds are chirping, water tastes cool and clean again...blah, blah, blah.
I am confused by all these people thinking that the whole country is united behind Obama. The popular vote was 52-48. The country is just as divided as it was in the last two elections. You think the country's mood has lighted, I say the mood switch from one half to the other.
Comment #22 (Posted by Three Oranges)
This column is to be sung to the tune of The Little Mermaid's "A Whole New World."
Comment #23 (Posted by RCA)
I think the 90's, when Clinton was president were amazing, considering the rise of independent films. Frankly I think the last decade has been pretty scant in producing memorable "classic" movies. Sure last year was great, but the rest of the decade has pretty much sucked and been more reflective of the 80's with bloated big budget pictures that do well, but have no lasting effect. I mean, let's face it the Bourne movies are lightweight and Bouring. Unless you have kids you are never watching Pirates of the Carribean again. Spider Man was fun, but I only own the first one cause I got it for free. Where't the Pulp Fiction's, Trainspotting's, or Clerks? Apatow is over-rated, so is Greengrass. I can only think of a hand full of directors that have made an impact, like Edgar Wright, Aronofsky(but he got his start in 90's!), Eli Roth, Alexander Payne and a couple others. The best movies of last year were all made by directors that were from the 80's and 90's. The Coen's, PT Anderson, Boyle(Slumdog is supposed to be one of the best this year!), etc. I actually think Obama will bring a sweeping change of much better movies with a lot more substance than we have been seeing. Bush brought back the excess of the 80's, and I'm glad to see it go.
Comment #24 (Posted by an unknown user)
Boy, that "Faith in America Restored" article you wrote last week about Obama's win suddenly isnt looking so good, is it Devin?
Comment #25 (Posted by Robocop)
So your saying that the Dark Knight would not have been made under a different administration? who the hell is Nolan? Michael Moore?
Comment #26 (Posted by an unknown user)
Angry stupid forum post #26!
While I don't agree with him on all the issues Devin makes some good points. It's a damn shame that everyone's immediate response is- "Devin has cuntbreath!"
...not like that's a bad thing though
Comment #27 (Posted by Yaranereg)
What kinds of films come from a deep sense of disappointment and betrayal? Cause that's what we're going to be getting in around 2 years. Seriously, unless Obama lucks out like Clinton did with the dot.com bubble we're in for some harder times.
Comment #28 (Posted by Devin's Vagina Face)
Idiotic as always. Devin you never dissapoint!
Comment #29 (Posted by DumbBuTT)
Can we wait until this guys gets into office to see what kind of president he is, or what direction he'll really take the country in? Can we do that, please? Ebert, Oprah, Mike Moore, and now Devin look at Obama and see Jesus Christ our savior. At least give the man a chance to fuck up, or do well.
Comment #30 (Posted by john oven fry.)
I'm SICK of your constant Obama hating, Devin! in every single thread you do nothing but run him down. Well enough is enough, you racist, it's time for slush, upbeat, optimistic, even saccharine movies to take over.....
Comment #31 (Posted by Steve)
God, this is easily the worst Advocate, by far - which is saying something. Do you really have so little to say and so little bouncing around in that little chipmunk head of yours that this is the drivel you decide to publish? You're a fucking pathetic fat piece of shit. End yourself.
Comment #32 (Posted by The Dark Serf)
"*Please, for the love of God, note that I am not calling TDK a masterpiece."
Yes, I think that by the time you'd published your third article on the matter, I'd gotten that you think TDK is highly flawed.
Comment #33 (Posted by an unknown user)
Everybody talkied about how great music was going to be under a Republican President back when GW took office, yet I can't think of a single "political" album worth more than a couple listens released over the last 8 years.
You cite The Dark Knight, but do you really think that was a good movie because of the political climate? None of the themes you mentioned have been exclusive to the W years.
Comment #34 (Posted by chris)
To Three Oranges: This is pretty gay of me to point out, but "A Whole New World" was from Aladdin.
Comment #35 (Posted by thejyav)
I agree with Robocop this article is just ridiculous. This article might as well been written by Randy Marsh the night of the election.
Comment #36 (Posted by JustinQ)
If you don't want us to think that you considered TDK a masterpiece why did you write it in this piece? Just saying.
Comment #37 (Posted by Ryan)
In a way, it sorta brilliant what the folks at CHUD have done. Use all the n00btards, who think the history of cinema stops at The Crow, to keep hitting the site to keep up with all their flame wars. If the staff writers are using some sort of feedback blocker, could you maybe pass it along to me?
Comment #38 (Posted by TigrMchine)
Wha? Have the twilight tweens taken over the comments again? Lighten up guys, all Devin is saying is that there is a connection between political climate and artistic production (commercial as well as noncommercial). Whether or not Devin thinks TDK is THE GREATEST FILM EVER MADE IN THE HISTORY OF TIME is a superficial consideration at best. What he is saying is that the films that have been popular in the Bush era tend--not always but tend--to reflect the doom and gloom of the last eight years.
Comment #39 (Posted by Steve)
This is the best comedy site on the internet.
Devin is so fucking stupid it baffles the mind.
Comment #40 (Posted by DevinsFetishBoi)
Devin, don't forget, tonight at 8, we have a date! Were gunna eat a gallon of chili, paint the batman logo on each others chests, put on our Obama masks, then sh_t on each others chests! mm-mmmm spicy!
Comment #41 (Posted by Colin)
I wouldn't worry about it, Dev. As soon as people realize that we can't have a nationalized health care system without deporting the 12 million non-tax-paying illegal immigrants in this country, opinion will change. Oh, that and realizing that our economy is inflated to high hell because of the bailouts he supported. You fucking naive moron.
Obama and McCain were both goddamn jokes. Get over your shallow optimism. We're fucked.
Comment #42 (Posted by an unknown user)
Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!
Comment #43 (Posted by an unknown user)
new watchmen trailer just premiered on yahoo
Comment #44 (Posted by Spacehamster)
After 8 years of George Bush, there's been an entire generation that believes that humantiy is self-centered, greedy, selfish and ultimately doomed to extinction. The events of the past 8 years has left its mark on this very Neo-Conservative generation of film viewers. So I don't think the wave of films celebrating the general hopelessness of humanity are going to end any time soon.
Comment #45 (Posted by Hey!)
Hey, its Devins addition to " The List of the Dumb"!! A crowning achievement.
Comment #46 (Posted by dume fook)
"we should just wait till the train stops it might not be such a bad place to live after all"...
Comment #47 (Posted by Faustouis)
I don't think it takes much imagination to see that Devin is on to something here. Sure, frivolous films will always be made b/c films are, when all is said and done, meant to entertain. That said, there are films that aspire to provoke more thought and introspection rather than base pleasure. The most successful of these films capture the zeitgeist of the era. So, compare TDK to Batman and Robin: anyone really think the bean counters at WB would have greenlit TDK in 1997? Probably not; it would have been out of place--wrong film for that time. The bloated, vile mess that was Batman and Robin however, makes much more sense within 1997's context...although we can all agree it never should have been greenlit in any year. But, Devin's right; the zeitgeist of the moment I would suspect is huge to studios when they decide what properties and stories to fund and how to interpret characters such as Batman.
Comment #48 (Posted by RRD)
Whatever, Devin. Whatever. You also voted for the man, then slam his supporters? People like you never really got why many people believed in the man. This might explain why cynical asses like you missed the entire point of the Matrix sequels.
I chose and I believe. Get a clue, sir. Get a clue.
Comment #49 (Posted by rudewordsmith)
Let's be realistic: The bad times aren't over. Hell, I voted for Obama but I knew well enough that change would be a slow process. And for all we know, this optimism is only a fleeting thing. At best, I'd say we have at least enough time for two or three more masterpieces before Hollywood supposedly goes happy and crappy again. At worst? Well, much of the same garbage (different source) and a continuation of great American Cinema. Also, the point of the Matrix sequels was to wow people with more CGI gimmickery and to make money. It doesn't go any deeper than that.
Comment #50 (Posted by an unknown user)
Fucking lame. Give it up, nerd.
Comment #51 (Posted by Edward Douglas)
Yeah, but just think how many bad spoof movies have been released while Bush was in power..... having him as a leader dumbed down our entire country and I don't think the next generation who voted Obama in will put in with that kind of shit anymore.
Comment #52 (Posted by arteq)
karate kid and footloose are being remade now because hollywood is creatively bankrupt... i abhor the kind of pseudo-intellectualism that elevates a movie like TDK while bashing a wonderful movie like karate kid... we know karate kid isn't art house fare, you knobjob, but it's still a great fucking ride, to this day...
Comment #53 (Posted by Bob)
eh, you're off base on this one, devin. and you couldn't be less sincere. try again. if the worst thing that happens in an obama presidency is that the country dramatically improves, and movies suck, that's a good thing.
