As I finished a movie review in the Economist (March 18, 2006; p. 81, review of V for Vendetta) I did a double-take. The movie is set in what the reviewer calls "Orwell-land", when fascists have made over Britain into a "dystopia". The bizarre hero, in this tale of "revolutionary pop art", foments resistance and revolution.
The last sentence of the review is
As for the dystopian fable, only fans of detention centres, torture, unfettered government surveillance, screaming mad television pundits and laws against alternative lifestyles will find anything here that could possibly offend.And my double-take was because I recognized the "fans" : some of my fellow citizens of the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave. Admittedly, some of the descriptors could fit other countries, but the "screaming mad television pundits" surely must describe some who infest our radio and television. These screamers, in combination with the electronic media's sound bite, have killed off public discourse in this country and made it possible for the ruling politicians to accuse those who disagree of being traitors.
Hey, what a professional blog! I am overwhelmed and a little intimidated, like seeing a sweet mastiff crack a huge butcher bone for amusement. Is there a place I can see other people's comments/responses? Why nothing personal about you?
This is pretty cool. I'll be back.
Posted by: Ann | May 10, 2006 at 10:49 PM