When
a tragedy happens, we can forget all about the progress, that
humanity has made over the years. For example, human trafficking is
one of the few refuges for slavery, a practice that was legal and
institutionalized, a couple of centuries ago. In many states within
America, as well as some outside of it, same-sex couples are
recognized and allowed to wed. We're taking better care of the
environment that we live in now, and there are plenty of
organizations dedicated, to taking care of our neighbors as well.
Still,
there's no denying that a section of humanity, however big or small,
stands against the good will, that we've worked hard to maintain. It
is the nature of freedom that allows us, to disregard the needs of
our fellow man and abuse him, for personal gain. Inhumane behavior
and criminal activity will continue, well past our generation and the
generations to come. As we battle to reduce those things, we should
look to treat those surrounding the victims, as diligently as the
victims themselves.
Classic
Movie Trailers - Death Wish (1974)
This
film caused a lot of controversy, when it was released. Critics
claimed that it glorified violence and vigilantism, and I have a few
criticisms of my own, regarding that position. I think people bring
a lot of themselves, into the experience of watching a movie, and
that our views on life affect how we interpret them. "Death
Wish" doesn't glorify vigilantism, or take sides with it, but it
does end in a way, that allows us to come to our own conclusions.
I'd
like you to ask yourself, about the purpose of motion pictures. Why
do we watch film, and why is that experience valuable enough to
continue? If you would answer that films are an escape, and that they
provide entertainment, I would agree. Let me suggest however, that
you are only partially correct.
The
illumination of life is a requirement, in the attempt to entertain an
audience. Before we are allowed to laugh or cry, or even think about
a situation, we must first be presented with a rational scenario.
With that said, I would argue that movies must inform, not only in
their efforts to entertain, but as an additional goal, to provide
worth. The film that provokes contemplation, is a more fulfilling
experience, than a paint-by-the-numbers show we'll soon forget.
I
thought that "Death Wish" was a fulfilling experience. It
presented us with a believable character, and showed us the tragedy
that changed his life. We follow the protagonist as he becomes
another person, and that person is someone contrary, to his very
nature. All the while however, given the circumstances, we understand
his point of view each step of the way.
Each
action that he takes, is a plausible action. Each event that occurs,
as a result of those actions, is believable as well. The plot unfolds
in a manner that makes sense, and it concludes in a satisfying way.
What the film may not do, is show you a series of events, that
condemns and punishes the violence.
Here
is where I have to point something out. I believe that entertainment
should inform, but I never said that it should teach. When we get to
the point that our movies are dictating morals to us, is the point
where things get ham-fisted, contrived and boring. Let's leave the
lessons in the classroom, and the life advice to the parents, whose
job it is to give it.
If
a movie does agree with our views, wonderful. My only concern, is
that it does so in service of the story it's trying to tell. I don't
see "Death Wish" as something that glorifies vigilantism. I
see it as a commentary on crime, and vigilantism as one of its
effects.
I
also saw a man, that was driven out into the middle of the night, to
confront the source of his anguish. I saw someone that, admittedly or
not, was willingly putting himself into dangerous situations. This is
someone that was looking for conflict. This is someone that wanted an
excuse, to shoot the kind of criminals, that ruined the lives of this
loved ones.
I
was also reminded, that when crime occurs, it affects a lot more
people than just the direct victims. Paul Kersey was a man with a
wife and daughter; he was victim to an assault, that happened in his
home when he wasn't there. That incident changed and wounded him in a
way, that was just as significant, as the change that befell his
daughter. The only notable difference between the two characters, is
that one showed the change openly, while the other did his best to
hide it.
In
one way or another, our lives will be affected by the worst examples
of humanity. When confronted with such ugliness, we should take care
to prevent ourselves, from becoming the monsters we loathe. There's
also a responsibility, to support and aid our neighbors, who have
been devastated. Everyone that needs help, doesn't always ask for it.
These
words are written, partially in response, to a film that I have
interpreted, in my own way. Thankfully, the movie is well written,
well performed and honest, so that I am allowed to do so. I'll never
ask a movie, to fill a role intended for community and religious
leaders, but I'll look for it to throw a spotlight, on an issue worth
talking about. "Death Wish" does exactly that and it does
it very well.
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@ChannelSeals
See
"Death Wish" on Netflix!
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