Blood and Guts

Violence, for me, is almost a necessity. I love violence in movies. And anytime I hear a big speech about how these types of films corrupt our youth, I can’t help but release a deep sigh. In my everyday life, I am not a violent person, when I see real life violence on T.V. or in person, I hate it. There is a difference between movie and real life violence, and I think I am able to make this distinction. Most people can make this distinction too, but it is the small percentage that can’t separate the two worlds and create problems. What I like about violence in film is that it contributes to the realism. The more realistic the violence, the more powerful the film can be. It is nice to watch these physical feats, like in Casino Royal, The Bourne series, and nearly every Asian movie. To watch a bad guy get beaten to a pulp, and not feel sorry for him, because you know it is fake. I hate saying it is cathartic, but that is pretty much what it is. And as great as violence in film is, nothing is worse than a gross misuse of this tool. There needs to be a compelling story line that makes the violence plausible and realistic, otherwise the violence holds no emotional weight. My earliest memories of film include, every Jackie Chan movie created. I would go to the video store in my little town every weekend and rent one, all in the order laid out on the shelf. So I do not completely hate films that use violence as the main vehicle to progress the plot, but most of his films have a decent story. I am saying we shouldn’t condemn violent films because they can often prove to be the most emotion moments of the movie. We have had violence throughout human history, we don’t need to ignore it but just know how to distinguish what is okay in a film, and what is okay in the real world.

Pussies with Guns

Bonnie and Clyde was pretty decent film, but I have stipulations when it comes to those who are considered outlaws. I want to see people who know what they’re doing, and who do it well on screen verses those who just decide out of the blue to start robbing banks. On the other hand it is nice to see how an outlaw got into the business of robbing, and how they manipulate the press to their advantage, or disadvantage. It was hard for me to believe these characters were capable of murder, they seemed more inclined to fire warning shots in the general direction of the cops than actually attempt a murder. Which brings something else to mind, the dehumanizing of cops in outlaw films. They are portrayed as ruthless, bloodthirsty, and ready to kill. I remember a line from Reservoir Dogs when they ask each other if they shot anyone during the heist. One says, “A few cops…”, and the other retorts “no real people?” If this isn’t the ideology of a criminal, I don’t know what is. I know Clyde didn’t want to hurt everyone, but when you are waving a gun around it is nearly impossible to not fear for your own life, and try to defend it, and your livelihood. This is something being brought into modern consciousness with the reason media frenzy around Colton Harris-Moore. And although I am a fan, I get the same Bonnie and Clyde feeling. It may be starting out innocent enough, trying to get by, but new evidence is showing Colton is ready to escalate the robberies and stolen cars, boats, and planes, into full scale war; according to a letter he sent to his mother and then given to the media. I believe outlaws are more American than apple pie, but it is all fun and games until someone dies.