Sending A Message

The December 2nd 2005 issue of Entertainment Weekly, has for its cover story, an article by Benjamin Svetsky called "Hollywood Pulls The Trigger" In it he writes about a whole "slew" of new films that are taking on politics and American policy in a way that hasn't been done in quite a while. And in the process, posing the question, "Is that what viewers want?".

Personally, I have no problem with movies taking on any controversy, within the context of the film--whatever the subject matter. As long as the filmmakers remember that the film has to entertain as well.

Films like Syriana, Good Night And Good Luck, Jarhead, and The Constant Gardner do have their place...Their "message" need not hit the viewer over the head though, as was the case with Michael Moore's distorted documentary Fahrenheit 9/11. Ultimately, the answer to Svetsky's question will be determined by the all mighty $$, and the movie going public. I really don't care for those in Hollywood who have an agenda all the time 24/7, but as long as they make good product, their message doesn't matter. The audience is smart enough to make up its own mind.