Today, we watched an example of a Greek tragedy in modern times, we watched Election.
It is a Greek tragedy as the teacher, Mr. McAllister was the ‘hero’(he did what he thought was right by throwing the votes away for Paul to win.) in the movie and yet he had a sad ending. That is exactly what a Greek tragedy would be like; the hero brings upon his downfall by himself. He was a moral-education teacher yet he went against his morals and commited adultery. He brought upon his tragedy. The ending was not a happy one as the problem did not re-solved in him returning to his wife. And in the end, Ms. Flick still got to become president of the school and went on to become someone who succeeded in life. Oh yes, I felt that the last part where they showed Tammy again and updated us about her lesbian life was episodic.
Lastly, I would like to say that I felt the heavy sexual content was not necessary! They could have showed those parts in a different way, i mean not literally show but maybe by tell-tale signs? I feel that this show could have more viewers if not for its R-ratings, or maybe they would have lesser viewers instead. Ok, I’m contradicting, I know. Heh.
misterryan Said:
on November 26, 2006 at 10:48 pm
You mention morality in this post, and it interests me. How important are your own moral values when determining whether you like a film or not? Do you need to agree with the morals of the main character? Do you need to agree with the moral code of the filmmaker? Does the filmmaker need to restrict herself (himself) to the censorship laws of America–or Singapore?
I’m still formulating my own opinions on this. What are your thoughts?
gdine Said:
on November 27, 2006 at 8:18 pm
I personally do not think that our own moral values would play a huge role in determining whether we like the film or not. For example in Election, I do not find the film is bad just because Mr. McAllister went against his moral. I actually felt that, that’s what made the character interesting instead of a goody-goody, walk-the-talk kind of teacher. Your question about filmmakers restricting him/herself according to different censorships really set me thinking. I guess different people watch out for different things when watching a show. About the unneccessary nudity in films, I guess the filmmakers just does it to attract people who will be erm…entertained by it?! (I think you know what I mean haha) Hmmm… Or maybe it’s just us, Singaporeans whose minds are not directed to be too open about all these nudity. Different culture? Hmm…
Ryan Said:
on December 23, 2006 at 1:20 am
Maybe it’s different culture. You watch French movies, and there is culture who’s at ease with the nude body. And nudity in Italian art is also common.
Yet the reason for much of the international success of the French film audience is from horny American uncles who want to look at naked French chicks.
I’m often with you. I can’t figure out how to address issues of sexuality in film.
Fortunately, I write children’s films, and I think nudity in children’s movies is unnecessary regardless of the culture.