Ukraine's "Got Talent" provided a welcome winner free of crass cheap thrills.
Please check this out:
Monday, September 28, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Capitalism: A Love Story
Michael Moore is back and is declaring war on Capitalism. Last night I had the good fortune of attending one of the first screenings of his new film Capitalism: A Love Story.
Over the last twelve months countless articles and news stories have been devoted to the economic crisis which has affected everyone, well almost everyone. Some have been spot on in their portrayal of the complex events that unfolded. However there is nothing quite like film and Moore in particular to ram home a painful realization that things have to drastically change.
Moving images are truly moving.
We know the story but it is brought into focus by a potent lens.
Moore still relies on his hokey demeanor to drive the story of outrage and despair to maximum effect.
To see footage of people being evicted from their homes and work place as a result of corporate greed is distressing, a sobering reminder of the 1% taking control.
To see senior Politian’s on all sides of the aisle being bought off by corporate executives while pontificating in Congress that we must clean up Wall Street is particularly galling.
This film makes the case that there is plenty of blame on both sides of the political spectrum. But premise of the film vehemently states that capitalism is evil and does its best to illustrate this claim. While there is much wrong with capitalism and this film demonstrates forcefully the pitfalls, it doesn’t offer a suitable alternative. Would socialism would be the better option? Mr. Moore steadfastly avoids that notion.
In the Q & A afterwards he got testy with a questioner who asked, which was better Capitalism or Socialism? His reply was that democracy was in peril.
Interestingly Mr. Moore introduces religion into the conversation, something he has rarely done in previous films. Asking a priest and a Bishop the same question, Is Capitalism evil? He was met with a resounding yes.
Well that’s it then, all settled. God knows all.
Over the last twelve months countless articles and news stories have been devoted to the economic crisis which has affected everyone, well almost everyone. Some have been spot on in their portrayal of the complex events that unfolded. However there is nothing quite like film and Moore in particular to ram home a painful realization that things have to drastically change.
Moving images are truly moving.
We know the story but it is brought into focus by a potent lens.
Moore still relies on his hokey demeanor to drive the story of outrage and despair to maximum effect.
To see footage of people being evicted from their homes and work place as a result of corporate greed is distressing, a sobering reminder of the 1% taking control.
To see senior Politian’s on all sides of the aisle being bought off by corporate executives while pontificating in Congress that we must clean up Wall Street is particularly galling.
This film makes the case that there is plenty of blame on both sides of the political spectrum. But premise of the film vehemently states that capitalism is evil and does its best to illustrate this claim. While there is much wrong with capitalism and this film demonstrates forcefully the pitfalls, it doesn’t offer a suitable alternative. Would socialism would be the better option? Mr. Moore steadfastly avoids that notion.
In the Q & A afterwards he got testy with a questioner who asked, which was better Capitalism or Socialism? His reply was that democracy was in peril.
Interestingly Mr. Moore introduces religion into the conversation, something he has rarely done in previous films. Asking a priest and a Bishop the same question, Is Capitalism evil? He was met with a resounding yes.
Well that’s it then, all settled. God knows all.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Gimme that microphone !
Last night’s MTV Video Music Awards proved to be a calculated exercise in cynical cabalism. It had to do something to compete with a fiery Tennis US Open, a new NFL season and another bloody Vampire ending.
So Kanye West’s microphone grab from a teen country star was perfect to draw attention to a show that is now Broadway for the Hood.
For those who need some background? Kanye West a man of immense insecurities leaps on stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech of Best Female Video to declare Beyonce’s video the one of the best ever made.
Camera pans to a bemused Beyonce .Teen Taylor looks crestfallen and the audience finally has something to get excited about, raise to their collect feet and begin to applaud.
For those who need some background? Kanye West a man of immense insecurities leaps on stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech of Best Female Video to declare Beyonce’s video the one of the best ever made.
Camera pans to a bemused Beyonce .Teen Taylor looks crestfallen and the audience finally has something to get excited about, raise to their collect feet and begin to applaud.
A YouTube moment!
And would you believe it, later in the evening when Beyonce is accepting her win for Best Video of the Year she brings out costume changed Taylor for chance to say thank you.
Everybody wins; Taylor Swift, the meek victim from the country. Beyonce, the gracious gem, impervious to scandal. Kanye West, who maintains his bad boy image and considerable ego, Hennessy, which provided liquid courage, and MTV VMA for furnishing the world a whiff of attitude.
Oh by the way, Kanye West's new Country album set for release around Thanksgiving.
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