Trying Again
My last excursion to a movie theater was, well, disappointing to say the least. When I shared my experience, I was excoriated for failing to investigate my movie choice thoroughly in advance. Believe it or not, I ran the same risk again when I went this weekend to see Mel Gibson's Apocalypto. I like second chances.
Allow me to state clearly that I in no way recommend this movie. The rating warns of strong violence and native dress that falls short of current modesty standards with good reason—both are present. Far be it from me to recommend an activity that may cause offense.
That being said, the movie is excellent. I realize, of course, that excellent is a subjective word, and I remind you that my evaluation is inherently subjective. Any claim of objectivity would be the height of naiveté. I point this out only to warn you that if you don't know me, you may be surprised by my reasons for enjoying the movie—reasons I will now delineate.
Allow me to state clearly that I in no way recommend this movie. The rating warns of strong violence and native dress that falls short of current modesty standards with good reason—both are present. Far be it from me to recommend an activity that may cause offense.
That being said, the movie is excellent. I realize, of course, that excellent is a subjective word, and I remind you that my evaluation is inherently subjective. Any claim of objectivity would be the height of naiveté. I point this out only to warn you that if you don't know me, you may be surprised by my reasons for enjoying the movie—reasons I will now delineate.
- The movie is social commentary. I enjoy social commentary, especially when it is unexpected (e.g., The Village). While Apocalypto doesn't quite have the same surprise effect, it is even more pointed in its message. Perhaps no better example can be offered than the opening quote from Will Durrant, "A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within."
- It portrays the Mayans as something other than a brilliant, flourishing civilization cut off by the blatant self-absorption of white European Christians. I know, I'm bordering on being politically incorrect here, so allow me to state my unabashed abhorrence of the Spaniards and other Europeans' mistreatment of native peoples. Every story has at least two sides, however, and this movie shows a new side. Gibson is already being flayed by a host of bloggers for daring to present a negative view of the Mayans. I'll refrain. Call me a radical—I think there may be some
And for the record, reasons 1) and 2) are really inextricably related. The fact that the social commentary is set among a revered, but little-known culture increases its effectiveness. And those of you worried about my lack of concern for the native peoples may be put at rest by noting that the internal destruction of society Gibson points out closely resemble modern American society. Remember, Gibson didn't just make up the title of the movie, he also made up the plot. - The movie accomplished its goals well. As one who enjoys being challenged to think while watching a movie, I appreciate a movie that doesn't distract from its message or give away its aims early. Some of you are laughing at me because you think I mean that I didn't know the hero was going to survive. To you I kindly reply, "You don't understand this post or this movie."
Yes, the aforementioned concerns that keep me from recommending the movie and that earned it its rating could be reduced or eliminated, but they did not distract from the purpose of the movie. I, for one, like that. - The movie's power comes from the audience's knowledge of history. Not to give anything away, the destruction of the Mayan civilization is never shown. One relatively brief allusion is sufficient to connect the fictitious plot with its historical conclusion. Very nice.
At 6:58 PM,
From Ricky Bobbi to Apocalypto. At least this was a better waste of time then the last one. Maybe I'll check it out...
At 5:44 PM,
Obviously it's social commentary, but is it real social commentary or is it the fashionable social commentary the kind that attacks issues with a supposedly realistic view and is anything but realistic? As you said, he made up the story and the plot himself, and I'm all for political incorrecteness but only for the sake of honesty.
I haven't seen it, I'm only asking.
At 6:51 PM,
you crack me up. "I DONT RECOMMEND IT...but it was excellent." so funny. anyway, i have no desire to watch it, but thanks for the review:)
At 8:23 AM,
Thanks, RuthAnn. You raise a good point. I share your distaste for superficial social commentary. No such pretences are present in Apocalypto. In fact, the degredation of society he illustrates contains—surprise—shocking similarities to the current United States. Not exactly, of course (I don't recall seeing an open slave market or human sacrifice recently). But there's enough to spawn conversation. And he doesn't even exchange the movie's integrity for social commentary.
Jenn, don't be distracted by my obligatory disclaimer. I think I explained its purpose in the post.