Top Moments of ‘07 According to AFI
I read about AFI picks for top cultural impact for 2007 in Variety. The writer’s strike is at
the top of the list as having the biggest cultural impact this year because if was part of the “ongoing digital revolution.”
No surprises is the high-tech moments of the iPhone and HD Discovery Channel’s “Planet Earth” series. Apparently, the 11-part nature series demonstrated the power of television “as a unifying force in our global community” while applying the use of digital technology.
Last night at a dinner party, a friend of mine demonstrated the iPhone. Yes, I can see with the ability to have your digital content: music, computer, phone and et al right there in a electric piece the size of original Star Trek communicators is revolutionary.
Trend of filmmaking was added to the list in regards to war on terror in films and referring to the Middle East such as “Lions for Lambs,” “Grace is Gone,” “A Might Heart” and “In the Valley of Elah.” All were observed as the most direct cultural response to war in American history.
Another item listed were episodes of “hyper-tabloidization” in the news, which I am sure you now those stories.
AFI also gave homage to veteran directors Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonioni, whose passing this year marked “the end of an era.”
Well, studios may be making films about the war in Iraq, but people certainly aren’t watching them. All of the four films listed above have been bombs. And, none of them received glowing reviews either. If it is time to start representing this issue in cinema, the tastes of the public are suggesting they don’t want didacticism.
That is very true; the public want to be entertained. Not see the headlines. Perhaps they are desensitized with all the bloodshed, destruction and killings seen on the news media over and over again.
I reflect on the political films of yesteryear when Capra, Ford, Stevens and Wilder did their fair share of political films that had a story. Some were very didactic while others had subtle undertones. Of course, I am referring to “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “Red River,” “The Apartment” and “The Best Years of Our Lives.”
I am sure you can think of some films, too.
Happy New Year Eoin