What's the point of this film?
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soo_z_g — 14 years ago(March 12, 2012 02:45 PM)
MrWall21,
In an earlier post on this thread, you state:
"Since being forced to write book reports in grade school I have been troubled by the insistence that fiction 'teaches' us something. I would also have to write about what I 'learned' from the piece of fiction. But fiction is made-up and can be crafted to illustrate any point."
Then, in this post, you state:
"If you see art as nothing more than entertainment, then I think that devalues it."
Since we are on the thread of a fictional film, I am assuming you believe that fictional films are art. On one hand, you will only value art if it is MORE than entertainment, in other words, if it has SOME MEANING. On the other hand, you abhor being forced to find meaning in fiction because it is "made-up." So which is it? Is it wrong to try to find meaning in fiction or is it wrong NOT to try to find meaning in fiction?
From reading your posts on multiple threads on this board, it is clear that you also abhor Mr. Von Trier, as evidenced by your statements:- "I know Von Trier, for all his many, many, many failings as a director/storyteller/human being "
- "Lars has no sense of drama or what makes something engaging or meaningful."
- "His other films are likewise pointless and painful."
- And the add on comment at the end of one post that has absolutely NOTHING to do with any other statement you make, "He added the VON himself to sound more impressive." Yes, MrWall21, people in the public eye (and even some of those who aren't) sometimes change their names to something they prefer, for whatever reason.
My second question is that if you hate Lars Von Trier so much, why do you waste so much of your time watching his films and coming on the boards to criticize him? Wouldn't your time be better spent watching films you actually value?
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blakartist2000 — 17 years ago(July 29, 2008 03:55 PM)
mrura, I agree with what you have posted on Manderlay.
The movie is a good piece of artwork that expresses the human condition after a life of bondage and trying confront a new way of life.
I think Manderlay is a fictional interpretation of this human condition,which does a good job of stimulating further dialogue about this subject. There will be people who see this as someone judging them, some will be in denial, some will reject it because of its graphic nature but one thing for sure its a strong piece of artwork and entertainment for those that understand it. -
PilarPalabundo — 18 years ago(November 27, 2007 10:13 AM)
The point of the film was to give people food for thought and reveal that everything isn't so cut and dry. It's a film about perception and in this case it's about how we define freedom. I think von Tier chose the best environment to showcase his theory.
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Tyler_Durden_pt — 18 years ago(December 11, 2007 10:41 AM)
It's a tale about the Nietzschian topic of human need for domination and subjugation - in this case, the way that defines the individual's search for freedom, or the lack of that search.
Any further questions?
Last film watched:
Non, ou A V Glria de Mandar
by Manoel de Oliveira - 6/10 -
directorguy-1 — 17 years ago(July 22, 2008 04:15 PM)
I think its about how we as humans have good intentions, but they can turn out wrong because of our human nature.What Grace taught them was good, but people's own selfishness and anger got in the way (the killing, the money, Grace being seduced) Also about how humans will take the easy way instead the the hard way out or through a difficult situation even if it isn't right. SPOILERS It wasn't right, but it was easieir for the slaves to go back to being slaves instead of being free. Grace could have ignored their taunts, but it was easier to release her anger.
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ThreeSadTigers — 15 years ago(August 24, 2010 12:14 PM)
What's the point of any film? To entertain; to provoke thought and discussion; to make the audience feel something, emotionally, either through identification with a central character (or characters) or through the experience of a dramatised situation. I mean, what's the point of Duck Soup? What's the Point of Jules and Jim? What's the point of Avatar?
The point is whatever the individual takes from it. -
cthulhulurks — 14 years ago(March 14, 2012 02:20 PM)
to amuse you
my vote history:
http://imdb.com/mymovies/list?l=27424531 -
HornyDonkey — 13 years ago(April 12, 2012 01:27 PM)
I think post-colonialism is one of the major topics presented or discussed in this movie. A lot of you might know that in post-colonial study, the repressed psychology of an oppressed group after being oppressed and enslaved is the subject that's discussed at length. Post-colonial study shows that the evil of oppression and slavery that steals people's freedom will follow the victims even after the oppression and the slavery ends. The inferiority-complex and irrational comfort on being controlled felt by the oppressed group are two of destructive results that are generated by the oppression and the slavery.
In Manderlay, we witness that there is something wrong about the freed slaves psychology. At the end of the movie, the freed slaves are unable to accept their freedom and bear the responsibilities that follow. They have been oppressed so long that they only feel comfortable living their lives simply by being submissive and controlled by.
Another subject of discussion in post-colonial study is about how the west defines the world based on its own standard.
In Manderlay, Grace, as the representation of the west, thinks that democracy is the best system that should be applied everywhere. Little did she know, the freed slaves (with all their repressed psychology and inferiority-complex) are not ready to embrace the power of democracy given to them.
Well, it doesn't mean that the movie concludes that the freed slaves have to be in oppression all the time. It is a messy situation and the movie shows us how evil oppression and slavery are.
My List:
http://www.imdb.com/list/2oNF6wXyc5k/