Isn't it exciting that every best picture nominee was politically themed?

[Radical Activist]

It means millions of more people will now view these films and perhaps think about the issues they tackle.

Brokeback Mountain has already received numerous awards and a mountain of publicity. If it had won best picture anyone could have easily complained that the academy didn't want to give an award to a movie that criticizes the news media conglomerates, that tackles race issues, or one that examines complex issues about terrorism. Has there ever been a more political slate of best picture nominees? As progressives, we have a lot to be happy about with this years Oscars.

Isn't there anyone else who thinks that a movie winning best picture which asks people to examine their prejudices about race might also promote the cause of confronting prejudices based on sexual orientation as well? We're all in this together.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

1. Well,

that's not why I go to the movies, actually.

And none really made money, so?

I liked "Curse Of The Were-Rabbit," though.

I don't think we're all in this together, though,

[Radical Activist]

3. We're not?

I thought the idea that we're all in this together was one of the cornerstone principles behind left wing thought. I think its the main essential difference between liberals and conservatives.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

11. I don't think so

First, there are no longer any such things as "liberals" and "conservatives," since the terms have come to be so corrupted by improper use and the lack of understanding of the original guiding principles. So, I see the folks such as you and I as essentially people who want to do the right thing in the right way. Labels are meaningless and counterproductive. That's my belief.

I don't know that unity was ever a cornerstone of left-wing thought. Reference Will Rogers's brilliant observation of the Democratic Party.

Me, I'm just an anarchist looking for the best way to undo the system. I've spent 30 years as a lawyer doing it, and I'm gonna keep doing.

So, at the very least, I'm not in this with anyone else. But, paradoxically, we all share at least some of the same goals, albeit in different forms.

Don't miss "Curse Of The Were-Rabbit." It's grand.

[Radical Activist]

12. I enjoyed curse of the were-rabbit.

It was a great date movie.

Organizational unity is a different question than understanding that our own well-being is connected to the well being of others. That idea is why many on the left fight things like war, racism, sexism, homophobia even if they aren't part of the oppressed group. I also think the essential philosophical difference between Libertarians and Anarchists is that Libertarians don't give a shit about anyone but themselves.

[Book Lover]

15. The Anarchist Lawyer!

:rofl:

I think you have defined irony for all time!

[OldLeftieLawyer]

20. Nice monicker

As one of Rupert Murdoch's subversive authors at HarperCollins, I am cheered enormously by your screen name.

Well, actually, no, it's not ironic at all.

Consider: how can you subvert an institution if you don't know it inside out?

It's all done from the inside. If more people understood that, this might be a very different country. Too bad that more people choose to stand outside and throw rocks at something that impervious to their feeble assaults. But, it's a whole lot easier to stay outside.

Inside - now that's where the action takes place. And the hard work.

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

21. A 'grand day out' infact :) nt

[Warpy]

2. That's the important thing all the critics are missing

They didn't nominate the steaming pile of Sith, whouch outgrossed every other flick out there. They didn't nominate the Harry Potter flick, also wildly successful at the box office. They went for STATEMENTS, and ART over popularity.

So they wimped out and went for a safe film about racism (which most people think is wrong) instead of sympathetic looks at homosexuality or political statements. Big woop. The fact that they didn't nominate fluff that sold well says a great deal about how the Academy has grown up this year.

All 5 movies are on the "must rent" list. I've seen "Crash" already.

[Radical Activist]

4. I'm not sure why it wasn't a bigger story

that everything was so political. Everyone talked about Brokeback Mountain all the time. There are two movies nominated that I still need to see, including Munich.

[FreedomAngel82]

17. Right so let me see

BBM not winning means they're homophobic so what does that mean about you with "Crash"? Does that mean you're rascists?

[Che_Nuevara]

5. Why isn't anyone talking about "Munich" in any of these discussions?

That film was -intense-.

[NVMojo]

6. yes it was and with a definite message for those who would listen

but really, what a great year for those of us who give a shit and are not FUNDIES!!!

[Radical Activist]

9. I'm eager to see it.

It seems awfully topical considering we're in a war of revenge for a terrorist act. Why isn't that discussed in the media more? Too risky?

[meganmonkey]

7. Actually, I think it's a shame that Brokeback is considered political

I will preface by saying that I have not seen the film - but I am under the impression that it is essentially a love story. Correct me if I am wrong about that.

I find it unfortunate that it becomes 'political' because there is a same-sex relationship in it. :shrug:

[Radical Activist]

8. Good point.

When the day comes that a gay romance film is nominated and no one thinks of it as a statement, then we'll be somewhere.

[SCDem]

10. You are right

It was a love story not a political movie. And it was great directing and it was a very sad love story.

[Book Lover]

13. Actually, no

I like non-political places on occasion. I think life would be more beautiful if we didn't have to focus on politics and the mechanism of government all the time.

[sadiesworld]

14. You know what would have been a REAL political watershed?

A movie about one of the millions of poor sods in this country who have watched (some repeatedly) their jobs being offshored and their lives thrown into the gutter. I mean, there aren't any shortage of examples out here.

I'll be waiting for that one. :eyes: Hell, Hollywood can barely conceal its collective distaste for Unions these days. LOL.

[ChiciB1]

19. Aren't They Currently Filming In New Orleans??

I thought I heard that last night! That will be something to keep issues on the front burner!

And I agree, we need ANOTHER Sally Field movie about THE UNIONS!!

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

22. It'll be interesting to see how Spike Lee's New Orleans film gets received

(or more likely ignored) next year. (And Moore's "Sicko" for that matter.)

[FreedomAngel82]

16. Yes I noticed that about the films

Which was cool. This was the first year I think I've sat and watched the whole show. I thought it was pretty well done and I loved the set.

[ChiciB1]

18. I Loved The Diversity Of The Oscars!

Not one who usually watches, I was glad that it was spread around to such an extent!

The Best Song, The Best Movie, The Best Actress, and CLOONEY! He was awesome! Proud To Be Out Of Touch! Sure it was all over the place, but wasn't it nice that it wasn't a ONE theme program???