I’ve actually watched this film (last time there was a fuss about it). It’s not good as entertainment and it certainly doesn’t have a story. But it’s an interesting exercise both in cinematic terms, and as a lesson in selective quotation and reputation management.
Anyone can select phrases from anything to make it sound bad or good. Think of those theatre posters with ‘left me breathless!’ when the original quote said ‘left me breathless at how bad it was’. Full understanding only comes from the context and indeed how something is put into action – how people interpret words and what actions they take based on that interpretation.
I think there are three lessons we should draw from this row: firstly that freedom of speech must be defended in a non-partisan, straightforward and even-handed way. Secondly that if we disagree with something, being an ostrich, sticking your head in the sand and ignoring it is not the answer – as I argued in this post on the BNP. And finally that unless we acknowledge that personal motivation is the most significant factor in behaviour, we will not even begin to resolve these sorts of problems.
No related posts.
Dear old tories, Dave etc., try so hard to feign mock outrage in their new happy clappy guise… but this film says nothing most people couldn’t agree with. It calls for no violence. Just exposes a lot a of wackos that don’t deserve defending. Real leaders would acknowledge the objectors and tell them to grow up, especially in the context of the free speech they’ve enjoyed in the UK. Much of it deeply unsavoury. Did anyone see a load of Catholics frothing outside cinemas showing the Da Vinci Code? I don’t think so.
…and it’s on at the Glasgow Film Festival…