Using lies to tell the truth
Just recently, I’ve seen V for Vendetta, the latest Hollywood action movie production. Coming in package with Matrix directors, fast forwarded scenes, superhuman heroes, totally impossible fight sequences and all of that happening in the near future for the extra flavor. Therefore, it’s just another action movie. You couldn’t be more wrong.
As Evey Hammond (Natalie Portman) says: My father was a writer. You would've liked him. He used to say that artists use lies to tell the truth, while politicians use them to cover the truth up.
The movie tells a powerful story about a monstrous freedom fighter using terrorist tactics to fight a government he is forced to live under. It takes place in a totalitarian society, led by a dictator controlling the population through fear.
Sutler (John Hurt, playing the dictator): I want this country to realize that we stand on the edge of oblivion. I want everyone to remember why they need us!
The answer offered by V is profound. After a hail of bullets is shot at him and he manages to stand upright the following dialogue takes place:
Creedy (Tim Pigott, a high member of regime): Die! Die! Why won't you die?! ...Why won't you die?
V (Hugo Weaving): Beneath this mask there is more than flesh. Beneath this mask there is an idea, Mr. Creedy, and ideas are bulletproof.
It is of course impossible, a lie. People die under a hail of bullets. It’s impossible in exactly the same way as it is impossible to believe that the totalitarian regime portrayed in the movie has anything to do with the society we live in. And yet, by using such little lies it manages to tell a deep truth about the nature of ideas, which are indeed bullet proof. It is also true that authority, whenever given leave, will strive to increase its power over the society. Individual freedoms are always the first sacrifice we make when faced with fear, of either terrorism, or economic collapse. So why bother with the fireworks, the nice explosions, fancy sound effects?
V: A revolution without dancing is a revolution not worth having!
posted by Sergej at 9:58 PM
1 Comments:
I don't know anyone who could have told it better. Yet I know many that would rather not listen, god forbid say something, because they are afraid. Of what? They are not sure... - is it possible this this is just another lie :) .
All the ideas in this movie are not really original, but they are stiched together in such a manner, that really makes you think. And that is why this is one of the best movies I have seen. I really recommend that you take the time and watch it. Maybe all of its lies will open your eyes and show you the truth.
"...then you have no fear anymore, you are completely free." ( even Viktor Frankl couldn't have said it better.)
Ps: sometimes I am surprised that we need special efects,coplex story, fighting and untold love to really get the idea. Well if that is what it takes...
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