A soul searching week for me at the video store. A number of new DVD’s are out – some old and some new. But each one asks us to confront an uncomfortable side of the human condition and the internal contradictions we all carry. Allow me to explain.
The Conformist. This, of course, is Bernard Bertolucci’s 1970 masterpiece of sex and politics in fascist Italy. Here’s the problem: back in my younger days, whilst deep in a pseudo intellectual haze, I declared this to be my favorite movie of all time. On a number of occasions during my post-college years I have repeated this bold claim (admittedly, there were some ladies in the room at the time in dire need of pseudo intellectual bravado) Now, I have not seen this movie in 12 years, and all I remember is a confusing non-linear narrative, two ladies dancing erotically, and an over-arching theme of fascism leading to repressed homosexuality. But if I thought it was a masterpiece when I was 21, it’s got to be great, right? Right?
1900 (or Novecento) Another of Bertolucci’s grand epics – this time, tracing class politics through the ups and downs of 20th century Italian history. Robert DeNiro and Gerard Depardieu are born on the same day-but get this… one is rich and the other is a peasant! Hilarity ensues. Well, if not hilarity, you’ll get a heaping helping of socialism, fascism, class struggle, horse manure fights, and bizarre sex scenes meant to be profound. Let’s just say when you mix DeNiro, Depardieu, and an epileptic prostitute all naked together in one bed, you get yourself a chapter in every Italian Cinema textbook out there. Today, rentals will most likely be driven by the chance to see DeNiro and Deapardieu naked together.
And finally, Talladega Nights. I was talking last week with a film critic and asked for a simple yes or no answer on whether I should rent this film. He gave me a 5 minute answer. As such, I now expect a lot of from this film: including a post 9/11 examination of sexual regression leading to the fascist political climate of Nascar culture. And should you rent this film, please note that director Adam McKay even has the cars running clockwise so as to accentuate the right leaning nature of southern politics. A deep and powerful film.
