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Where are all the films about poor Americans?

theguardian.com

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Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#21

Post by rusk »

allthenews wrote: post #4

When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…

Art is the conscience of society. Sure there's a lot to be said about escapism and lolz but to say that art shouldn't be challenging risks disappearing up the hole of narcissism.

This miserable loveless screed in fact, your outrage at outrage, is a fantastic example of why we should be encouraging filmmakers, and artists in general to present us with a more challenging view of life.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#22

Post by ksk »

allthenews wrote: post #4

When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…

Why should there be a purpose to art at all? In any case, Oscars are known for handing out awards to non-commercial movies. That was the entire point of the awards. To reward excellence, not money (modulo human factors).

If you are not going to be entertained by a movie, don't watch it. If you don't like the authors opinion, move on and go read something else. Maybe I should move on from your opinion too :)

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#23

Post by overthemoon »

allthenews wrote: post #4

When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…

Film can be many things. Entertainment is one of those things.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#24

Post by meri_dian »

hadsed wrote: post #17
allthenews wrote: post #4

When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…

It is incredible that you cite artistic expression for your case. It is likely the money making side that makes it difficult to do anything truly new because the predominantly affluent (and yes, white) masses may be skittish about it. You should think about its broader impact on society, because while you have the time and resources to complain about not being entertained enough (incredible in this age of over entert…

But that's the point he's trying to make. A movie about poverty will probably not be a pleasant movie to watch. So don't shove it down people's throats.

Also, the masses are not "predominately affluent", so not sure why you'd choose to describe them like that. The "white" part is unnecessary as well but that's a whole different discussion.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#25

Post by rusk »

saudioger wrote: post #16
rusk wrote: post #3

Though not a film, Breaking Bad has I think been exemplary in its treatment of this subject. By and large now it’s a topic that sees much more treatment in TV than in movies. “Boyhood” comes to mind.

Except most of Boyhood was emotional drivel for people who want to see poor people from a distance and believe everything always turns out fine in the end through hard work. Better watch out, that kid from a broken home might break the rules once, but cool white-savior mom is all he needs (she also managed to free the gardener from wage slavery by giving him a nice pep talk). These are totally real things that happen…

Fair enough, that's one way of looking at it.

I was personally more struck by how the boys socioeconomic status forced upon him this unpredictable, drifting lifestyle, without opportunity for putting down roots and develop deep relationships. At the end where he doesn't have a home to go back to. I think that this is viewed predominantly as "kind of normal" in the USA and it's really sad. I don't think it's healthy. No man is an island we need roots and community to make us whole.

It's interesting that you should pick on the "poor white saviour mom" when it's clear she is the only strong character in the film besides the boy. She is the only person looking out for his interests, and that too is sad.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#26

Post by dluan »

unexpected wrote: post #8
meri_dian wrote: post #7

The premise of this article is wrong. There are many movies about people who aren't rich. The stories may not revolve around their poverty, the poverty may not be an integral part of the story, but the characters are still clearly working class. That said, people don't go to the movies to be lectured about poverty. They go for an escape. Poverty is sad, so there isn't a huge appetite for movies "about poverty".

I agree with you. Three Billboards was exactly this type of film. Not sure why it was not mentioned in the article.

Three Billboards was not about poverty. It took place in a rural area.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#28

Post by mping »

allthenews wrote: post #4

When did people lose sight of the fact that the primary purpose of film on the silver screen is entertainment? Where do authors like OP get the idea that I want to go to the movies to have politics shoved down my throat? And that there is some kind of obligation for those in charge to forgo their primary motivations of artistic expression and/or profit in the interest of some totally arbitrary target of "representati…

Art is a two way street. Besides, EVERYTHING you do has a responsibility, an echo. Whether you accept it or not doesn't change.

You can make a joke about Holocaust and say "hey, the purpose is to entertain" and expect not to offend people?

I think it's a good thing these issues are brought up.

Re: Where are all the films about poor Americans?

#29

Post by mdpye »

SoylentOrange wrote: post #11

Some recent examples: - Florida project - 3 billboards outside Ebbing Missouri - La La Land (to a degree) - Manchester by the Sea - Straight Outta Compton - Creed 2015 and more recent, set in the USA, nominated for awards at Oscars, protagonist is poor

"Protagonist is poor" doesn't come close to what they are advocating. From the article:

Take The Same Kind of Different As Me, a movie that presents itself as being about a homeless black man, but is most interested in a rich white couple and the way their volunteerism at a soup kitchen saves their marriage, and their souls.

The protagonist being a caricature of a poor person doesn't make the film an insightful or interesting examination of poverty. Or even about poverty. That takes much more. It's more or a challenge, more of a risk, and when done well (see Florida Project) a much greater potential reward.

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