Each year I see fewer and fewer movies in theaters. I don't think that there are many that actually are worth the price, I really don't care for crowds, and I usually have much better things to do. I did see a movie last night that was actually worth the 40 bucks that the we dropped for two hours of entertainment that included tickets and snacks that will soon be taxed even more in the name of public health and welfare. As if $4.50 for a carbonated water is not enough. Of course, there are those movies and trailers (25 minutes worth) that I feel I should be paid to watch and some that you couldn't pay me to watch (the latest Liam Neeson fare comes to mind).
If people are willing to spend their hard earned (or not so hard earned) cash on a couple hours of entertainment and unhealthy snacks, that's fantastic. I'm all for free enterprise, capitalism, and artistic expression. But, it is ironic (a much less judgemental term) when Hollywood types whine about income inequality and pretend to be concerned about the plight of the common man when the two hours of entertainment they provide costs more per hour than the minimum wage they push. Perhaps irony isn't the right word when you consider the "swag bag" that the Oscar nominees (who already want for little) receive is valued this year at around $160,000. This is nearly four times the annual income of an average American household. Maybe movies like Elysium are a response to guilt. Or maybe they are just a testament to the gullibility of the public who continues to believe that somehow people who pretend to be other people are equal to or better than those they pretend to be.
I don't begrudge any of the success or even the opportunity for people assemble and recognize their work. Playing a villain doesn't make you one. Similarly, portraying a hero doesn't make you superhuman or give you the ability to defy the laws of physics our nature. Even portraying a real person who made real contributions does not through some magical or osmotic process make you share in their accomplishment. At best, you tell a story in a compelling manner.
Don't get me wrong. There are movies that I like and even actors who I respect both for their ability to bring characters to the screen and their work off screen. However, listening to a prima donna drone on about all the injustice in the world while wearing a pair of shoes that costs more than most people in the world make in a year makes scrutinize my entertainment choices a bit more closely. As does listening to one preach that I need to "reduce my carbon footprint" while they burn more hydrocarbons taking their private jet on a weekend jaunt than I use I a year or two commuting to my job. As far as commuting to the job, I'm pretty sure my car doesn't have a larger carbon footprint than the limousine that they stepped out of onto the red carpet or one of the monster armoured SUVs or super cars that populate one of many garages that they have. Just accept your award, thank a few folks and sit down. How hard is that? Fortunately, I won't have the answer to that question.
