Rachel Corrie was nothing like me. If I’d met her, I’d probably not like her. She would be one of those super-focused, always nice, willing to drop anything for you people. They annoy me. Mainly because they portray a level of selflessness and genuine concern of world events that I never do. They feel their direct actions against an imposing force will make a difference, something I never do. They believe in social justice, something I barely do. While I like social justice – helping others? Sure, that sounds biblical – my execution certainly lacks behind my concepts. I have an array of excuses I could use. I’ve struggled adapting from an inadvertent exposure of fundamentalist Christianity to a worldview that can only be described as “lib’ral” (the fundie part not because of my parents, but from attending events like Acquire The Fire and hearing Jerry Falwell speak). When you see and try to live in a culture that embraces punishment for stepping outside the norm, it’s hard to convince yourself to help without preconditions. Or I could mention how my one little action won’t affect change halfway around the world. I could blame a lot of things for jamming me into neutral on social justice, but inevitably it comes back to me, and that’s why I hate Rachel Corrie.
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Another quick update of some capsule reviews of the films I saw, funnily enough, all documentaries.
Rachel: We saw this film after going to a panel on Palenstian and Israeli relationships and the role cinema has played. The documentary is about a 24-year old American student, Rachel Corrie, who was killed by the IDF protecting Palestinians houses being bulldozed down. Her murder occurred the first days of the Iraq War so the coverage was minimal. I watched the film only 3 seats away from her parents, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences. This is also pegged for a full review.
The Cove: Flipper meets The Bourne Ultimatum was a spot on description if I ever saw one. You really want to save dolphins at the end, but the high point of the film was the production values and beautiful cinematography. This is playing down at the Main Art Theatre in Royal Oak — go see it. I know you’re not busy, you’re reading my blog.
Learning Gravity: This documents the writings of Southeast Michigan Funeral Director Thomas Lynch and how the job of an undertaker helps provide closure to the family. Even when faced with the most gruesome of bodies. Shot (regrettably) in HD, but also some of the shooting was in Milford and it’s always cool to see Michigan on the big screen.
3 more films left before I check out of here, but easily TCFF is holding true to their slogan of “just great movies,” even if they place isn’t vegetarian friendly. Sean may starve to death, or go into a sugar coma. We’ll find out!
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