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10.19.2009

Artistic Merit

Far too many creative endeavours are lionized based not on the comparative artistic merit of the piece itself, but instead on the subject matter.

Were one to appear unmoved by a movie such as Schindler's List they face derision (at best) as "a heartless bastard" or face the more harmful epithet (at worst) of being called an "anti-semite".

Can one still feel sympathy for the Jews and still dismiss Schindler's List as melo-drama? Indeed.

Were one to dismiss say, The Passion of the Christ, the ad hominem attack on the reviewer would be that they simply did not understand the plight of poor JC (at best) or (more likely) be labeled a godless heathen.

Should not one be able to dismiss Mel Gibson's magnum opus as a self-indulgent religiously-cloaked snuff-film? Rightfully so.

Sadly, this is not the case in our overly politically correct world.

Might I boldly suggest that just because a movie or book tells a sympathetic tale, it is not by definition of topic matter a crowning achievement?

Reviewers: It is best to steer clear of any negative review of material of a sensitive nature. One is better served to laud it as a masterwork.

Artistes: Seeking pulitzers, emmys or academy awards? Tackle "challenging" subjects focusing on the disabled or otherwise down-trodden. Do not worry about quality, but instead focus on subject matter with an aim towards making women cry and making men feel selfish for not volunteering at homeless shelters.

Plot: Ensure that the poor, young, elderly or mentally handicapped (or any other class of underdog) are the unlikely, yet plucky heroes - and that success in any form is villianous. Despite success being the American Dream, Hollywood loves to demonize the capitalist pig, doesn't it? And do not audiences respond? They do.

Furthermore, require that the antagonist has no perceivable reason for behaving the way he does - his success and desire for material gain must be the sole cause of his evil.

Thus does one have the recipe for an award winning product.

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