The box-office may be a window in the the soul of America. When it comes to entertainment it can be very telling of the values we hold and the ones we no longer see as gold.
This can be seen most dramatically in contrasting the fan response to two stars: Elisibeth taylor and Angelina Jolie. Elisibeth taylor played cleopatra in the 1963 movie of the same name. Taylor and her costar on the film Richard Burton had an affair resulting in the disintegration of both Taylor and Burton's marriages. The scandal came to light just as the movie was released. It bombed because in 1963 people would not idolize people who go against accepted moral norms. People stilled valued marriage and they would not go see a homewreker on screen.
Fast forward to the filming of Mr and Mrs Smith. It was on the filming of this movie that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie had their affair resulting in the brake up of Pitt's very famous marriage to Jennifer Aniston. The film made millions and was a box-office hit. What does that say about us, the American public?
(1) Do we no longer value marriage as we once did?
(2) Do we compromise our morality for the cheap thrill of a good move?
(3) Have we created a divide between what someone does and who they are?
I believe the answer to all three is yes. Yes, we no longer hold marriage and the vows made to be holy and worthy of honoring. Yes, we place our entertainment and pleasure before what we say is ethically wrong. Yes, there is a divide. It is common for people to disregard the character of a leader as long as he gets the job done. Don't believe me?
Exhibit A: Bill Clinton and his sexual exploits, i am not referring to the Monica mess, think back, America elected him after it was revealed he had two affairs, Paula jones and Gennifer Flowers ring a bell.
Anyway, Angelina Jolie is slated to play the female ruler of Egypt in a remake of the classic. It is said to be released in 2013. Can't Wait to see the box-office on that remake!
I write this not to blame hollywood for our ills. It is not the darkness' fault for being dark - that its nature. i write to encourage you to think critically about your world. The church has lost the will to think critically about most cultural things. Choosing instead to retreat into it's own little Kingdoms and suffocating it's children till all they gasp for is the dirty air and smog of the world. All we do is blame and never teach how to analyze culture or our hearts. We should not point fingers disapprovingly at Hollywood because there will be four pointing at us. Here are four questions to ask ourself.
Do I love my comfort and pleasure for most?
Do I view the marriage vows as only personal and not socially binding?
Do I think pragmatically about everything even when it comes to those in power?
Do I need to take a look at what a really value?
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