Movies and the politicians

IT was a gloomy Saturday. My meeting with a tour operator was aborted for unknown reason. I had no choice but to drag my feet to the nearest mall. At last, I decided to see a movie, The Amazing Spiderman. It was entertaining with many sub-plots culled out from old movies. I enjoyed seeing some popcorn actions. I did enjoy also my 20-minute light sleep.

The most popular saying that came out of the Spiderman franchise is “With great power comes great responsibility, ” which Uncle Ben tells Peter Parker (AKA Spiderman). We hope that politicians can be like him. Before Election Day, they marketed themselves as human beings who are willing to serve Filipino people. They kept on throwing left and right what-they-could-do promises if elected. They resemble Spiderman who did the same with his webs to anchor safely while chasing criminals. Reflection: Spare your web for the truth only.

Here are some movies that remind me of politicians. In the movie, Kill Bill, Uma Thurman also known as “The Bride” showed some spaghetti aesthetics patterned on US blaxploitation films. This was a revenge drama for four hours which reminded us of some politicians who made themselves assassins of their political enemies the moment they are in power. They find themselves in a simulacrum universe where dogs eat dogs.

Harrison Ford was a star in Air Force One, a movie with a plot riddled with more holes than Swiss cheese. Ford is El Presidente of the United States. Bad guys with accents were able to hijack Air Force One, the official plane of the US president. That would show that political leaders should be decisive. They have to go out of their way in a claustrophobic setting to deliver public service. In here, Director Wolfgang Petersen said, “Real Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice.”

Die Hard makes Bruce Willis a super cop. He was a fish out of water in the midst of sharp-suited executives who are terrorists. Armed with just a gun and wits, Willis was able to outgun his adversaries. This reminds me of cry-baby politicians. If they cannot perform, they would always say that there is no budget or they have no connections in the Office of the President. Can’t they be like Willis? Look for other sources. You cannot be a box office hit if you don’t hit your target. And now, you want reelection.

Nicholas Cage and John Travolta had it in Face/Off. The archenemies have a swap of their faces through surgery which happens also to politicians when they try changing their parties to reach their comfort zone. The radiant light illuminating the presence of good and evil in the midst of so much evil lurking in the minds of some politicians is seen in the movie as Director John Woo reflects his thought at the bottom of the philosophical meditation. Politicians, you need a credible face.

Director Ang Lee made his Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon loaded with restrained obedience and passionate romance with bankable Chinese stars, Chow Yun Fat and Michelle Yeow. Politicians should learn what sense and sensibility with martial arts means. In politics, you don’t just fight; you develop an inner sense of strength that makes all things possible, even walking on water. Acting sometimes makes politicians better candidates.

Russel Crowe was Gladiator under Director Ridley Scott. He was crazed with blood wrath but ready for a peaceful return to the arms of his family. Politicians at war should not only remember Election Day as an arena for combatants. The political playing field could also be an avenue to transform a politician from being an avenging angel to a soldier of reform. Our government does not punish; it simply selects. You can be in or out as a public servant.

James Bond is out to save the world . . . for Queen and England. He has suave panache, can hurt beautiful women and can also disarm them with his 007. Some politicians are Bondish because of their I-don’t-care attitude. They can be charming but childish when it comes to their functions. The movie is loaded with sex and romance and always remains soda-wet. Politics can be a neo-noir film.

Politicians are very much like the movies. They excite and frustrate. Politics is the marriage of truth and pretention. We need politics to sweeten our day. We need to see movies to prove that we have also our inconsistencies. We have to amuse ourselves. Humor is a proof of our being human. Enjoy the show!