When I try to look at the workings of western culture/society over
the past several thousands of years, I ask, What were we doing? What did
we discover? What did we accomplish?
And then I look for the works of art which seem to define or
illuminate the period.
So, what did we discover? What have we really done?
I cite two recent/current American films, titles perhaps recalled
incorrectly: Going After Amy (key word Amy), and Best Friend’s Wedding. In
each the protagonist in a light love story becomes the anti-hero.
Europeans have been doing this in popular arts for some time. Americans have
done it mostly in country-western music. I think I have not seen it in
American film since the thirties–maybe never, as I cannot think of a
thirties example.
Interesting to see the box office reports on these two films.
Fine arts project our essence–what Freud called our psyche; pop arts
project our surface. Which one are we looking at in these two films?
L–h