Of Fictional and Real Life Tragedies and Dramas

So it was, perhaps, no surprise that when noting the 1952 movie and biography of famous French painter, Toulouse LeTrec (sic?) was going to be shown on Turner Movie Classics TV this past Saturday, I made special plan to watch it.

And wow, what a great movie it was! (Not to be confused with the more recent "Moulin Rouge" starring Nicole Kidman which, to me, was awful, boring and confusing).

Shot in a type of cinematography reminiscent of 19th century paintings, the 1952 Moulin Rouge was both beautiful to watch, as well as it contained stellar acting performances, (particularly by Mel Ferrer in the title role) and profound, deep and almost poetic dialogue.

While the original intent was to watch the movie, while also tending to small tasks around my home, I instead, sat glued to the TV screen. I dared not turn my head away for fear of missing insightful dialogue, the gaiety of French "can can" dance and song, glimpses of famous Le Trec paintings or nuances in human to human drama.

So, as the song from this movie was one of my favorites as a kid, the movie itself moves into the category of top personal favorites of all time.

Other favorites in that group?

"Road to Perdition," "Gone With the Wind," "Elmer Gantry," "All About Eve," "Midnight Cowboy," "The Heiress," "Terms of Endearment," "Ordinary People," "East of Eden," "Kramer vs. Kramer, "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," and "The Apartment."

Of course there are no new movies in that group. That's because I never go to movies (or rent) and to be honest, there haven't been too many modern movies I've wanted to see.

Moreover, the last time I made an effort to see movies recommended to me, I hated them.

"Braveheart" was sheer torture to sit through (I guess I don't like Mel Gibson). And "Lawrence of Arabia" wasn't much better (though Peter O'Toole was quite handsome to look at). Both of these films should have told me that the person recommending them and myself didn't really have too much in common.

One of my biggest complaints about newer movies is that, unless one is seeing some deliberate slap stick comedy, most modern dramas are so heavy, morose and pondering in their "drama," one feels leaden after watching them. There is little (if anything) in the way of lightness or diversion to offset the serious themes or messages of the movies.

An example of that is the Oscar winner of this past year, "Atonement."

Set against the background of WW2, this story of ill fated love due to the repercussions of injurious lie by another, is beautiful and well acted, but crushingly heavy.

There is nothing of lightness, music, nuance or charm to add depth to either the characters or the story. The message (consequences of lies, even when unintended, being ultimately more injurious to the teller, than the victims) is driven home with a sledgehammer, rather than some subtle moment of recognition or experience in the main character's life.

Contrast that to most of the movies cited above which blend humorous, light or tender moments into their otherwise serious themes. Such is more "real life" to me.

"Road to Perdition" for example, depicts the life of a small time gangster of the 1920's seeking retribution against those responsible for the gangland hits on his wife and daughter. The movie is unquestionably violent. However, the tender and deep relationship between Father and young son, in addition to the exquisite, haunting music and scenery of the film offsets the otherwise violent, vindictive theme. Tom Hanks was brilliant in this film, displaying amazing, but subtle depth and complexity of character. I personally think it's his greatest role.

Speaking of the contrasts, tragedies and complexities of real life, after "Moulin Rouge" completed, I tuned in to watch the finish of the Kentucky Derby.

The favorite, "Big Brown" was crossing the finish line with the filly, "Eight Bells" a few lengths behind.

The crowd was cheering and the winning owners and trainer, hugging each other in ecstasy!

But, then the cameras switched to show a downed horse on the track.

"Eight Bells" had collapsed shortly after completing the race in second place.

She apparently broke two ankles and was "euthanized" on the spot.

Talk about feeling "leaden." I personally felt like a 2000 LB weight suddenly descended on my shoulders.

How God, God, awful!

Now, how could the crowd continuing cheering and how could trophy's be given in the light of such unspeakable (and to my mind, preventable) tragedy?

Once the numbness and shock settled in me, it was enhanced by anger.

I immediately called, NBC to voice strong complaint about the superficial and callous "coverage" of this horror.

Would sports announcers and the network have been so dismissive had the tragic, ill fated, young, filly actually won the Derby?

Eight Bells only "lost" by 5 lengths.

But, the real "losers" here should be the racing industry itself.

Just two years ago, Derby winner, "Barbaros" later broke down in the Belmont and though attempts were made to save him, he too, eventually had to be "euthanized."

Maybe its past time that a movie was produced exposing many of the abuses in the horse racing industry.

And sure it could show those who "love" the horses and maybe it could show some light, tender or exciting moments.

But, there is ultimately drama, tragedy and deep exploitation under that so-called, glorified "run for the roses."

What happened on Saturday should never, ever happen again.

The unjustifiable and prematuredeaths of these horses (and so many others) should not be in vain.

Demand change! --PCA

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Written by mandy787 Blog about this entry

This entry has 1 comments: (Add your own)

#1 Comment from jmuhjacat
5/5/08 6:32 PM | Permalink

THANK YOU, Patty, for voicing your outrage, which I share, over the senseless loss of life of Eight Belles. Believing as I do that all life is sacred and that no one of any species should be exploited to provide "entertainment" for others, I have opposed horse (and dog) racing as long as I have had insight into this senseless and brutal "sport", and of course, Eight Belles' senseless injuries, suffering and death should be a rallying point for everyone of like mind.

I'm glad you enjoyed the movie and will check it out, as I haven't seen it. There are little documentaries on the life of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec which air on PBS occasionally -- he was a fascinating person and you might want to check his true life story out sometime.

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Of Fictional and Real Life Tragedies and Dramas