May 20, 2003

Human Drama

I was discussing why I like Band of Brothers when I dislike movies like Saving Private Ryan, Gladiator, Glory, and Patriot with a friend. He came to the conclusion that it's because Band of Brothers is a human drama, while the others are dramatic action. In the former, the action is there to support the development of the characters. This is consistent with my humanitarian motivation to do this job over the desire for excitement and new experiences, etc.

From a cinematic perspective I find the techniques they use to make reality appear like reality interesting. Special effects such as computer generated graphics, make-up, and even the de-saturation of the color to give it a gray hue, are used to present a reality. In a way, this applies to everything. We think the news is showing us reality because it is being shown in real time and being presented as reality. We still are only seeing what the camera shows us, the angle and the commentary and numerous other factors are controlled. My experience talking to cadets who are pre-briefed to talk to the media further convinces me that the news is not reality. Even when dealing with people face to face, what they say, their expressions, their tone, etc are all controlled to portray a certain image. The concept of reality is elusive, it is constructed and interpreted, and that's why there is so much emphasis on the consequences of how people perceive reality. I think women subconsciously understand this more then men. That is why a woman's primary means of attack is by talking to everyone who will listen. They are shaping how people view the reality of a situation or person.