Though true, the fact that it wasn't quintessentially a work of art in its own right as a film, to me isn't relevant. I agree it isn't. What I found FASCINATING about it was it's subject matter. And I have to give huge credit to the writers for identifying and addressing an EXTREMELY INTERESTING POINT. The theme of the show could have us discussing until next week, it was so juicy a topic.
There is, however, a danger, of sounding or *being* elitist in one's commentary of the film. I watched this film a year ago, at the recommendation of my then girlfriend (from Minnesota). She has fantastic judgement and interests, so I trusted her direction.
After the film, she went on to make a number of points. Points, which to me, an Irishman, were very revealing.
Apparently, the whole English language is in a complete state of decline. It's being 'dumbed down' everyday. Television and the internet have been major facilitators of this, one of their downsides I guess.
She said that any of the letters from early American history, written in English obviously, (just look at any of Lincoln's addresses) were so *incredibly* eloquently written, the language so exquisite, as to be almost completely incomprehensible to all but the most articulate and literary of speakers today. The language was, in other words, almost if not, Shakespearean in its complexity. And from her readings and studies, this was apparently the way most everyday Americans spoke.
Easily backing this up, is the fantastic series "Deadwood", where every commoner speaks with an absolute poetic eloquence. It's admittedly hard going. But worth it. But by contrast, and to support the point of Idiocracy, it's very revealing.
The thing is, I was so fascinated with the whole concept of the human race being bred into a race of stupefied morons, by all of Darwin's theories, that I did some research, to see what people out there on other blogs were saying. I found some very interesting counter-points, which were as relieving as they were revealing!!
The key point that stuck in my head, was that some of the greatest peoples of our time, could have come from complete oblivion, having no genetic history of the enormous talents, which these greats themselves have.
I mean supposedly both Einstein and Edison (I think??) were labeled dunces academically. Oh, there's so many more, but I just can't think... any help here people??? Pelé & Jesse Owens came from absolutely NOTHING, having no history of athletic excellence in their lineage, nor having any encouragement or finacial support.
I just still wonder though, could there be better messages given to the children of middle class or upper class families as to progressing themselves, and/or better moral messages??? I know a lot of right wing, elitist and supremacists types would argue for...
Not necessarily I guess... it's easy to generalise, and hard to comment on such like, when you're not an anthropological expert.
Then again my mother came from a very poor rural upbringing, only three generations after the Irish famine, and education, hard work and advancement were PARAMOUNT to her family.
It's hard to figure either way, when you really get down to it.
Anyway, thanks JimNastics for bringing up this VERY film for discussion.
