January 31, 2006

"Who are you wearing?"

Have you had it up to here with Red Carpets? I know that I have.

It seems to me that they trivialize movies and the incredible impact that movies can have.

The "E!" Entertainment factor of movies is important, to be sure. But what thrills me most is the power of movies to inform, energize, and motivate.

Television multiplied the reach and power of movies by many factors. Decades ago, "Roots" raised the awareness of and dialogue around racism in this country. The series "Holocaust" was seen by one out of every two households in America (and it was telecast in Germany and throughout Europe) with profound effect.

This past year, "Syriana," "Good Night, and Good Luck," and even "Crash" brought to us an awareness of issues that we otherwise simply might never have confronted. They've got "content." And, to be sure, content is king.

Tonight, the major networks - and some other channels - pre-empted their regularly scheduled programs for the State of the Union Address. Why, then, don't they pre-empt programs on a regular basis for other programming that addresses substantial issues? How can we squander the attention of so many American households and not give them the opportunity to be challenged, inspired, informed, and provoked by consequential issues?

"Not good box office?"

I'll tell you what's "not good box office."

It's not good box office when - out of ignorance - we run out of fossil fuels....when the avian bird flu spreads...when Katrina victims are not helped...when we ignore the AIDS epidemic in Africa...when we don't fix our healthcare system...when our educational system continues to fall behind that of other developed nations...and so it goes.

I'm not saying we're the only ones with challenges. I'm saying that communications - movies, television, radio, music, etc. - can help us with our challenges. And the media need to dedicate the time and resources to doing so.

The relevant question isn't "Who are you wearing?" It's "What are you doing to make this a better place?"

It seems to me that those of us with some skills in communications need to be addressing the right question.

Today isn't George Bush's day. It's George Clooney's day.

George Clooney was nominated as best supporting actor in "Syriana," and as director and co-writer of "Good Night, and Good Luck." He can certainly look back on the year and say he made a difference. It's virtually impossible to view those two movies and not be deeply affected.

Interestingly, "Good Night, and Good Luck" has heroes and villains, whereas there are no heroes in "Syriana." Everyone is corrupt in a way. The lines are so much blurrier. Such a clear reflection of how times have changed. Black and white, no longer operable. Everything, more layered, more complex, more multi-faceted. So much more difficult to find one's compass. So much more important to do so.

We are blessed to have the skills that we possess. How, then, shall we use them?