By P.A. Geddie
I did not completely avoid the end-of-year bombardment of sappy Hallmark movies but aside from a couple that were perfect background noise while I got in some cooking and jigsaw puzzle time, I managed to survive the holidays without them.
At the other end of the spectrum of movie choices in theaters and on streaming channels are all the violence movies that I avoid even more. I eliminate a good 80 percent of what’s available because of the aggression, blood, and gore or other overly portrayed aspects that leave little room for a good plot.
I’ve read that people who enjoy movies with scenes of violence find meaning in confronting some violent aspects of real life whether their own or what they see around them.
And a third reason given is that some violent portrayals seem to attract audiences because they promise to satisfy “truth-seeking motivations” by offering meaningful insights into some aspect of the human condition.
While I steer clear of violent movies I have to admit I fit that last category a bit as I enjoy a good Dateline murder story or other “who done it?” Those shows usually downplay the actual scenes of violence and focus on the story. I like figuring out who did the dirty deed and why.
Human behavior and the conditions under which they occur are fascinating. Sitting on the couch in the comfort of my home it’s easy to wonder how in the world they think their actions were a good idea.
You’d think those humans would learn from others’ who found themselves in similar situations that they aren’t likely to get away with it and their life is pretty much over from then on.
Aside from the occasional visually understated murder mystery, I prefer movies that portray good human spirit over evil and look for thought-provoking, surprising new plots that tell good stories instead of aiming to keep me on a thrill-seeking roller coaster through violence and shock appeal or nodding off to predictable, unrealistic Hallmark Land.
They are few and far between but I manage to find rewarding gems occasionally that provide just the self-inflicted movie therapy I need. Linked here are notes on ones I’ve seen recently, A Good Person and Lessons in Chemistry, and I’m looking forward to seeing Wildfire: The Legend of the Cherokee Ghost Horse premiering this month. With a soundtrack of Michael Martin Murphey’s song “Wildfire,” it’s bound to be a feel good, healing story.
*Source: International Communication Association
