Borboletta

I was really disappointed in this documentary. Everything from poverty to environmental degradation to mass migration is blamed on one thing and one thing only..."globalization." I find it impossible to believe that someone traveling in developing countries for 6 years would ignore the real root causes of some of the most serious problems facing the world, including disease, drought, corruption, conflict, and failed political systems. The majority of the photos depicted, while very powerful, most likely depict one or more of these realities.

What this documentary boils down to is little more than socialist propaganda. Instead of a thoughtful look at some of the root causes of poverty, what we are left with instead is propaganda material for the trendy 18-21 year old anti-globalization crowd. Certainly capitalism isn't perfect, and corporations need to be kept in check by public opinion, but if that is the case then let's get down to specifics and identify which companies are committing which acts of malice, single them out, and pressure them into change. This has been done before, and we've sweat shops closed and company products boycotted, and it's because we live in a free society that we can carry out such campaigns. So please let's carry on with some more productive investigation and response activity, instead of hanging out with the maladjusted youths and throwing rocks at WTO and World Bank officials.

The subject matter avoids Saddam's rise to power, which was covered quite well by Frontline. The focus instead is on Saddam "the man", his family, his wealth, and his megalomania in general. The images of Saddam's palaces, museums and other shrines juxtapose chillingly with those of children in hospitals and Saddam's torture victims. We also see how Saddam has turned his presidency into a virtual monarchy, (rather than a Hitler-style dictatorship) complete with royal family intrigue as family members come into and lose -- sometimes painfully -- power and influence within the regime. The tongue in cheek narration gives this documentary a strange feel, more sarcastic than ironic, which I am not sure was the best way to present this material. Saddam will no doubt receive his wish and be remembered throughout history (alongside similar monsters like Nero, Pol Pot, Stalin, Catherine di Medici and others).

Many of the reviews here have been positive. One possible reason is that, to actually sit down and write a comment about this picture you really have to think about it a bit. And this is not your average action or sci-fi flick...much more thought-provoking than the Road Warrior, Logan's Run or other acclaimed movies of the genre, Rollerball contains a lot more food for thought than I bargained for. That's not to say it blew me away, but I did find it interesting. For those just looking for some mindless action, go rent the Running Man. However, I think this movie will appeal to readers of Alduous Huxley and Ayn Rand as much as anyone else.

The classic conflict here is really man v. the gods. Bartholomew is like old Zeus on Mt. Olympus (his huge office tower), and Jonathan E and the other Rollerball players are his pawns. Not only does the game serve the bloodlust of a bored, lackadaisical public, it also quenches the idea of individuality; the tough, bloody sport of Rollerball is not a game where players are supposed to get better over time. Enter Jonathan E., star player for 10 years and getting stronger all the time. A bit of a worry to the corporate higher-ups that rule this world, a champion and symbol of individuality to the people. What dangerous ideas does Jonathan E. represent to this Brave New World?

This is a movie that can mean different things to different people, as the comments here suggest. Well-made (although not perfect). The scenes where he confronts Bartholomew and his women show that he is just an average man being swept along by greater forces. However, Caan's character is most watchable where he excels: the Rollerball arena.

The DVD is pretty weak except for the Director's commentary...no trailer?? I hope they re-release this one on DVD. I also hope the remake doesn't simply focus on the violence of the game. Some will say this movie is no longer relevant today...I heartily disagree, especially as far as corporate conglomerates using television media to stone the public. Just turn on MTV or the WWF to see what this is all about. Surely the dark side of globalization if ever there was one.