The need to represent oneself is universal and has been implemented since the stone carvings of the cavemen until the invention of the photography and the cinema. We all know how the movie industry is an essential part of the American cultural history, like we know how prevalent it has been the world over for nearly a century now. Like Narcissus contemplating his image in the water of the river, don’t the movies made in the US act like a mirror which permits America
This urge to represent herself is all the more enhanced with the quasi obsessional need to display the national flag in oh so many movies and TV series, like a transitional object, as if America had an existential need to permanently assert both her identity and her legitimacy.
Now, what is Narcissism but the inner conviction to be at the centre of the world? And is it pushing the barriers too far to suggest the strength of the American movie industry may have another, deeper and unavowed meaning, that of a fundamental insecurity regarding her very being?
Just asking…
The painting is “Narcissus” by Caravagio (1599)
3 commentaires:
Je reviens de vacances et te voila avec pleins de billets! Je vais m'amuser en lire tous ces billets et commentaires.
I like reading your rather sweeping statement about the movie industry. You have a point that in general the majority of Americans have a need to see themselves as exceptional and better than those Yurpeens.
Glad to see you back Anijo (smile)
Actually, this post I wrote for SF.com, 2 if not 3 years ago, and I kinda remember he didn't really like it.
I eventually had it in a drawer, ready to be posted someday...
The tone is somehow a bit provocative as I used to write for SF in order to trigger some lively exchanges (shame)
I've been visiting your blog several times lately, it looks like you've received a lot of buckets filled with spams.
This is an indication that your blog is well referenced since mine receives such spams once every other month...
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