Zeitgeist: (from German Zeit-time and Geist- spirit) is "the spirit of the times" and/or "the spirit of the age." Zeitgeist is the general cultural,intellectual, ethical, spiritual, and/or political climate within a nation or even specific groups, along with the general ambience, morals, and sociocultural direction or mood of an era (similar to the English word mainstream or trend). [source: Wikipedia]
Recently, I watched this totally unnerving movie called Zeitgeist and it left me in a complete tizzy. To confess, I have never been a Conspiracy Theory enthusiast but this film surely does put up some really interesting facts for the mind to mull over.
First of all, this is not a movie review, its more like me documenting the cud-chewing that my mind is doing after the movie. Personally, I would recommend all of you reading this, to borrow a copy or download it. It goes down well with your mind, if you are a person who does not like being told what to do. Ironic, isn't it? *Grin*
It takes up some very controversial topics like religion, war and 9/11 and completely turns your passive numbness around. The dissection of war mongering and the profit that it brings to the vested interests( the Bankers and the ruling elite ) is staggering, it really does make you think of the economy that we have inherited and are still actively nurturing, yet not knowing the cost.
The darker themes of a Big Brother like state are a wee bit far-fetched, I believe. We will not turn into senseless drones, confused and suckered with constant entertainments and gimmicks. That is one point I feel the movie does try to force onto you, just a little bit, like a discreet nudge towards a particular direction.
The amazing part is, they make sense of all the mess that you see around you in the news and media, the propaganda articles, the sloganeering editorials, the fervent calls to your nationalism, the fear psychosis... its all so well etched out. The bad guys on the other side of your borders, lurking to slip in. As a clear demonstration of the exaggeration of non-issues and the side-lining of the real ones, our Indian media does not spare a minute for the common man. You can watch the utterly forgettable page three celebs and their inane antics ad nauseam, but the crazy inflation rate, the starvation deaths, rural exodus, the excluded people etc. all remain, at best, in a nondescript corner of our collective consciousness.
Our media, is a reflection of our tastes, and a sad one at that. Its not so wholly commercialized as the West, but we are getting there. To find no condemnation of the politics of segregation, either in print or in electronic media, is dumbfounding. I remember when the Maharashtra and MNS were the hot potatoes, there was no objection from any of the political parties! No public debates among our leaders, no dismay, no anger or sorrow. How far have we fallen? Or were we never a nation, just a patchy collection of feudal lands?
The consciousness, the spirit of doubting and questioning that is so much needed here is missing. That is why I think Zeitgeist makes one hell of a movie.
Hmm, looks like a movie to see. Can I get a copy?
ReplyDeleteWell, all this is so complicated, and when you try to decipher all this, it brings along a sense of fear/uncertainty. I had read 1984. It was truly amazing, the concepts, the theories, and all of them seem very possible. But, some way or the other, I think, we refuse to look at the reality sometimes, and follow what we believe and think, and not what might be right.
:)
No one likes to be told what to do, INCLUDING ME..... :)
@ Beanie: I know, you are among the few remaining intellectuals of our age :P
ReplyDeleteI watched the 9/11 Chapter. Was really amazed.
ReplyDeletethose who care, dont matter, those who matter, dont care... :(
ReplyDelete