Jon Wood's Bad Wasabi: Art-o-stration

realsexwithrealnuns:

I’m posting this video because I want someone to weigh in on a discussion about violence in film. In stand up comedy, I’ve always subscribed to the notion that a joke should be funnier than it is offensive. Similarly, I feel like gratuitous violence should have thematic impact that outweighs its shock value. Maybe I’m romanticizing my metier of choice, but don’t filmmakers and other ambassadors of culture have some sort of responsibility to the public? 

It’s true that Fight Club engendered a whole bunch of instances of kids forming their own fight clubs and getting hurt. It’s been said that Columbine was the result of a media culture, in both film and video games, that depicted violence and mass killings. 

I disagree. People have been blaming crime on media for decades. While media does influence behavior, it was not Rockstar Games who sold Harris and Clebold their pistols and shotguns, nor taught them how to make bombs. Most people who view violent films and play violent games do not become violent individuals.

This film is about gang activity and oppression. It takes the position that such oppression is wrong, but the only resolution it gives us is a strong white man with combat skills. I’d contend that this isn’t a good short film. Thoughts?  

Considering that Ron Perlman explicitly pointed out how pointless the whole thing is, and how he tried something similar when he was a strong white man with combat skills and failed, I don’t think so. Castle’s question really is essential; “what’s the difference between justice and punishment?” Why did he leave the lighter near the gang leader, who would likely otherwise end up dead or in a wheelchair, his power lost? Will this really keep the neighbourhood clean for a while, or just until someone senses the power vacuum? Is Frank Castle’s quest really doing any good?

For those questions posed, I like the film.