Syriana: a good film that leaves an oily liberal residue
I’ll be to the point today, for once, because I’m on deadline for multiple projects, but today, National Review Online is running my response to the new oil and politics thriller, Syriana, which is George Clooney’s latest in a volley of bids at social and political relevance. I previously wrote on his last message movie, Good Night, and Good Luck, at AFF Brainwash. Enjoy a weekend of shopping and present-wrapping, and remember: When the mall gets you down, there’s always Starbucks!
CORRECTION: In my essay, I incorrectly refer to the men seen in the opening scene as "Arab." The men are Pakistani. I deeply regret the error.
posted by Peter @ 12/16/2005 09:28:00 AM
1 Comments:
I believe you missed a crucial point in the part of the movie when the when the "evil" oilman is spouting a diatribe on the 'virtues' of corruption. He quotes Milton Friedman as describing corruption as government interference in free markets, yet he understands that this regulation is precisely what benefits his special interests. He rants, "We have laws against it precisely so we can get away with it." He embodies exactly what Friedman wrote against. Even if his character is exaggerated, he represents the very real people that do see the 'virtues' of corruption. And although the ending conveys an overtly liberal message, this is a key point that I'm afraid too many people overlook.
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