The movie industry had the worst year they have ever had in 2017. I expected some reason to believe there is change within the industry. I didn't really see anything that I could point to as a significant sea change.
I expected real visual differences, like a co-host with Kimmel such as Amy Schumer. That didn't happen. Kimmel was his usual entertaining self and the night was lighthearted and wonderful, but, no real indication the Academy is taking a hard look at its future.
Congratulations to all the winners, they received awards they earned and deserved.
I did notice there were many first time winners that had previous nominations, many with at least four previous nominations. I think that fact is interesting. I think there is some degree of reflection by the Academy in that there was some sort of tweaking needed to realize genius that has existed within the industry for what sounds like decades, but, were overlooked.
There was a high gloss on diversity last night and I can appreciate all of it. I think the ultimate best actress and picture reflects an importance of CHANGE and a removal of a myopic view of the world.
Gary Oldman was a surprise, but, he did do a first-rate job of a man that doesn't resemble him at all. But, as with any other recognition of fame, the stories of domestic abuse and possibly violence is beginning to surface. The Academy needs to reflect on its values of excellence and how vetting the winners may be appropriate.
People vote throughout their lives these days. That is a fact. They vote for their quality of life in the USA and that is okay. People should have a voice when they are disenchanted by what was perceived as "life's promises" that are never delivered.
In recent dialogue I have heard a very valid expression, "We need to stop the politics of the possible and practice the politics of the impossible." I think that is important because it is the perspective of America's young people. That enthusiasm to tackle difficult hurdles is a greater promise to the USA. It speaks to generations of change and with it an economy that does not disappoint and a lives well lived. The Academy can be and should be a part of that enthusiasm. It is important the Academy reflect on its values and the future. The recent past shows an industry in a failure to ensure it's future.
I think the Academy needs to look at the digital age and realize its impact on the integrity of its future. The motion picture industry is under attack by the richest man in the world and Walmart is entering the field. I realize there are many interesting online series and I watch two as I write this, but, I still attend the movies IN THE THEATERS.
If one looks across the spectrum of the American economy there is a mad rush to the Digital Age with very little reverence for American labor. It is seen in the movie industry, the entertainment industry in general as well as store purchases in major retail industry stores (click here).
I am not unhappy with the reduction of Wall Street on the American landscape. I believe the small businesses in the USA were ravaged rather than revered over the past two to three decades. It wasn't until the global economic collapse was it realized the value to the American economy of the small businesses. It was the last to experience losses and the first to recover to a revitalized economy. Small businesses are the lifeblood of the country and to that end I don't care if Wall Street disappears. As far as I am concerned, Wall Street brings to many foreign investors to American soil.
But, as to the Academy and the digital age, it is its own fault. There are several things at play with the digital age and its major steps in shuttering "the brickwork" across the country; personal safety and cheap ways to obtaining what the American consumer is consumed with on a day to day basis.
Example: Where are Americans buying "The Instant Pot?" Through Amazon and not storefronts. When that occurs employment suffers and wage labor suffers in their take-home pay. That only returns the USA to a Third World status among the people. If that occurs, the USA has lost its luster and promises to its children.
Speaking of children, the adoption industry (Yes, it is an industry.) needs to be assessed and redirected to supporting families rather than ripping them apart. The American family is still the strongest fabric the country has and it is under attack in a way it never has before. There are some private, non-religious agencies across the country servicing communities where government social services once did all the work. But, these private non-religious agencies have success rates with family reunification up to 70 percent. When one looks to the private religious-based organizations doing the same work, their reunification rate falls to 40 percent and the government agencies fail immensely with a reunification rate of 1 to 2 percent.
The Academy needs to consider the way the USA is fragmenting and the loss of the American Dream. Perhaps, what the younger generations of Americans are demanding is a return to the values that life up all of us. I think the American landscape is eroded in more ways than one and our younger people are experiencing the USA is far different ways than their parents and grandparents. The Academy needs to play it's part in providing a bold, new world with an emphasis on real people and not a robotic future.
Amazon is a great company that has enhanced the quality of life of Americans, including protecting and preserving a great newsprint. But, it's the largest stockholder, Jeff Bezos, who needs to reinvest his vast wealth into businesses other than warehouses. I would suggest green energy. Green energy is also under attack in the USA. It would be interesting if that was reversed.
I think I said my piece on domestic happiness; at least for now.
