Learning At The Movies

Google Analytics indicates renewed interest in TOD posts related to the "let's put on a city" movements that have become somewhat reminiscent of Rooney and Garland movie plotlines based on children being ignored by the adults and "putting on a show" to get their attention and reveal to them the wrongheadedness of their ways. That the success of these B-grade movies was based on star-power is not the only thing about these rather horrid movies that aligns with our more recent city mania.

But there is a better, slightly newer movie that addresses the more realistic outcomes likely from these single-minded bowel-like movements.

Jaws.

And the great thing about this is that to understand what is about to happen to your life under the control of a fledgling little city you only have to watch the first part. Once Brody and Hooper board Quint's boat the metaphor changes. Now had the Mayor gotten on the boat and been eaten by the shark...but that would be a different movie.

But in the first half of the movie you sense not just the enduring believability of Spielberg's rendition of small town America but if you've been paying any attention at all you simply cannot ignore the direct correlation to some of your nouveau City politicos. The mayor who lives to serve nearly everyone but the citizens. The newspaper publisher who not only abandons his Fourth Estate responsibilities but further calls in favours to ensure others of his ilk conspire in his deceits. The woman speaking fervently on behalf of the struggling businesses regardless of the cost in actual human life including those of her "neighbors". The councilman who when badgered by the mayor to enter the water immediately reaches down to drag his grandchildren in with him.

It is as if Spielberg created the blue print for these new cities springing up around Atlanta.

So head on down to The Fresh Market and pick up a couple Mako steaks and some oil cans, head on home and pop a cold one, grill up some shark, put Jaws in the DVD and chill out while you watch your future. When it's over you'll need a little escapism, so how 'bout some Jimmy BooFAY to round out the day...

But now she feels like a remora,
'cause the school's still close at hand.
Just behind the reef are the big white teeth
of the sharks that can swim on the land.

Can't you feel 'em circlin' honey?
Can't you feel 'em swimmin' around?
You got fins to the left, fins to the right,
and you're the only bait in town.
You got fins to the left, fins to the right,
and you're the only girl in town.

fINS UP!