Abraham Lincoln was said to have had a pretty decent sense of humor. There were some serious-minded folk, however, who thought that it was inappropriate for a president to enjoy a good joke. He had an important job to do, after all.
Lincoln's response to that was, "if
I didn't have a sense of humor, I wouldn't last 15
minutes at this job." Abe could have had a successful career
in the movies.
The fear that bombs falling in Iraq would, at the very least, result in falling theater tickets has yet to be fully realized in Hollywood. Even at a time of war, or perhaps especially at a time of war, audiences look to the movies to provide them with a much-needed escape from reality.
The psychological effects of war are far reaching. Anxiety, panic attacks, alcohol and substance abuse are just a few of the psychological ramifications of war. During such a precarious time, some question the appropriateness, as well as the significance, of movies.
Consequently, where do the movies fit in to all of this? Perhaps a more significant question is if the goal of terrorists is to cause widespread psychological harm, then shouldn't the goal of the antiterrorist be to do everything within their means to prevent that from happening?
This, as a point of reference, is where the movie industry comes in.
The movie industry has an even greater responsibility to its audience during a time of war. More than providing entertainment, movies provide war weary communities with a safe haven, a place to go where fiction overrules fact.
When we slap that $8.00+ on the ticket counter, we're paying for a respite, an all-too-brief break from the all-too-real world. We rely on the movie industry to provide us with that reprieve.
We're looking for something to tear us away from the horrors depicted on CNN. For two hours within that dark theater, there is no war, only windows into another world. A world we choose to visit. A world that often stays with us when the lights come up and reality returns.
So, what world are people choosing to visit during times of trouble? The question at the box office remains: Is comedy still King or does reality reign?
The box office speaks for itself. To date, the highest grossing film of the year is the Steve Martin/Queen Latifah comedy Bringing Down the House. It has brought down a most respectable $122.7 million in ticket sales to date since its Marchopening.
Likely to eclipse those numbers is the comedy Anger Management. For the second week in a row, the inspired pairing of Jack Nicholson and Adam Sandler held the top spot in the competitive box office race. In its first 10 days, Anger Management has totaled $80.3 million. It also holds the honor of best April debut of all time with its 42+million dollar-opening weekend. Not a bad way to manage anger.
It would seem moviegoers have spoken. Comedy is still King.
Although there will always be a place for drama in film, perhaps moviegoers are realizing that reality is providing us with enough drama these days. Now is a time to find humor wherever we can. Only time will tell if audiences continue to flock to the comedy over the tragedy.
It would do us good, however, to remember that during times of trouble you can't put a price on laughter (unless you're in charge of ticket sales).
With a slew of comedies heading our way
this summer, including the Jim Carrey/Jennifer Aniston Bruce Almighty,
as well as the much anticipated Legally
Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon,
it would seem as if the movie industry is doing their part.
So head to the movies and remember that laughter is the best medicine (or is it the best revenge? Either applies here).
And don't worry, CNN will still be there when you get home.
Return to Film Home Page | Meg's Home Page