This week’s (Jan 31-Feb 6/14) is… V for Vendetta!

“I hate politics!” Ever say this? Usually when we say it there is a hidden meaning. Here are the usual translations: 1) “I don’t understand how government works, let’s switch the subject.” 2) “I want you to think I’m down-to-earth, aloof and awesome.” 3) “I get too worked up when people diss my dad’s favourite prime minister/president. Let’s switch the subject.” 4) “I’m deeply committed to one political party, but I pretend not to be.” 5) “I’m not sure I even know what ‘politics’ really means, but I heard someone really cool say this.”

I don’t know which one applies to you, but mine are usually numbers 1 and/or 5. I suppose a sixth one could be added, which also applies to me: “In high school history class I had to define the different political ideologies. I barely passed. Given a test now I’d fail.” So I did some research. Here are a few definitions along with some more helpful translations. And yes, this does have to do with V for Vendetta.

	DICTIONARY MEANING	TRANSLATION
MARXISM	The economic and political theory and practice that holds that actions and human institutions are economically determined, that the class struggle is the basic agency of historical change, and that capitalism will ultimately be superseded by communism.	Something about Karl Marx and pinko commies. It’s like, unAmerican and stuff.
CAPITALISM	an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained chiefly by private individuals or corporations, especially as contrasted to cooperatively or state-owned means of wealth.	Walmart, Mastercard, Ikea, expensive things that fall apart and the fine art of ripping people off in style. Also lots of ridiculously rich people. Lots of homeless ones too.
SOCIALISM	a theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole.	Overpaid politicians steal your money and use it to make the poor feel like crap. Too close to the pinko commies really.
FASCISM	a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power,forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism	The bad guys.
ANARCHY	A state or society without government or law.	Goths, jean jackets, people who scare me, and the letter A with a circle around it spray painted on a warehouse wall.

Ok, so V for Vendetta. Many seem to agree that this movie is an allegory for oppression by government–and the movie does it well. So well that whenever you see protesters on the news you will see someone wearing the Guy Fawkes mask somewhere in the crowd. In fact, for every one person who has seen this movie there are about a hundred who have never heard of it but can recognize the mask. This movie has a lot of philosophy and political ideology expressed in it, expressed eloquently and poignantly. But I can’t say much of it considering my #5 issue (see above). I can, however, say this: If you like liberty, fighting for your rights, heroic vigilantes, and a good movie, watch this one.

Congratulations V for Vendetta, this is your week.

And the Oscar goes to…Best Actress: Of course Natalie Portman takes this one. Not only is she the theme this week, but she kicks butt. She’s also the best thing about the last three Star Wars movies other than Samuel L. Jackson and Yoda’s fight scene. If we were to pick another like we did for best actor in the Tom Hanks week, Mila Kunis would get it. She’s kicks butt too. Best Actor: Jean Reno. If you don’t mind violence, watching Leon: The Professional will likely get this guy on your list of favourite actors. He’s cooler than James Dean in this movie. Gary Oldman is a very close second though.Best Quote: “But again, truth be told, if you’re looking for the guilty you need only look into a mirror.” – V

All of this talk is making me want to go buy a Guy Fawkes mask. At this moment I’m about to watch a movie with my wife–a weekly ritual we share. I love movies so much. Hate politics though.