“Blindness” – Opening the Eyes of Understanding

Recently we rented ‘The Day of the Triffids” – a science fiction oldie that featured the premise of what would happen if suddenly nearly everyone on earth was blinded. Coming in September Alliance films is releasing a movie called ‘Blindness‘ that explores a similar premise but with a modern twist.

Featuring a wonderful cast that includes Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo, it presents us with the scenario of an epidemic that ravages a city leaving many blinded. What ensues is an indictment of the underpinnings of modern society.

I look forward to seeing it because the beauty of a film such as this, is that it creates a larger than life story framework that still allows us to examine some very real questions about ourselves and the society we live in. When push comes to shove, do we rise to the occasion? Or is it every man for himself? History has been a witness to both outcomes and we can’t take it for granted that human kindness will always win out.

While ‘Blindness’ offers a raw look at our dark side, it nonetheless points us in the right direction and leaves us with a breath of hope. In effect, it can symbolize the challenge to surmount our own limitations, reaching beyond whatever needs we personally have to an empathy and compassion for others. There presently may be no better theme for our times.

Posted August 10, 2008, 11:27 pm under General

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