Here's a movie that raises a question of ethics
(or is it morals). Either way, the film steps all
over such ideals, perhaps in hopes of redefining
them. Appropriately, it ended up poking me with an
ethical dilemma: a film with such excellent
direction, acting, dialogue and humor, deserves high
marks from a reviewer; but my own sense of morality
(regarding it's subject matter) is holding me back
from giving it the grade.
Allow me to clarify. The director of "Election"
pays so close attention to detail that he makes you
feel like you're a participant in the film. The
timing of the editing is flawless. The script's
dialogue is completely real, riddled with the knocks
and pings of everyday, high school population
stutters and stops. The acting ... appropriately
straight on the money. And it's funny. I was
laughing, we were all laughing.
When Miss senior over-achiever discovers that her
plans to become class president are being challenged
... her prissy face loses it's smile and a primal
scream rings out over her closed mouth
expression.
But the topic isn't just the election, it's
infidelity and statutory rape for starters --
involving students and/or teachers. Perhaps I'm not
alone when I say that kind of thing makes me feel
uncomfortable. Don't get me wrong -- I'm okay with
being uncomfortable during part of a film --
especially if it's an investment toward a larger
goal. But, I felt uncomfortable for nearly the
duration of this tremendously well put together
piece. Nor, did I feel resolved about it at the end.
So, I think you see the dilemma.
I'm going to be weak. I'm going to let my
intangible, perhaps unjustifiable feelings regarding
specifically the touchy topics, prevent me from
giving it an 'A'. Forgive me.
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