Now, we have an entire film dedicated to eco-activists willing to employ violence to suit their needs. And it’s clear where the story’s empathy lies.
“How to Blow Up a Pipeline” deserves some sort of Truth in Advertising award. The story follows a gang of eco-thugs plotting to deliver on the title’s promise. …
The film enjoyed a limited release April 7 but expanded to north of 500 theaters last weekend. The results?
A measly $600K to date.
[Christian points out that critics adored the film, because of course they did. Reason’s Peter Suderman (whom Christian links) accurately diagnoses the problem. Audiences don’t like “delusional, apocalyptic depressives” and don’t see them as heroes of any sort. It’s similar to the problem with “Year of the Dog,” which also set up a delusional depressive as an animal-rights hero, with the filmmakers apparently completely blind to the central character’s danger to everyone around her. Critics think that one’s brilliant too, but anyone with any semblance of mental stability sees right through it. The didactic is all. — Ed]
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