Writer's Block: "Anybody home? Think, McFly, Think!"

[serai]

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Okay, this is going to sound odd, but the meanest movie bully I ever saw was the New Age teacher in Todd Haynes' Safe. He had that sweet, "positive" tone that so much of New Age philosophy has, but he also had the mean-spirited, selfish bullying that is so prevalent in that area of thought. The whole blame-the-victim mentality, berating (always politely, of course) those who dare to get angry or feel resentful of the hardships life rains down on them. I find that kind of thing much uglier and more damaging that straight-out shitheadedness, myself, because it pushes the damage-doing onto the victim - hearing this nice teacher say these things makes the person think it's her fault. And how can you fight back against a guy whose bullying is "nice" and polite? You can't. That's the power of passive aggression, and it's really, really ugly. A real villain for the modern world.

Comments

[biting-moopie.livejournal.com]

I haven't seen the movie but know exactly the kind of attitude you mean. It's so insidious and it's so hard to get people to believe you. "Oh, they're just trying to help/You're looking too much into it/You're being to sensitive." People like that are terrifying and the only way to deal with them is to not engage and get the hell away. That makes life extremely difficult if that isn't an option.

[biting-moopie.livejournal.com]

* too sensitive.

[serai1.livejournal.com]

You really should see it. Brilliant movie. The main story has to do with a woman who develops an environmental illness. She's played by Julianne Moore, who's perfect because she plays the role as if she's increasingly made of glass. The guy I mentioned is the leader of a New Age cult that runs a retreat center way out in the middle of nowhere, where she goes to get away from civilization. So he has what is basically a captive audience, and it's painful to watch. Haynes' sense of satire and wit is razor-sharp; the movie is quite wicked that way.

[biting-moopie.livejournal.com]

That sounds awesome and scary. And I really like Julianne Moore. I think I will watch it! Thank you for the rec!