(Login artuncemcem) Derin Meclis Posted Dec 20, 2001 6:14 AM
I think we should not expect (care) about how "objective" movies or fiction are. One can critiques about any scientific study or work claims-scientific validity (e.g., articles, history books,etc.) based on criteria of objectivity or its scope whether "truly" represent the phenomenon at hand. Consequently, we should have different standards to evaluate any movies.
For example, I love the series in history channel: Hollywood vs. history. it is almost rule, there is not much movie represent historical facts or conditions. Even the movies directed with "good intention" include somewhat bias information (e.g., dancing with wolfs).
However, the idea that we should not expect objectivity from movies should not stop thinkers (scientists, intellectuals, columnists,etc) to discuss movies content (muhalefet serhi koymak) and express their ideas to public because the movies are very important part of knowledge gaining for many people.
In this content, I see no problem people discussing how "salkim hanimin taneleri" represent the reality. We cannot expect the movie should shed light on all aspect of the wealth taxation during 1940s but we can "correct" it through public discussion. For example, I did not know that the government also forced turkish farmer to sell (or handover) their products with very low price. However, the public discussion (as happening in TC)should not take form of lynching the movie makers on the base of armenian propaganda. (BYT, I think the turkish movie did great contribution to the armenian genocide conflict eventhough the content of movies has nothing to do with 1915 tragedy. First time, we has armenian victims in our psyche).
Another important point. Yes, we should not expect movies being "objective" but we can evaluate them how far they violate the objectivity. In other words, are they simply subjective or racist. Representing one phenomenon in some "biased" direction is not same with portraying members of all group or nation (turks) as same (evil, barbaric).
In this content, as timucin points out, the midnight express is not simply biased "normal movie" but a racist one. Not just guards or turkish police but the even turkish prisoners were depicted as "evil", low life creatures. The scenario might take place in prison but the movie is not about turkish prison systems but how turks are inhuman....
So, we (i) will look the upcoming movie, ararat, in those above concept (just normal movies vs. racist one). Of course, I'll evaluate on it in terms art aspects too
Another related aspect is related to general turkish image. Sure, each movies (generally) focus on one aspect of culture/society/people/individual (in our instance,history). However, these sorts of movies also contribute (introduce) who turks (or armenian) are. The unfortunate thing is the world has no idea who hell the turks are (or generally has very limited negative ones). So, the movies will provide the cognitive availability heuristic (shortcut) for many. The already exist heuristic about turks are generally very negative. I do not remember how many I talk first time (outside turkey), their second/third sentence was "did i see the midnight express". I just read an article about what turks mean in some European dictionary (eg. netherlands). Turks: dangerous, dirty, aggressive, corruption....etc. (and they refuse to change it). I remember one conference talking about the depiction of barbaric/vulgarity in dostoyavski works (or other russian writers). He did great jop giving many examples of those sort of act from different nations. But, when it comes to turks (or tatars), he have extra edge for turks action!!while he generally depicting other violence/crime/war/unhuman treatment in terms of greed, religious conflict, racial hatred, etc, but turks basically enjoy this act. It is part of their nature.. I have even scientific (survey) evidence for this racism agaist turks! Unfortunately, most of the armenian sentiments about armenian genocide have been based on these turkish stereotypes in public debates. So, I think the movie ararat, or midnight express, is not just movie for many turks (including me). As usual, the turkish public debate is (will) divide pro vs. agaist camp and evaluate the movie accordingly. It is not so simple. Agreeing or disagreeing with armanian genocide should not the only schema to evaluate the upcoming movies of ararat.
wait and see.
peace, artun
