Saturday, November 5, 2016


Dear Readers,

It's almost a year since I've posted, and for any who've looked for updates, I apologize. It's not that I haven't thought about it, nor that there aren't deserving films -- many of which eclipse my ability to do them writing-justice. I hope it's not that I'm living in the past either, for I keep up and try to view new films and TV series from different parts of our world. I eagerly await the next episodes of "Hinterland," an extraordinary, compelling crime series set and shot in Wales.

Truth is, the years have begun to erode my energy, but hopefully not my perception. Most folks don't want, need, or have time for lengthy film analysis these days, and for the few who do, they can find more and better elsewhere. I do think it's a reflection of age that I'm often more comfortable with the style and dialogue of films from another era, and it seems unfair to write about those which may not be widely accessible, despite our great digital resources. But I'm going to do exactly that soon about the 1988 film, "Betrayed" featuring Tom Berenger and Debra Winger.

I found the DVD in a thrift store and was attracted by Berenger's name - an actor I've always admired. The case summary closed the deal.

The film had a profound impact on me. It slowly uncoils...unveils the existence of a supremacist hate group in the American heartland [but could be anywhere, any country - we have them in Canada] -- its secrecy, its toxic ideology, its ability to inculcate at home, infect, spread, and kill.  We've known about these groups, but their prevalence and public presence have massively increased the past several years.  Secrecy is no longer their generalized principle. Informative print pieces have begun to appear on the subject, which I've saved and will reference.

I've viewed "Betrayed" three times, once with film-buff son and his family, who were similarly captivated and impacted.  I'm going to watch it again before writing and posting. The subject is too important to inadvertently slight or err through omission.

Thanks for reading, and for your interest, patience and time.