Cinema Wednesdays - Loris S. Musumeci
«I'm the heretic elite. And for the record, asshole, global warming ain't bullshit.»
In the world of The Hunt, a group of super-powered elite self-righteous organizes a hunting party. Even though hunting isn't really their thing a priori, For those who are sold on ideologies bordering on veganism. The hunt is well organized, but against human beings. These victims were kidnapped by the elite group after being spotted on social networks.
What they all have in common is that they're «fucking racist homophobic conspiracy theorists». No beasts to hunt, then, but this band of «morons who use the word N.E.G.R.E.» and «smoke fags». The elitist group doesn't pull any punches when it comes to violence. The hunt is on for these enemies of progress: shots, arrows, a plethora of traps and tricks. But among the conspiracists, there's one woman, Crystal, who isn't about to let herself be eaten.
Without achieving any directorial prowess, The Hunt by Craig Zobel is good, even very good, in terms of the intelligence of its subject matter. And even the direction isn't all that unpleasant: it invests mainly in the gory violence of horror films - though parodying it at the same time - and in the fight scenes. The result is a thought-provoking action film.
A reflection, as said, intelligent, and even more, courageous, because it tackles the issue of conspiracy. While the screenplay might tend to suggest that it takes the side of the conspiracists against the elites, the case is in fact more subtle. Of course, the conspiracists are portrayed as victims - which, as it happens, they are, given that they are so violently slaughtered. And the elites are portrayed as executioners, as they indulge their darkest death impulses. The fact remains, however, that these two groups of sworn enemies are sent back to back by the film's message.
We show both the wrongs of the elites and the wrongs of the conspiracists. We show both how the elites feel exacerbated by the words and lifestyle of the conspiracists, and how the conspiracists feel humiliated and constantly betrayed and manipulated by the elites. We also show how deeply unhealthy both circles are, when they dwell in their most extreme sides.
The conspiracy theorist who may say some true things but mostly talks a lot of crap on the networks and who doesn't feel like going anymore as soon as he sees fifty like often hateful, often incoherent. The elitist who looks down on everyone, who believes he can manipulate anyone in the name of his ideology and interests. The only difference between conspiracists and elites is that conspiracists often act out of ignorance rather than malice; whereas elites often act out of malice rather than ignorance. But the final richness of the scenario lies in its ability to transcend these two categories. No question of disclose But perhaps it's the misunderstanding that creates these two categories of enemies in the first place.
«It's always the same with the elites, they always think they're better than us.»
Write to the author: loris.musumeci@leregardlibre.com
Photo credit: © Universal Pictures
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