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 NASHVILLE
Dir. Robert Altman (1975)
With the release of "Jaws" in the summer of '75 bathers at the beach were terrified by John Williams' three note motif score representing the mood and state of mind of a man-eating shark. During the same summer, director Robert Altman used sound differently in Nashville. Altman cast mostly non-musical actors to write and perform their own songs using 24 audio tracks for the 24 separate characters allowing for multiple and overlapping dialogue. This “thick” aural density causes the listener to make regular choices among competing sounds. One of the major competitors is presidential candidate Hal Phillip Walker’s campaign van. His pre-recorded voice blares from loudspeakers cruising the city attempting to sell his platform to the people. "Fellow taxpayers and stockholders in America. On the first Tuesday in November, we have to make some vital decisions about our management. Let me go directly to the point. I'm for doing some replacing. I've discussed the Replacement Party with people all over this country and I'm often confronted with the statement - 'I don't want to get mixed up in politics,' or 'I'm tired of politics,' or 'I'm not interested.' Almost as often, someone said, 'I can't do anything about it anyway.' Let me point out two things. Number One: All of us are deeply involved with politics whether we know it or not and whether we like it or not. And Number Two: We can do something about it.” Interweaving an entire cross-section of characters into a microcosm of American culture in the country-music capital, Nashville portrays the connected interests of the music industry and campaign politics. Similar to Wild In the Streets and Medium Cool, Nashville takes place on the campaign trail to reveal the vice versa of show business politics. The weakness of political parties combined with fame, glamour, and excitement naturally has made the political arena a perfect match for our modern gladiators. However, at times the spotlight cast by the attention drawn from celebrities can illuminate an otherwise obscure issue. A Backstreet Boy testified before a senate environment and public works subcommittee on mountaintop removal mining for his hometown; no harm done. On the other hand, who cares how Tom Hanks votes? No one wants to wear sneakers by Bono, and does it really matter what Morrisey says about immigration? Ok, maybe the argument is not whether celebrities should be involved in politics or not, or if news media is a war enabler. What we have here is a discussion on who our “leaders” are, where did they come from? Have we fully participated in their obtainment of power? Is choosing deciding?
But, perhaps there is a way….Across the country and throughout the world the demand for effective leadership is soaring. As a result, academic programs in leadership studies are being integrated into the national curricula. I wonder what would happen if the ’08 presidential candidates were required to attend such a course. I’d like to see a class with the I Ching as the textbook and Charlie Bartlett as the professor.
SHIH/THE ARMY
In times of war it is desirable to be led by a cautious and humane general. If he has achieved his position through force, the general will not last long and he will lose support of his army when he needs them most. If on the other hand he has become a leader through superior conduct and even-handed treatment of his fellow soldiers, then his power is well consolidated and it endures.
SUI/FOLLOWING
Leading others is a delicate art. Following creates success. Proceed gently, with balance, staying unattached to results. Remain responsive to the views of those you would influence.
TS’UI/GATHERING TOGETHER
It is our collective strength that makes positive change possible in the world. However, the tremendous power of human collectives must be directed by a qualified leader. Improve yourself into the kind of person you yourself would follow wholeheartedly and without hesitation.
TING/THE CAULDRON
You serve as an example to others by sacrificing your ego and accepting the power of the creative. Employ music, prayer, meditation, a common project, or some other form of sacred concentration or ceremony to release the pent-up energy in yourself and others. ---Excerpts from I Ching/A Guide to Life’s Turning Points by Brian Browne Walker |
