This Week in Film: June 1, 2007

The Governator's got my vote. It's time to amend that law.

Ten Canoes is terrifc, by the way, as is Severance. Both well worth your weekend moviebucks... provided, of course, that you haven't seen Pirates yet. YARRRRRRR!!!!

Thanks for the recommendation on Ten Canoes, and nice interview, Sameer. I'll get my lazy butt into a theatre right away.

Thanks for the links, Justin. I read the blog and watched the video. I appreciate your contribution.

Our government alas yielding to Hollywood preasure may seem like a contentious argument, but I still think it's a fair law and one that should've been in place a long time ago.

Cam-movies actually make up a very small percentage of the piracy scene -- I mean, who the hell is making a living doing this? Maybe two or three guys in Canada? Maybe none? Surely, these "professional pirates" can't be responsible for those bloated numbers the MPAA are suggesting. And those estimated profit-loss numbers? Give me a break.

It's a first step, but it's a very tiny effort in combating piracy -- which will never go away. Far more sophisticated methods are being used by savvy pirates. Nevertheless, it's clear the studios are simply using Joe Blow with the Handycam to send a "fear message".

I support the new law and the new penalties because these camcording pirates are degrading the quality of films. If you painted a portrait, and someone came along and xerox'ed it, and then sold that inferior crap quality print for a dollar, you wouldn't feel too great about it. Moreover, it's disrespectful to the many artists and crafts people who work on films only to see the fruits of their creation look like a cheap third or fourth generation VHS video.

I am still skeptical about the MPAA and their claims. I also sense that their interests are more about profit than artistry. But that's their business, and they need to look after their bottom line.

If I sound bewildered and conflicted about the issue, it's only because it's a complex one. I can only speak from the perspective of a moviegoer, who cares about craftmanship and good storytelling... that's what I pay $10 to see.

I understand Geist's points, which is why I am skeptical about the claims of the MPAA. However, I don't support the piracy of movies, especially in the form of camcording. Piracy is a global problem, it's happening everywhere. Whether Canada is a "haven for piracy", that's debatable. Nevertheless, the law should protect the work of artists, not just from a profit standpoint but from an integrity one. "Head in the sand", perhaps, but I hold movies with great deal of respect -- which is something, I think, should be encouraged in our moviegoing culture. It's not just business.

Will this law have much impact on piracy? Perhaps not. But will it prevent Joe Blow with the Handycam from taping in theatres. I think so... who would want to go to jail for camcording? Having a law that at least discourages this activity is better than having no law at all. Doesn't it make you somewhat uncomfortable when you're sitting next to a guy who pulls out a camcorder all the sudden?

Now is our Government a push-over for yielding to U.S. lobbying? Are you concerned that we'll be weak in the knees when the MPAA begins preasuring us to pass more laws? Laws that will alas affect our personal privacy. That's the main concern in all this, I understnd, and also the reason I feel conflicted in the debate.

Again, I appreciate your comments, Justin. I like to hear what YOUR opinion is in all this? Not Geist's.