I was reflecting on Tim Robbin's performance in Shawshank Redemption the other day, and it struck me how analogous his reaction to the warden's rejection of obvious truth is to my own reaction to "conservatives"
NORTON
Well. I have to say, that's the
most amazing story I ever heard.
What amazes me most is you were
taken in by it.
ANDY
Sir?
NORTON
It's obvious this fellow Williams
is impressed with you. He hears
your tale of woe and quite
naturally wants to cheer you up.
He's young, not terribly bright.
Not surprising he didn't know what
a state he'd put you in.
ANDY
I think he's telling the truth.
NORTON
Let's say for a moment Blatch does
exist. You think he'd just fall to
his knees and cry, "Yes, I did it!
I confess! By all means, please add
a life term to my sentence!"
ANDY
It wouldn't matter. With Tommy's
testimony, I can get a new trial.
NORTON
That's assuming Blatch is even
still there. Chances are excellent
he'd be released by now. Excellent.
ANDY
They'd have his last known address.
Names of relatives...
(Norton shakes his head)
Well it's a chance. isn't it? How
can you be so obtuse?
NORTON
What? What did you call me?
ANDY
Obtuse! Is it deliberate? The
country club will have his old time
cards! W-2s with his name on them!
NORTON
(rises)
Dufresne, if you want to indulge
this fantasy, that's your business.
Don't make it mine. This meeting's
over.
ANDY
Look, if it's the squeeze, don't
worry. I'd never say what goes on
in here. I'd be just as indictable
as you for laundering the money!
NORTON
Don't you ever mention money to me
again, you sorry son of a bitch!
Not in this office, not anywhere!
(slaps intercom)
Get in here! Now!
ANDY
I was just trying to rest your mind
at ease, that's all.
NORTON
(as GUARDS enter)
Solitary! A month!
Andy gets dragged away, kicking and screaming:
ANDY
What's the matter with you? It's my
chance to get out, don't you see
that? It's my life! Don't you
understand it's my life?
In this movie, the character of Andy has been wrongly imprisoned, beaten, raped, sent to solitary confinement and through it all, he maintains his humanity and belief, as evidenced by this scene, that after all he's been through, the truth will set you free. Lightness will dispell dark. But what he finds is a warden, who is in fact, obtuse and willfully lying and obfuscating to retain his illegal spoils.
The warden represents "conservative" ideology. No amount of "light" can dispell their "darkness". There is no "converting" them. They are much closer to a cult or crime syndicate than a politcal party.
Andy then proceeds to outfox the foxes. That, to me, is the genius of the movie. He no longer wastes his time pursuing legal means to obtain his freedom. He doesn't "argue" with the warden or attempt to appeal to him in any way, emotional or logical. He recognizes that all those doors are closed. What's left is to "play the game" and basically steal from the stealer.
I think that's a perfect prescription for us on the left. Use our superior intellectual, acting, musical, artistic and creative skills to dupe, mislead, scam, and basically abuse the "conservatives". For example, set up fake anti-gay organizations, solicit contributions, and give the money to ACT UP. Or make a follow up movie to "Passion of the Christ" or someother such nonsense, and give the money to Katrina survivors.
Cynical...yeah, but a lot of good could be done with their money.