Growing in Greece: Blooper Reel

February 7^th, 2011

Athens, Greece

Deree Campus

After Taso’s cinematic language lecture and Sofia’s Greek lesson, production had some catching up to do. Last Thursday Linh was sick so we had to postpone our shot list until our normal day off, today. We gathered up the troops and headed over to the school to shoot our corridor and room chase scenes. Will and I had scouted out the perfect room last week so we were ready to go when we got there.

Pulling up the projector screen, shutting the curtains, and taking down the Jesus on the wall made the room “production-friendly.” We have to ask ourselves: “Would we offend any religious group by having this picture in our production?” “Would we bias our film towards Christianity?” “Would it seem like Athens International Airport isn’t non-denominational?” Honestly I think it’s silly that we even have to think about that. A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but sometimes people take things way too seriously. We could argue that a film critic would see that picture and judge us harshly. Really we could make an argument for anything and everything, but I’ve found my favorite movies are the ones that don’t take into account any religious or cultural groups. Not that they’re disrespecting them, they just don’t dwell on every little judgment and opinion that some audience member somewhere might have. These films are more realistic, that’s how people really are; not so conscientious and cautious.

Now perhaps films should steer more towards not offending people and try to portray everyone as equal, but I personally believe that walking around on eggshells isn’t in the spirit of film or film production. There are tons of activists trying to push people to understand others and welcome diversity, which is great, but films are supposed to portray reality. What’s really going on in the world is more important than what people wish was happening. Sugar-coating films to make the whole world happy isn’t going to change anything, so why do it?

Society's overrated,

Susie