Watching movies is a disturbing experience these days. Since the outrages of September 11, 2001, we notice so many movies with shots of the old, wonderful, New York; a New York with the World Trade Center dominating the skyline. The scene in "A.I", of New York drowned, with only the WTC towers above the waters, is perhaps the most horribly ironic. There have been many comments on the brilliant allegory that is "Pleasantville". Suddenly, though, it seems so apt for this time. It is a story of a paradise more naive than innocent, suddenly and uncomfortably presented with the beauty and fear of reality experienced in its full complexity. "Pleasantville" seems now to illustrate the process that America and its people are said to be experiencing, a looking outwards, a growing awareness of its position, of its unique power, among the nations; but also an apprehension of the vulnerability that America's people shares with us all, in a dangerous and sometimes evil world. Their success in this process is of historic importance to our world.
Review of Pleasantville
