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Why Robin Hood?
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I understand about Ridley Scott, he is a power mad Brit intent on remaking the world in his image (see Kingdom of Heaven (death of Leagolas' career), American Gangster, Gladiator (albeit one I liked). But Russel Crowe - have you no shame.
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Must we travel to a Sherwood of Grime and disgust. Sure, it was probably like that - but realism is not - in and of itself - a public good. I mean why even film this depressing road kill down memory lane in color? The palette (and Crowe's constant grimace) probably works better in black and white.
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And wither thee of the political subtext. Political subtext you squawk? Why tis true indeed my fair movie maven. Robin Hood - filmed and released in 1939 - showed a happy an honest British people run ragged by a crazy, venomous small man in a black moustache. 1939! Hitler! What do you need kids, Glen Beck and his blackboard?
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Yes, in addition to wonderfully entertaining hokum, The Adventures of Robin Hood was designed to move Americans towards a sympathtic brotherly love towards the Brits - already embroiled in a war against a tyrant in Europe. Why else cast Errol Flynn? Hollywood American at it's best!
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I am sure - nay positive - the cringe inducing Robin Hood's Heart of Darkness will make a lot of money. Good for the bonuses (bonus(i?)) of my friends and loved ones at Uni. But it tears the heart out of the story to be replaced with rage, anger and revenge. Even if true, it is an ugly ugly message to teach.