In the first message on violence Simon Vainrub writes "So there are movies that have a message even though they also have violence." The question which was originally put forth is "Are violent movies good?" A rather ambigous and open-ended question. "Good" in the context of style, thematics, plot, - aspects of technique? Or are we speaking of "good" in a moralistic or ethical sense, a violent film's effect on individuals and society? It seems that the two connotations of "good" have been intermingled. Any argument that a film is inherently "bad" or "good" because it is violent is at best, tenuous, and at worst, moot. There are many morally virtuous didactic films that are horrible art, and many disturbing films that are considered masterpieces. It depends on what point-of-view you take on art and its ends. William Gass wrote an interesting essay entitled (I believe), "Goodness Knows Nothing of Beauty." It addresses some ogf the dangers of approaching art from a moralistic standpoint. So, are violent movies good? Some are, some aren't. Scott A dark theme keeps me here, Though summer blazes in the vireo's eye. Who would be half possessed by his own nakedness? Waking's my care-- I'll make a broken music, or I'll die. (T. Roethke) ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]