BOOK REVIEW: An Empire of Their Own: How the Jews Invented Hollywood

MAZORNET JEWISH BOOK CLUB ^ | Circa 1988 | MAZORNET JEWISH BOOK CLUB

[Mamzelle]

antisemitism--

Used to be a Grievance Franchise of the left--any observation that had the word "Jew" in it was open for offense. Gentiles were not supposed to notice that Jews were highly successful, for their small numbers, in a free society. Even praising the Jew was suspect. Evangelicals are particularly suspect because they are more literate than the average American in ancient Judaic history--even enjoy and celebrate some Jewish rituals. That used to be antisemitism, too--"cultural genocide."

These days, it is with a kind of bitter irony that I see the leftwing seculars turn against the Jews that were their political allies for most of the last century. The Baptist/Catholic goy is now the only rational supporter of the Jew and Israel, which causes the liberal Jew no end of angst--to see those he held in resentful contempt and as political adversary actually the last of his allies.

Europe will lead the way in pogroms in our lifetime--only they have few Jews left to murder this time around. The liberal allies of Euro-thinking in the US will likely have increasingly vociferous accusations to make against Israel, in the name of those poor Palestinians. But the activist Jews in the traditional orgs like ADL will see Mel Gibson as the greater threat--for his temerity in applying his faith to a movie that contains Jewish characters.

The Conservative Christian will continue to try to support Israel and Judaism--but will still be derided by the liberal Jew as an antisemite.

It is all very confusing, unless you read the Bible.

[missyme]

Veronica,
That is why I believe that the USA is not included in End Times Prophecy because she has lost the Great godly nation she use to be. All nations will come up agaisnt Israel and that is where Godly Gentiles we become Spiritual Jews of Israel, Europe has always sucked! and the USA is falling by the way-side, ISRAEL is the focal point of G-d and the world and by current events you can see what is happening just look at your own posts....

[missyme]

What I see is Prophecy happening before my eyes......

[Mamzelle]

None, or at least very few, of us have seen it. We're still allowed to discuss its political implications.

Gibson's movies have often seemed quite overdone and overwrought--this one is likely to be no exception.

It is well known that he is a conservative Catholic--most of the objections to the movie come from the anticipation that the movie will portray the Sanhedrin in a harsh light--perhaps even as harsh as the English have been portrayed in his previous movies.

Given the long tradition in Hollywood for Christian-bashing--the cliched characters of the Hypocritical Christian and the Corrupt Priest or the Fanatic Jesus Freak in so many movies--I think Mel has lots of wiggle room.

[veronica]

None, or at least very few, of us have seen it. We're still allowed to discuss its political implications.

Liz called it a "magnificent" film. How could she know that without seeing it?

Given the long tradition in Hollywood for Christian-bashing--the cliched characters of the Hypocritical Christian and the Corrupt Priest or the Fanatic Jesus Freak in so many movies--I think Mel has lots of wiggle room.

I still haven't seen this list of Christian-bashing films. As I already proved, some films listed as being debauchery etc., were made by Christians. Just as the vile "art" Piss Christ was the work of a Christian artist.

[Arpege92]

"I gotta laugh when so-called Christians who have not even the film, engage in a campaign against Jews, in the name of defending Gibson's film."

Who are these "so-called Christians" you speak of? From what I've seen and heard, it's some of the Jewish folks who have a problem with this film.

[veronica]

None, or at least very few, of us have seen it. We're still allowed to discuss its political implications.

As is Frank Rich, Abe Foxman, and Christopher Kelly, who wrote a scathing piece on Gibson this week. Holier than Mel

May they do so without being accused of being anti-Christian?

[Mamzelle]

Actually, they'll probably have to deal with that accusation--just like anyone who's been the recipient of a spurious accusation of antisemitism. Know any of those? There are all kinds of grievance franchises out there.

[dennisw]

I read your posts and am sorry if i cannot give answers. I am a slow typist. For what it's worth, I consider you an honest poster as far as Jewish "issues" go, though your take is different from mine.

[veronica]

Just like anyone who's been the recipient of a spurious accusation of antisemitism. Know any of those?

Not many. The charge usually stands up.

[Mamzelle]

You must not go to any movies, or perhaps you're without sensitivity (g) to the constant barrage of negative stereotypes on TV and movies. The most common implication of the media Christian is that he's vaguely icky-poo, foolish, clownlike, sort of half-crazed and vulgar, a red-neck...no one respectable in the movies or on TV ever goes to church.

I particularly resent the constant blasphemy--not the bathroom or sexual stuff, but the epithets--"Oh, Christ!" "Jesus, why'd ya do that?"

[Mamzelle]

You know, "so-called Christian" sounds kinda anti-christian to me...like a handy little epithet to lob at someone annoying. I mean, can you picture the reaction to "so-called Jew"? Does look like some people give themselves permission to say things that others don't catch a break using...

[Mamzelle]

re: Liz called it a "magnificent" film. How could she know that without seeing it? )))

Could be she loved "Braveheart" and "Patriot" and assumes more of the same is on the way. Maybe its a statement of faith. There's a lot of enthusiasm about the movie.

I think it's going to be hard to watch.

[veronica]

I mean, can you picture the reaction to "so-called Jew"?

In the case for instance of certain ultra-leftist Jews, I would be the first one to use the term "so-called Jew." In the case of Hutton Gibson, I use the term "so-called Christian" because I don't consider denying the Holocaust, calling for the lynching of Alan Greenspan, or promoting the overthrow of the US govt. to be Christian ideals.

Mel Gibson said he wanted to disembowel Frank Rich's dog, but I think he's an intense guy, and I've known enough directors to know they are emotional and fierce in their work.

[missyme]

Maybe there is no answer, it's just a different world from the one I use to know? it use to be less complicated it is now more complicated...I am gald I am not a kid anymore because life for kids is one of confusement....

I am still proud to be an American and I am proud to say I beleive in G-d and Jesus Christ as my reedemer, I am glad some my family is still on earth, and I am glad that some of my closest friends that are Jews and Christians can get together and talk about things familar to us like school pranks, nerdy guys, goofy realitives and hope when it's all said and done G-d will see us through meeting again in a kinder gentiler world....

[Mamzelle]

re: I would be the first one to use the term )))

Well, you have a "pass" to do so, non? I wouldn't have one, or at least not a current one.

[dennisw]

Manchurian Candidate cuts both ways. It's anti Communist but also puts down a McCarthyite figures.

[thesummerwind]

Neil Gabler's 1988 book in which he chronicles how Jews and Jewish sensibilities created and controlled the Hollywood film industry.

It is too bad for the country and especially it's younger members that those chronicled "sensibilities" have, to a large degree, gone right down the sewer in the most recent decades.

I often wonder how much of the degradation of these "sensibilities" is purposeful or merely unconscious on the part of these Hollywood owners and operators.

What do you think?

[eddiespaghetti]

It's shameful how Hollywood and the new studio heads have deteriorated into what they are now.

THAT'S TRUE IN MANY WAYS.

[eddiespaghetti]

[I]s the director Elia Kazan, (On the Waterfront, etc.) who stood up to the left-leaners in Hollywood, who testified before HUAC, and as recently as a few years ago was protested against when he got a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oscars included??

I DON'T THINK HE WAS JEWISH. HIS NAME WAS ORIGINALLY "KAZANOGLU," AND HE WAS BORN IN ISTANBUL OF ARMENIAN PARENTS, IINM.

SOMEONE PLS. CORRECT ME ON THIS IF I'M WRONG.