Week Ten - The American Psyche Series

http://www.guardia.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2008/aug/23/5
In an artical from The American Psyche Series in The Guardian on the 23rd of August, 2008, George Saunders looks at Superhero movies and why we're seeing such an insurgent wave of these blockbusting epics of invincibility. Firstly drawing on a - "Perasive sense of impotence in the face of disappointing goverment, and/or global warming.." for a possible explanation of reasoning as to why, but then giving his own "Feeling" that maybe people just like seeing men in tight clothes and capes doing impossible things. Which just so happens to be good enough for me, as I too, rather like being dark, intense and optionally rude whenever I'm having a bad day, with a set of constantly chiseled Abs under my T-Shirt, than be twenty-one with a starting to show pudgey tummy, lying on the couch watching football, whilst wearing my favourite Chelsea Soccer Jersey, numbering whatever and heading for a future Five-A-Day, and Twelve Step Program for more improved self-esteem. Thanks but I'm fine where I am. The first of a distinguished list of Super-fit fellow Saviours of the human condition, to arrive on Panoramic Widescreen, is "Iron Man". From Saunders' semation - "About a man whose super power is, you know, he's made of Iron." Profoundly true it is. The second worthy participant, and my personal childhood favourite - "Batman". Psychologically, the darkest of knights by far and away, and a without question or competition, the most mysterious, eccentric and esthetically enigmatic of all the Round Table of Superhero-dom. Third place sees in Eric Bana's"The Hulk", later of course, played by Edward Norton for some reason in the Sequel. Haven't seen that one yet. Once more, a fine example, just remember kids -don't make him angry. Fourth place on down is pretty much an esthetically depressing ride to the bottom of the connective tissue hill. With the first award of the evening going to "Typical Man". Socially accepted now as the generally alright, untill that fourth or fifth pint of beer, then something stupid comes unconsciously pouring out, then feeling bad, has another two to try and drink the mistake dry, and try and correct it, only to end up realizing, the real reason he showed that night has left with her girlfriends an hour and a half ago, and has decided to take that new job offer over in New York next week and won't be back for six months. Still however, the comforting response of Rene Russo's - "Maybe you should try and be saddled somtime. Smell of rubber, sting of a whip." to Kevin Costner's laid-back West Texas Driving Range Pro in Ron Shelton's "Tin Cup", forever warms the heart of mothering love, care and influence, and heartens the confidence within.