Too much reality

When we watched movies and TV in the past, we were transported to another world. English movies had two distinct types, the upper crust and the working classes. American movies were a lot of froth and bubble, romantic comedies that made us happy Doris Day and Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and the other stars of their day gave us screen images we enjoyed.

It all changed when ‘kitchen sink dramas’ came in. “Kathy Come Home”, was one of the first. They portrayed the worst of English living, the grey ugly reality, it was a turning point.

Now we are confronted every day with excesses of vomit, blood and sex. Do we really need to see it in such graphic detail? I loved movies like South Pacific and Three Coins in the Fountain. Although they dealt with serious issues too, we did not have every bodily function in our faces. Drinking was portrayed, war was shown, sex was part of it too, but it was only ‘eluded’ to. The bedroom door would close, the music would swell and we were left to imagine. Now we are close enough to see every hair follicle and muscle spasm.

I yearn for the days when we didn’t need to see severed heads and exploding bodies. “Jaws” was enough for me. I think many nightmares were started thanks to that film.

To add to my discomfort I have a “vomit phobia”, yes although as a personal care nurse I dealt with so much worse in nursing homes I do in fact have a strong stomach, yet I have a panic attack reaction if forced to watch it on film. I don’t even like Funniest Home Videos because so many films of babies projectile vomiting are shown! I don’t find it funny, just disturbing. I do appreciate the simple reality shown in some films, I know the ugly side exists, as I have worked in places like that! I applaud the true facts when they are shown, but object to the pushing it down our throats effect.

I yearn for the lost days when films were a real escape, when sunshine, and beaches and funny lines kept us amused, when people looked like they actually washed now and then, when food was presented on pretty tables and people wore crisp pyjamas, Ok I am dreaming and will go on dreaming, because reality doesn’t do it for me.

Do you think movies are too real these days? Do you enjoy the movies from the past more than the ones of today or vice versa? Tell us in the comments below…