Maura Flynn is documentary producer in Alexandria, VA. She's produced some critically acclaimed and controversial documentaries, including “Michael Moore Hates America,” and “Your Mommy Kills Animals.” In a previous life she produced the nationally syndicated radio program, “Profiles,” for the Radio America Network, and has worked for NPR and Reason magazine. She is currently directing a documentary about government-imposed smoking bans called “Devil's Weed.”
Maura Flynn
Bulls-Eye: ‘Bruno’ Hits Hollywood Hard
by Maura Flynn“It’s such a fine line between stupid and clever.” –David St. Hubbins, Spinal Tap (1984)
When it comes to humor I’m super picky. I physically cringed at all but one of the multiple fart jokes in Pixar’s Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. I still don’t get The Three Stooges. Call me uptight. Slapstick without redeeming intellectual humor, toilet jokes, sexual references, and ”shock” scenarios do nothing for me. So how is it possible that I laughed myself sick while watching Bruno? That’s easy. Because, goofy as it pretends to be, it is a pretty smart film.
You’ve probably heard that this film is about homophobia, but the story arc is about what it takes to become a celebrity. Frankly, both facets are hilarious.
This satire has real teeth, and it’s also fair. I completely disagree with the reviews that claim it mocks middle America, puts “innocent” people on the spot or casts them in a bad light. If anything this film ruthlessly savages Hollywood. The scenes with stage mothers are so appalling that the audience collectively gasped and groaned. One hopes that this exposure will, at the very least, lead to interventions from Social Services and cause us to rethink some of the “entertainment” exemptions from child labor laws. Cohen introduces us to women who are willing to have their babies/toddlers strung up on crucifixes, dressed like Nazis, subjected to bees/wasps, and driven in cars at high speeds without restraints. (Personally, I hope this leads to actual arrests). One toddler’s mother adds that she’s okay with all of that, “if he’s got the job.” (more…)
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The Republican Case for Gay Marriage
by Maura Flynn“I am a little to the right of Rush Limbaugh. I’m so conservative that I approve of San Francisco City Hall marriages, adoption by same-sex couples, and New Hampshire’s recently ordained Episcopal bishop. Gays want to get married, have children, and go to church. Next they’ll be advocating school vouchers, boycotting HBO, and voting Republican.” — P.J. O’Rourke, The Atlantic, July/August 2004
Thanks to Dave Konig for addressing the topic of gay marriage here on Big Hollywood the other day. As he pointed out, the issue itself might not cause most to lose sleep, come what may. But perhaps it should.
As a nation we’re at a crossroads, no question. Our banking industry scrambles to escape quasi-nationalization, our auto industry is in the process of being nationalized, and we have instituted, of all things, a Car Czar (note: it took Russia roughly 300 years to stack up so many czars). If that isn’t bad enough, nationalized health care is on the table again.
So as the Republic devolves and those with the means contemplate hightailing it to the Caymans, it’s probably time to ask ourselves what it is to be “conservative.”
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Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid…Schoolhouse Rock: Earth!
by Maura FlynnMy daughter cautiously approached me the other day and said plainly, “Mom, I don’t want you to have a heart attack, but there’s something you should know…” She then introduced me to a coming Disney DVD that didn’t actually kill me, but came pretty close: Schoolhouse Rock! Earth (hat tip to Riley).
I’ve yet to meet anyone in my generational sphere who doesn’t have a fondness for and owe a certain mnemonic debt to the old Schoolhouse Rock videos, which aired between Saturday morning cartoons back in the day (1973-1986, and less frequently after that). Honestly, I can’t even think of the preamble to the Constitution without singing it in my head. (more…)
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Tonight: John Stossel and Drew Carey Tackle Bailouts, Big Spending and Bull!
by Maura Flynn
Mainstream media coverage of crucial issues gives us plenty to complain about around here. Much like aerobic exercise, it jacks the heart-rate and makes me cranky (though if I’m going to spill my drink anyway, I’d rather do it while yelling at Chris Matthews. Call me a junkie).
But tonight is one of those rare opportunities to kick back and appreciate the fact that not every journalist on network TV is standing around the same water cooler. (more…)
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…And One More Thing About That Top 25 List
by Maura FlynnMaybe something in me hates a list…but I’ve been reading with equal parts horror, amusement, and genuine interest as the Big Hollywood community discusses and debates National Review’s top 25 picks for “The Best Conservative Movies.”
I can’t help but focus on the horror right now, call me twisted. Ben Shapiro, did you really suggest that the concept that “art ennobles” is a “liberal cliche”? If this is what “conservatives” actually believe, is it any wonder that liberals consistently make better films? I cannot fathom why anyone would cede such a broad truism to the “liberal” cause. Go ahead and give them Mom and apple pie while you’re at it. (more…)
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The Case of the Missing Wholesome Programs
by Maura FlynnWhile the Left may choose to lump those who take issue with Hollywood’s insidious political messages into one conveniently broad, loud, and demanding category, anyone who reads Big Hollywood should realize instantly that such thinking is simplistic and even foolish. (Yes, Hollywood, we are legion, but we are not collectively twisted up by the same demon — no wonder you’re confused).
As Roald Dahl famously put it, “We have so much to do, and so little time. Strike that, reverse it.” Indeed, the genuine problems with programming are probably simpler to address than we make them out to be, and we do in fact have time to think about, discuss, and execute a more perfect product. (more…)
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More Sex And Drugs Needed On TV … For The Children
by Maura Flynn
Nick nailed it. But I’d go further…the disconnect from reality demonstrated by the average American television writer is why our best TV shows tend to be cribbed from the Brits (from Archie Bunker to The Office… Couples being one particularly hideous exception, granted).
The true threats posed by Hollywood’s television studios have absolutely nothing to do with sex and drugs, but rather with sterility and sheer stupidity. It may be true that the masses are to some extent shaped by what they consume, which is why is it has been so easy for anti-free-market, leftist messages to be inserted in small but repetitive doses and swallowed so easily. When food is consistently bland, when the diet is gruel, the taste buds tune out. It’s only natural.
But back to sex and drugs…when it comes to programming for preteens and teenagers, Hollywood is not only prudish, but childish and verging on infantile.
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