In an office not far from the conference room, Archbishop Marquez Costello reviewed the final interview process and meticulously prepared statements. Over the past few weeks, he had contacted numerous church organizations, civilian groups, and relevant government departments. Many supported his stance on restricting excessive content in Hollywood films, pledging to back his plan if necessary.
However, Archbishop Costello knew well that Hollywood, like an untamed horse, couldn't be easily reined in. He needed to create a powerful societal movement.
To create such momentum, public opinion was crucial!
The media offensive he spearheaded had already dealt a heavy blow to Murphy Stanton and "Dark City," but it was far from sufficient.
"Your Excellency…"
A media officer from the Southern California Diocese voiced his concern, "Isn't this attack too broad? At this rate, we're targeting mainstream Hollywood films."
"That's exactly my intention," Archbishop Costello replied confidently. "To achieve our goal, we need to continue sparking a broad societal debate about Hollywood films!"
The negative fallout from "Diego Ross" had already made the Vatican dissatisfied with him. Without significant achievements, how could he become a cardinal? How could he climb to the highest position?
An archbishop without aspirations to become Pope was, in Costello's mind, unworthy.
The media officer seemed to want to say more, but Archbishop Costello raised his hand, stopping him. "I know exactly what I'm doing!"
Hearing this, the media officer fell silent. He knew Archbishop Costello's strong-willed nature and relentless work ethic. Further argument would be futile. Besides, as an external media consultant, he had no say in ecclesiastical matters.
As night fell, Archbishop Costello walked into the conference room set for the live broadcast. Regional religious leaders like him rarely appeared on media, but when they did, it was always big news. Thus, CBS didn't hesitate to forego their studio, agreeing to conduct the interview at the temporary office of the Southern California Diocese.
Despite some initial difficulties and unconventional setup, the live interview began on time thanks to the producer's efforts.
In front of the camera, the middle-aged host exchanged a few customary pleasantries with Archbishop Costello before diving in. "The nation is currently focused on a hot topic involving the Catholic Church. Two Catholic believers have been murdered in Los Angeles..."
"Yes!" Archbishop Costello interrupted forcefully, taking charge of the conversation. "Two devout followers of the Lord were murdered by supporters of Murphy Stanton!"
The host, unfamiliar with Archbishop Costello's assertive nature, was momentarily taken aback. He quickly recovered, realizing this interview wouldn't follow the usual script.
Slightly flustered, the host asked, "What is your view on this matter?"
"This is the result of Murphy Stanton's long-term production of dark, cold, and violent films!" Archbishop Costello declared without hesitation. "Murphy Stanton should take responsibility for his supporters' actions instead of shirking it!"
"Uh?" The host quickly realized tonight would be far from calm, but such controversy was sure to draw attention. "Your Excellency, films and violence..."
"Hollywood films have led to many violent incidents!" Archbishop Costello interjected again, "How many heinous crimes have been influenced by Hollywood films in the past?"
He spoke with a measured yet powerful cadence, listing numerous examples, clearly well-prepared.
In Costello's narrative, films like "Taxi Driver," "The Accused," "The Silence of the Lambs," "Seven," "Natural Born Killers," "The Matrix," and "Kill Bill" were all to blame for various horrific incidents.
"You mean..." The host followed his lead, "Hollywood films have a problem?"
"Clearly, Hollywood films have a problem!" Archbishop Costello nodded. "Hollywood must take responsibility for many of today's heinous events. Many films, especially those directed by Murphy Stanton, are filled with evil, leading people astray!"
The host realized he didn't need to say much. Archbishop Costello would provide plenty of explosive content.
"Your Excellency..." the host continued, "Can you list some of the evils in Hollywood films?"
With a solemn expression, Archbishop Costello said, "I am not a professional, so I may not see everything clearly. But I have identified three major evils in Hollywood films!"
Before the host could ask, Archbishop Costello elaborated, "The first evil is fostering admiration for evil villains! For the sake of entertainment and thrill, Hollywood has transformed villains from early serial killers to mid-period psychopaths; then from cautionary figures to intellectual criminals like the magician. In this transformation, positive characters have changed little, leading to villains increasingly taking center stage."
"Whether it's Michael Peterson in movies or Charles Manson on screen, they are elevated to god-like status in the absence of heroes or when heroes are mere tools of political propaganda. More exaggerated films amplify this mythic quality, making evil acts seem like apocalyptic behavior. Whether it's pure brutality, simple revenge, or philosophical contemplation like the magician's, it leads from curiosity to admiration, from appreciation to worship, and eventually, sporadic imitation."
The host had to admit that Archbishop Costello's arguments were coherent and seemingly well-founded.
"The second evil: excessive glorification of violence!" Costello continued. "Serious violence is a staple of mainstream Hollywood films. This depiction raises public tolerance for violence, forcing Hollywood to keep upping the ante to stay relevant, misleading many young people into extreme and reprehensible actions."
He coughed lightly before continuing, "Violence on screen should end when the lights come up and the credits roll. But don't forget, film is a form of mass culture. When Hollywood's portrayal of violence crosses the line, it inevitably leads to the misuse of violence."
If one only listened to Archbishop Costello without understanding Hollywood and the film industry, it was easy to be persuaded.
His status as an archbishop, combined with his logical arguments, made him highly convincing!
Archbishop Costello pressed on, "The third major evil: advocating violence as a solution!"
"Using violence to counter violence, or resorting to it as the only solution, is a common trope in films directed by people like Murphy Stanton. In these films, when faced with violence, legal or reasonable means are ignored, and violence is the only answer. More subtly, using violence to counter violence becomes the ultimate narrative tool, undermining the law with the law!"
He said with great sorrow, "The deeper meaning of this is often lost on many. Thus, fans adore meticulous characters like John Doe in 'Seven,' admire Professor Hannibal Lecter in 'The Silence of the Lambs,' praise Agent Smith in 'The Matrix,' are captivated by the high-pressure air killer in 'No Country for Old Men,' and fall for the magician in 'Dark City.' While violence against violence is exhilarating, unrestrained imitation of violence turns it into a vehicle for societal and human harm."
"When violence steps off the screen, free from the dream machine's glow," Archbishop Costello said with profound grief, "we are left with nothing but tragedy."
The host, slightly stunned, realized Archbishop Costello had a point. Perhaps slightly exaggerated, but wasn't Hollywood partly responsible for a series of violent incidents linked to films?
To him, these events seemed inextricably tied to Hollywood films!
"This Archbishop Costello is quite formidable," the host thought as the program ended. "Murphy Stanton and many violent Hollywood films might be in trouble."
Indeed, following the broadcast, many began to reflect. After all, Archbishop Costello wasn't speaking without evidence. Many had suffered from Hollywood's portrayal of violence.
And Archbishop Costello's preparations extended beyond his arguments. He had contacted the families of the victims from the TCL Chinese Theatre shooting, whose testimonies added more weight to his case.
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