Diagnosing Dubya: The early word on Oliver Stone’s George W. Bush biopic
September 30, 2008
A storm is coming. Controversy is brewing. Oliver Stone, director of the Vietnam War epic “Platoon” as well as political thrillers “JFK” and “Nixon,” is tackling his most controversial subject yet: George W. Bush, one of the most panned presidents in American history. The biopic, starring Josh Brolin as Dubya, is getting negative feedback based on early trailers. I’m here to break that streak of pessimism: The previews for “W.” are brilliant, and this film looks very promising. I’ve heard valid criticisms of this film, but my excitement for it outweighs my doubt.
The biggest criticism I’ve heard from friends is that this film takes the subject of Bush too lightly, and therefore “W.” looks like nothing more than an extended SNL sketch parodying the president’s life. Seems fair enough. The previews do show many moments that seemingly poke fun at Bush. They show Bush as a young man driving drunk, acting obnoxious and then as president appearing constantly confused and overwhelmed. Emphasizing these moments of stupidity may seem unfair, but are they not accurate? Stone set forth to make a realistic, honest and revealing portrait of Bush. In order to do that, he has to show those moments of stupidity. Face it—Bush is not an incredibly smart or well-adjusted man, and it would be equally unfair of Stone to portray him as such. As a young man, Bush was a raging alcoholic. At age 30, he was arrested for driving under the influence. He was not exactly a great student either. He scored the lowest possible acceptable grade on the pilot’s written aptitude test for the Texas Air National Guard. Then, much later, he became President of the United States and, among other things, led us into a war that is costing $12 billion per month, according to Nobel prize-winning economist Joseph E. Stiglitz and author Linda J. Blimes. Bush is also receiving the lowest approval ratings in presidential history. So, I would not call his life a success. Therefore, I do not see the problem with Stone portraying him as a complete failure. Plus, although this film looks satirical, it is incorrect to predict that it will be reminiscent of MadTV or SNL in its biting wit. Stone is a serious filmmaker, and he is not going to make a completely silly, inarticulate film.
I’ve heard many people call this film “unnecessary” and “pointless.” These statements are wrong. This film could deliver helpful insights about Bush. The preview alone raises an important and interesting question: What drove Bush from a life as hard-partying country boy to the life of the most powerful man in the country? What made this man a failure his entire life? I am not saying Bush is a bad man, and neither is Stone. We are saying that Bush is an average Joe that simply had no business being president.
My suggestion to naysayers is to simply see the film for themselves before they slam it to the ground. Although I seem completely supportive of it now, I will see this film with an open mind and admit if it is flawed. That is the only way anyone should approach a film.
Diversity celebrated with 27th annual Banned Books week
September 29, 2008
By Lauren Burdick
<lburdick@hilite.org>
This school will celebrate its freedom to read and the many possibilities books bring during Banned Books Week from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4. This year’s theme is “Closing books shuts out ideas, limits understanding, closes possibilities.” Read more
Strong cast of ‘Eagle Eye’ undermined by ludicrous plot
September 29, 2008
By Mitch Ringenberg
<mringenberg@hilite.org>
“Eagle Eye” is a film that begins with an interesting enough premise but quickly dies from a ludicrous plot, a lack of dimensional characters and an implausible ending so unbelievable that I left the theater feeling my intelligence had been insulted. Read more
Students recognized as National Merit Commended students
September 25, 2008
By Beverly Jenkins
<bjenkins@hilite.org>
On Sept. 25, 45 students here received their letters of commendation from the National Merit Scholarship program. Read more
Friday late bus discontinued starting Sept. 26
September 23, 2008
By Monica Rice
<mrice@hilite.org>
Effective as of Sept. 26, the transportation department will no longer run late buses on Fridays.
Two main issues play a role in the final decision, and according to principal John Williams, one of those factors is the same that plagues nearly every American today: gas prices.
“Gas prices made us look at (discontinuing late buses), but really transportation was trying to save money,” Williams said. “With transportation costs being what they are, the district was trying to save money.”
The other factor that plays a much larger role is the fact that there isn’t much use for a late bus on Friday, as there isn’t a great deal of after-school activity.
“The reality was, people weren’t using it,” Williams said.
Annually, the decision could save about $2,000, and that even though that doesn’t seem like a large amount of money, it could add up.
The final decision came after the undeniable effect of rising gas prices lead the transportation department to take a look at whether Friday late buses were really crucial to aiding students, and once the lack of use was recognized, officials were able to make an effective decision.
Choirs to jumpstart year with fall concert on Oct. 1
September 23, 2008
By Min Qiao
<Mqiao@hilite.org>
On Oct. 1, the Ambassadors and all of the other choir groups will perform in their first big concert of the year. According to director Lamonte Kuskye, the concert will be at the Dale E. Graham Auditorium at 7 p.m. Read more
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