By: Dustin Freeley

Dustin Freeley — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 21:28:17 +0000

I think you have a fine point about the Eskimo line, and I think you’re correct that a reference to a black hooker probably would have been cut. At the same time, America’s history is not blatantly inundated with aggression against Eskimos, which makes the allusion — ostensibly to an audience — a touch less insensitive. Certainly still racist. I can’t deny that, but not as socially obvious.

I also agree with you on the credibility issue, though since the altitude sickness befell, seemingly, the oldest, most out of shape man on the mountain, I let this one slide a bit.

I might be too charitable with this film, but part of that was because I was anticipating a silly man with homemade claws batting wolves and surviving. The fact that this was less cartoonish than I thought it would be swayed me from dislike to moderately enjoyed.

Thanks for reading and commenting!

By: rick

rick — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:24:40 +0000

You’re too charitable. I was actually offended by the line about “ugly, fat, half-Eskimo” hooker. . Would a line such as “ugly, fat, black hooker” escaping the mouth of even a racist character in a movie have made the cut? No way. As a screenwriter, why leave the “half-Eskimo” part in?

The science was bunk. How can someone have altitude sickness below tree line in Alaska? There’s a mile of vertical space between where the trees end in Alaska and where nosebleed country begins. Some lapses in research are excusable and maybe the movie can be seen as mystic parable, but I expect a basic amount of credibility.

Reminded me the most of Van Diemen’s Land. This was a haunting movie as well, just terribly flawed.

Comments on: The Grey — Maintaining a Safe Distance From Survival Porn

By: Dustin Freeley

By: rick