straight talk

“The Good Shepherd” An Interesting Tale of Today or Just Another Movie?



Posted: Monday, May 21, 2007

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The movie told the story of power, deceit and lies. It was about ideals gone astray. Broken family, lies, deceit and of course power and the destruction of a mans character. Now needless to say I thought it was very appropriate for the times we live in although set in the early sixties. While long it needed the time to develop the plot.

You see it is really all about power and corruption. It spoke of loyalties and God but not necessarily that which one might believe and certainly not those held by the main character or his cronies. Now as a writer much of it I equate to today. There is what we all know and then there is that which happens in secret, regardless of the “Sunshine Law" or professed outward expressions or supposed beliefs.

It speaks to powerful organizations and money and those who literally control the destiny of the world. Of course they are loyal to one another as long as it is useful to them yet they will turn on a dime when required and throw their so called "brother" to the dogs when needed. The main character develops from an idealistic young man who believed in loyalty only to find out that what he is eventually warned about is true. It is not about anyone it is about each other gaining what they want to obtain. It even speaks to working with your enemy for a mutual goal. How interesting, no?

There is one specific part where he goes to a Mafia leader and threatens him if he does not help. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Could that be something in real life that has been speculated about before but never proven? Of course no one knows for sure it is only speculation.

So over the course of the movie we get a developed understanding of the “system" being portrayed. Now we must say the writers and actors had license to embellish the plot and presentation. However, one is more likely to imagine they did not drift far.

As for me I worked in the environment portrayed. It was a very standoffish elite environment that only a few ever get to see. Of course I was on the fringe and not the inner circle by nature of my job. So I understood the deals and conniving that went on by people whom evidently though nothing about professing a belief in God but doing the opposite with no qualms. Yes and these people were all church goers and associated with the biggest names in any of the churches. And by the way it is pointed out multiple times in the movie that God takes a second place to these people and their ideology and how they view themselves. Shouldn't that make one ponder?

Now when we look at big oil and the large Global organizations do we not understand their role in all that is happening in the world today? Can we not see it? In Iraq there is still no settlement over oil distribution because the big refiners and oil companies want a larger role then they are willing to give. Is not big oil placing pressure on average Americans and the poor? Do you think the summer surcharge will not impact you? If the answer is no then you are evidently part of that elite "have" group. Prices fall before elections only to rise after and they always have a reason. Do you not speculate that perhaps there may be something wrong here?

In Venezuela we now have a dictator come to power because the poor just keep getting screwed? Is it not happening in other nations in South America? Yet, is is not interesting the socialist President of Brazil just signed a deal over fuel with the USA and all of a sudden he becomes a friend? Yes, there is a base underlying perception everywhere and that one word that can best describe it for many and even here is exploitation.

So, please don’t tell us these large companies do not exploit people all for increasing he bottom line. Is not the illgeal worker situation a prime example? And please don’t tell me the people who smile when they get their fat dividend check are not sharing in the misery? Yes, in my opinion there is enough misery to go around as far as the "haves" believe and they are happy to share that misery for more money and their representatives are in my opinion happy to comply.

In reality it was a very profound movie that I believe took courage to make even if you are a millionaire.

So perhaps if your are looking for a movie to sit down to seeing that runs about 2 plus hours and develops slowly you might want to catch this one. But look carefully for the hints and little glimpses you get to solve it.

Yes and when you look at the issues today understand in my opinion that there is more then what is presented to us. There is more at stake in the terms of the global picture, wealth and this nation. I believe that is the underlying meaning and message of the movie and although it may not have been its intent as I stated it makes a very valid point of consideration.

Robert T. Melaccio Sr. 2007 Copyright ©2007 Robert T Melaccio Sr.


Robert Melaccio Sr. has worked in the computer industry for 40 plus years in a diversified business and managerial environments. He enjoys freelance writing, giving seminars for young adults and teen groups as well as being an accomplished award winning poet of published poetry. He has worked teaching and as a youth minister. He is married and has three children and three grandchildren.

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