It's... Whatever.

[reidharriscooper]

Kings and Queens, Presidents, Tzars, Dictators, no matter where you and no matter what time period, they are all the same in many ways. They do/did their duties and much of looked/looks like it is done with ease. All these folks had a what could amount to a small army of courtesans, maidens, council, assistants, under chiefs, and the ilk who worked behind the scenes. Practically in shadow they would do things you never even considered to make the machine look like it ran on its own. Of course certain things changed, in the modern age most presidents would have someone dress them, bathe them, monitor their health for them, etc., but tasks which would be presented to have been organized, designed and orchestrated by the person in charge like they were handled 100's of years ago are the same now and shall be for 100s of years to come.

Governmental structure from monarchies, to imperialism, to tiered houses and parliament are all essentially the same. From the times of the greeks to today, placed through family, title, etc. or voted in “the public”, a group of individuals decide the fate of the populous usually without their say so, even with the illusion that they did. These are the people running things truly but the illusion while visible is never shattered. It is a virtuoso magic show, but the end results are more then pure spectacle.

In two films currently/coming soon (Winter 2018) in US theaters, telling the epic, intriguing, shadowy, stories of rises and falls of people in this world of power set 400+ years apart these tricks are shown in full view and yet as well they display them, one may be still confused that the trick worked, because another trick has been played... much like a Penn & Teller set.

The films are MARY, QUEEN of SCOTS (out December 8) and VICE (December 25^th). One shows how it took an entire cadre of ladies and men to boost both Elizabeth and Mary. While most if not all decisions were made primarily by these women, behind the scenes and to their faces, forces were in one hand supporting them while secretly working out how to get the kingdom as their own. The people of the United Kingdom I am sure were oblivious to this as they went to war or decried their own sovereigns based on the information fed to them by clandestine opposes to the crown as well as staunch supporters who defied it equally. Wars were fought not for victory or glory but to hide other practices, to instill certain fear, camaraderie and unity in the people to a cause. As years gone on, leading to rumor, lies, half truths, death, birth and destruction all for nought, only to see Mary's son grow to fule the entire kingdom, but... that didn't last. That is another story and film altogether, but benefits to the conception of effortless ruler ship that secretly took much force.

Looking to VICE, that premise holds fast. While focusing on the career and life of Dick Cheney it also details a bit of Donald Rumsfield and the entirety of how the people behind folks like Reagan and later George W. Bush allowed things to go so quietly in the night for a good portion of the American public. As if it was just a wave of the hand that it all happened, just simple, easy, the ball was here, and now it's gone and now... it is back. An idiot can do the remarkable, rule the Earth with ease and we don't question it or we question it but don't truly understand it. The film even displays that Cheney himself wasn't the wisest. Scrupulous, persistent, willing to do anything to please the woman he loved at any cost, even if in the shadow of other more visually powerful people? Yes. That is what Cheney pulled off.. making power look like the simplest thing to gain and because he's so secretive one can only guess how the trick was truly achieved.

It goes back to the same kind of people 500 years ago who knew this parlor tricks of being political magicians, or in some cases business wizards, love illusionists. It is a skill to never fully comprehend, yet cherish. For if it seems you don't care, no one shall know how much you do care and with in that holds true power.

conceived and written for [Unknown site tag]therealljidol LJ Idol presents Literary Prize Fight Week 8: Sprezzatura

 

Comments

[murielle]

This is fascinating! The notion of the machinations worked by the underlings pulling the strings of the powerful is both amusing and terrifying. Cheney is not someone I know really anything about, but Mary Queen of Scots is someone I know a bit more about because, well, Scottish. This is a movie I would like to watch, and probably will, thanks to you.

Very interesting article!

[reidharriscooper]

Both films are excellent. I didn't really get into the music, acting, script. I just felt the two films I had seen recently hit the prompt.

[adoptedwriter]

I want to see these movies.

[reidharriscooper]

You should.

Both heavily nominated as well, unsurprisingly.

[static_abyss]

This is a very interesting topic. I agree that a lot of what we, as the public, get is this neat edited version of what goes on behind the scenes. So it's always interesting to get to see a little more behind the scenes. I knew about the Mary Queen of Scots movie, but I hadn't heard about the Dick Cheney one.

[reidharriscooper]

VICE is a follow up film to The Big Short and stars Christian Bale and Amy Adams. Pretty not miss if you like modern film.

[bsgsix]

I knew about some of these, but now, want to know more. I guess I have more to add to my "must see/learn" list. Thanks. ;) But it's interesting to me, so my thanks is also sincere.

And yes: If you act like you don't care, no one knows how much you do. I lived that life. I studied it well, until it tired me out. Now, I just try to live.

[reidharriscooper]

Cheney had 5 heart attacks.

And if you find time/money or wait till later... def check em out.

[the_eternal_overthinker]

I would check those films out someday. They sound interesting enough. We have a lot of folk lore associated with the court jester/ minister who's witty in India and you wrote my thoughts here and did a wonderful job too. A nice take!

[reidharriscooper]

Thanks.
I need to know more about this court jester. I don't know Indian folk lore.

[the_eternal_overthinker]

Ah! You could Google "Tenali Raman" or stories of "Akbar Birbal" We used to have comic books having these stories (Tinkle) Akbar is known to have nine gems (people) in his court who were excellent in their fields :)

[rayaso]

Ah, Dick Cheney, the dark underlord. You make me want to see these movies. These were great ruminations.

[dmousey]

He IS the dark overlord! 😆

[reidharriscooper]

No, no... he is Jar Jar Binks.

[reidharriscooper]

Many thanks, you really should when you can.

[dmousey]

I'm a fan of the Tudor Dynasty, and Mary Queen of Scott's is fascinating, and so overshadowed by her cousin.

Vice would have me cussing and throwing my shoes at the screen! Cheney's a heartless bastard and I wonder how many donor's are kept in stock for the ghoul's express use.

Love all the research into this! Thanks for sharing. 🐭🐀✌😊😊

[reidharriscooper]

I think you'd actually enjoy the portrayal as it is just honesty and truth, it paints him in no light either way, just presents the truth. Whatever side you land in will paint your feelings or maybe you can be as moderate as the film.

Mary, Queen of Scots (2018) has as much focus on Elizabeth as Mary, as most of Mary's main life stands on the shoulders on her.

[wolfden]

I’m looking forward to Mary Queen of Scots.

[reidharriscooper]

It's an amazing flick.

[bellatrixe]

I loved reading this so much. Seriously would happily read an entire essay from you on this :D

[reidharriscooper]

I don't know if I could pull that off without lots of film spoilers or more of my own research, but I'd be willing for the right price.

[tonithegreat]

I like your take on the topic with this! It’s a nice juxtaposition of the powerful in different ages. I can’t decide if the VICE movie is something that I’ll be able to enjoy or something that will send my stress levels soaring. The trailer is definitely intriguing.

[reidharriscooper]

Appreciate.

The trailer doesn't really detail the film well, but it definitely sells it properly.
If it intrigues you definitely check the film out when you can.