CONSCIOUS CINEMA
Regardless of how we employ our power , it will surely fuel results that are a direct reflection of who we are and what we want to create , regardless of the nature of the manifestation . This is often best depicted in cinematic character studies , such as “ The Iron Lady ” ( 2011 ), an inventive look at the life of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher ( Meryl Streep ). Rather than offering viewers a rote biography of the United Kingdom ’ s first woman to lead Parliament , the picture presents a psychological examination of Thatcher ’ s life and career , showing how the power she wielded reflected her own mindset and led to the reality she subsequently created .
Comparable metaphysical themes run through the wartime drama “ The Hurt Locker ” ( 2008 ), in which the leader of an elite military team charged with defusing improvised explosive devices ( Jeremy Renner ) takes increasingly daring chances in his mission , ostensibly addicted to the danger , despite the risks to himself and his crew ’ s other members ( Anthony Mackie , Brian Geraghty ). Wielding one ’ s power in this way , needless to say , carries the potential for serious consequences . But , no matter what the reason behind such a manifestation , it will invariably present its creator with a faithful rendition of the thoughts , beliefs and intents driving it . tionable maneuverings of its founder , Mark Zuckerberg ( Jesse Eisenberg ). Similar notions are explored in the stylish independent comedy-drama “ Creative Control ” ( 2015 ), the misadventures of an overworked New York advertising executive ( Benjamin Dickinson ) assigned to devise a campaign for a new brand of virtually reality eyewear who lets the product get the better of him – and his judgment – when testing it to determine its capabilities . However , the abuse of power , ironically enough , may also serve as a source of inspiration , as evidenced in the tense music school drama , “ Whiplash ” ( 2014 ), in which a maniacal jazz instructor ( J . K . Simmons ) hell-bent on mentoring a prodigy for his own glory obsessively bullies one of his students ( Miles Teller ) into living up to his full potential , a story that ’ s a dual-edged sword to be sure .
When we understand what our power can do for us , we can create the reality we want – if we allow it , something that might be easier said than done . That ’ s especially true if our beliefs are conflicted , circumstances that may cause us to scatter our power in various directions . Such is the case in the unusual comedy-drama , “ Birdman or ( The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance )” ( 2014 ), the story of a former movie action hero ( Michael Keaton ) seeking to establish himself as a “ legitimate ” artist through his staging of a “ serious ,” upscale Broadway production . But is this new venture who he really is ? Or would he be better off channeling his power into something more suited to his abilities , like returning to the role that made him a star ? That ’ s the conundrum the middle-aged actor must decide for himself – and where he ’ ll ultimately place his power .
One of the most valuable ways we can make use of our belief power is to employ it in effecting change in our lives . An excellent example of this can be found in the heartwarming , inspirational tale “ Wadjda ” ( 2012 ), the story of a young Saudi girl ( Waad Mohammed ) seeking to raise money to
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