Hollywood, it seems, doesnt need a stimulus package. For verification, just tune into the Academy Awards extravaganza this weekend. All the cinematic giants will be there, attired in Valentino, Dior, Chanel, etc. Movie stars are galaxies removed from real life. Sure, they may play the downtrodden, the fool, the average Joe struggling against the tide, but thats just an act. And how we love it especially when life is tougher than usual.
In the Great Depression, movies were the great escape. Kids saved up their pennies to disappear in the darkened theater. In the grip of thismake believe world, hunger vanished. They forgot the starkness and soup lines awaiting them after the credits rolled. That huge screen was the best drug in the world.
Today, Hollywood films gross billions of dollars while too many people are losing their homes, jobs and hope. Its not fair, but despite our jittery economy and diminishing change, that old reliable magic pulls us in, even at $10 a head. So let Hollywood have its night. A good film is still worth the price of admission, especially now.
