I've heard a lot of derisive talk in certain cultural circles of late concerning surprise Best Picture nominee Juno. Seems a lot of left-leaning types think the film strikes some sort of disturbingly pro-life, anti-feminist chord beneath it's ultra-hip veneer. Like maybe the movie sends a dangerous message to young people that perhaps abortion isn't "totally rad" after all.
On the contrary, I think that kind of politicization of art is what's TRULY dangerous (not to mention a little fascist). Great art deals with what it means to be HUMAN; it doesn't burden or debase itself with blatant political agendas (a rare exception? Public Enemy's first four albums). So I'm very sorry if Juno intrudes upon your fragile liberal sensibilities, Mr. NPR McBirkenstock. Hope it doesn't get you so upset you accidentally fill the gas tank of your Prius with that bottle of 1999 Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir you were planning to enjoy with a plump circle of cruelty-free Brie de Meaux during Bill Moyers Journal this evening.
Don't get me wrong: I am 100% pro-choice: no ifs, ands, or buts. But that doesn't change the fact that having an abortion FUCKING SUCKS. And I can only say that from the male perspective; I can't even imagine what a difficult decision it must be for a female, especially a young, vulnerable, confused girl. Juno boldly faces this harsh reality head on without care for petty political ramifications.
Dealing maturely and realistically (not to mention quite wittily) with the difficulties surrounding an unplanned pregnancy at an inconvenient time is what elevated Juno from quirky and enjoyable hipster flick to Best Picture contender. Diablo Cody's original screenplay may be a touch too gratingly clever for some, but she brilliantly captured the essence of what she was going for any way you slice it. And young director Jason Reitman knocked it out of the park; he's batting 2-for-2 (after the fantastic Thank You For Smoking) and proving, as the spawn of Hollywood legend Ivan Reitman, that sometimes NEPOTISM WORKS.
Incidentally, just three weeks ago, I very, very, VERY drunkenly approached Ivan Reitman (who I don't know AT ALL) at a movie premiere party in L.A. and spontaneously launched into a rambling, incoherent monologue containing (more or less) most of the pro-"Juno" ideas contained in the paragraphs above (at least that's how I remember it).
Now, however ill-advised this action, Mr. Reitman, my intention was to bestow high praise upon your son, and I STILL don't believe it was necessary for you to have called security. Please feel free to cast me in Ghostbusters 3 in lieu of a formal apology.
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