To the editor:
I was spectacularly disturbed on Sunday by "Blindness", the movie adaptation to Jose Saramago's book of the same name. My husband advised me to not read the book due to its graphic detail of incidents he knows me to be sensitive toward. Believing this would be a day in the theater taking in a Hollywood experience, I left the theater numbed by the surprising emotional toll this 21âÑ2 hours became in actuality for me.
To not distract with pompous cinematic critique, I will limit my feedback on this incredible story by Jose Saramago to its fullest effect on me. To view (or read, should you desire, the book) the downfall of humanity due to a lack of humanity is sickening. To be made aware of the lack of love and respect our societies embrace as survival and success is depressing. To be reminded of violence towards women for carnal pleasure is infuriating.
This incredible story by Jose Saramago is important. For only Mr. Saramago knows its roots and the statement, "open your eyes," to me, was one of its points.
I will not take your time with a soapbox rant, for talking is a lack of action; however, passion requires a voice. We are living in a personal time of history. End of days? Armageddon? In parts of the world (yours perhaps?), comfort is a luxury ignored. "Blindness" opens your eyes to the loss of comfort, security, habit. Open your mind and consider: Should a catastrophe occur in your part of the world, would you feel safe? Could others feel safe around you?
Survival of a people comes through community. Survival of the fittest is wrong. Continents and oceans away from comfort zones, humans within our worldwide community require attention.
What if, in a time of crisis, we all knew we were going to survive by loving our neighbor, doing unto others, not being afraid of the unknown because we would all know, we are on this planet together and now is the time to work together?
We've been led astray. Power, respect, luxury, comfort — in a time of crisis, what will matter? What will it mean for you to guard material out of fear or pride and react out of fear and survival instincts in the face of helplessness? "Blindness" shows the thinking of these fictional characters in that situation. And should life imitate art? Terrifying.
With money failing the system we've inherited and people having to realize first-hand the threatening reality of a lack of comfort and security, fear is creeping in. Fear can lead to paranoia. I personally do not enjoy walking this Earth knowing desperation is handed down and given out while hoarders of nourishment protect, instead of share, their goodness, their blessings.
"Blindness" depressed me. The real world angers me. Enjoy, in the way you can find enjoyment out of watching pain, sacrifice and ignorance, Mr. Saramago's idea of a planet in a time of need and its inhabitants' reaction. It isn't pretty, but that is the face of evil. This film may truly "change your vision of the world forever" and may that be a good thing.
LIZA ZAYAS
Lawrence
