Syriana Out to Get Us?

Originally Published: October 28, 2005

Talk about art imitating life (or is it the other way around). I happen to be listening to CNN right now and how ‘Scooter” Libby is about to be indicted on perjury charges. At the same time, Floridians, reeling from the affects of hurricane Wilma, are lining up for as long as 4 hours, just to fill their cars with a tank of gas; while trying to find food to feed their children.

And today, president George W. Bush will be giving another speech about the war on terror, and how the economy is doing so well, and how more minorities own houses than ever in history. But will he mention that property taxes are rising at alarming an rate, or that the cost of the average home is over 70% higher than just 4 years ago and interest rates are now on a steady rise?

But this is not a political blog is it?

I don’t think there is a more relevant film coming out this year than Syriana. While I question it’s ultimate stance on some issues of the day, it does tackle questions that not only affect Americans presently, but will affect us for the next 30-40 years. Could this be the unraveling of this country as a super-power? With signs of the middle-class becoming a foot-note in American history books, race and class struggles continuing, and the fact that many people still hate others because of the way they look or speak, it makes you wonder.

Here’s a brief synopsis:
Writer and director Stephen Gaghan, winner of the Best Screenplay Academy Award for Traffic, comes Syriana, a political thriller that unfolds against the intrigue of the global oil industry. From the players brokering back-room deals in Washington to the men toiling in the oil fields of the Persian Gulf, the film’s multiple storylines weave together to illuminate the human consequences of the fierce pursuit of wealth and power.

Find out more about Syriana, see photos from the film, and more, in the Film Library RIGHT HERE »