As conservatives navigate through the tumultuous seas of Hollywood’s ever-evolving film industry, it’s a breath of fresh air to discover gems that aren’t drenched in political correctness or progressive preachiness. Well, that’s exactly what our pondering cinephiles and connoisseurs of culture might find in the modest but captivating realm of small crime films.
Consider “Obsession,” a hidden masterpiece, tucked away in the cobwebbed corners of 1949’s British cinema. This isn’t your routine blockbuster; it’s a noir film that sidesteps star-studded glamour, diving straight into a compelling plot. Directed by Edward Dmytryk, a director whose politics once raised eyebrows during Hollywood’s Red Scare, this film goes against the grain and delivers a rich narrative without the superficial fluff. It’s about a wealthy psychiatrist who, in true noir fashion, plans the perfect crime against his wife’s American lover. Now, that’s scandalously delicious!
The fresh air continues with 1986’s “At Close Range,” a film that even the most politically stringent among us can’t help but admire, despite certain actors’ personal views. Starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, this gritty tale dives into the underbelly of small-town crime, focusing on a father eager to rope his son into the dark arts of gangster life. If you can sidestep Penn’s modern-day political grandstanding, what’s left is raw acting brilliance, a portrayal so deep it resonates universally with anyone who has attempted to break familial chains. It’s only fitting that conservatives find such liberation in seeing characters challenge the status quo.
And let’s not forget Jason Statham’s “The Bank Job,” where action meets heist drama. Sure, Statham typically plays the everyman-turned-hero with a mysterious background, but in this role, he excels with a solidity and wit that feels like a comforting dip into old-school action flicks. Here, the stakes are high, the mob is relentless, and the humor manages to sneak in through witty banter. This is top-tier entertainment without the need for heavy-handed moralizing, a delightful reprieve for those wishing to simply enjoy a film without a lecture.
These films, seeped in suspense and clever storytelling, serve as a reminder that while Hollywood relentlessly pushes its agendas, there exists an older, more intellectually and emotionally honest cinema. There’s an unparalleled joy in discovering stories where character and plot overshadow political sloganeering, where one can reflect on universal truths outside the dogma.
So next time you find yourself longing for a movie that’s more art than soapbox, consider these overlooked treasures. Who says conservatives can’t enjoy a good film noir or thriller without the baggage? Even in the realm of entertainment, it’s okay to demand—and cherish—substance over spectacle.
