Sandra Bullock's 90s Movies Have Lessons for Today
Demolition Man (1993)
Sandra Bullock played Lenina Huxley, a mid-21st century police officer. Officer Huxley explained the philosophy of this future society; “…it’s been deemed that anything not good for you is bad; hence illegal, alcohol, caffeine, contact sports, meat.” This seemed silly in 1993 but in the 21st century New York City has put restrictions on soda, smoking, trans-fats and other municipalities have followed suit. The lesson from this, and some other things in the movie, is what sounds crazy today may be a reality a couple of decades from now.
Speed (1994)
Sandra Bullock played Annie Porter, a woman who lost her license and so was forced to ride the bus. When the bus driver was shot and wounded she ended up driving the bus. If the bus speed dropped below 50mph a bomb would explode. At the movie’s climax Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper), the extortionist, took possession of his money. Jack Tavern (Keanu Reeves), the hero, proclaimed “You’re crazy! …” Payne retorted; “No! Poor people are crazy, Jack. I’m eccentric.” The lesson, a person with money and/or position can say or do something and be called a genius or an eccentric. A person without wealth or position can do or say the same thing and people will call that person stupid or crazy.
At the end of the movie Annie is in Jack’s arms. Jack cautions; “I have to warn you. I’ve heard relationships based on intense experiences never work.” Annie replies; “OK, we’ll have to base it on sex then.” The lesson planted in Speed was taught in Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997). In this sequel Annie is no longer with Jack. Relationships based on sex don’t work any better than those based on intense experiences.
The Net (1995)
Sandra Bullock
played Angela Bennett, a computer expert. While she was well connected through her computer she had few personal contacts. When she took possession of some software the antagonists wanted they used the fledgling internet to destroy her life. She soon found out that while she knew many people only a couple of people could point to her and identify her. It was easy to manipulate records and have her records show her as a fugitive from justice. Angela pointed out how easy it is to do this to anyone:
Our whole world is sitting there on a computer. It’s in the computer, everything: your DMV records, your social security, your credit cards, your medical records. It’s all right there.
Which lesson in these movies is most relevant today?
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2014 Robert Sacchi
Comments
Thanks Robert for your interesting article on Sandra Bullock. Also enjoyed many of her films. The Net was certainly a warning about how much info we have, on our hard drives. Just need a hacker to delete your life, financially, at any rate.
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Thank you for reading and commenting. I haven't watched Miss America in years. Have you noticed the changes they spoke so much about?
I agree. From that movie portrayal and what I have gleaned over the years, it takes a lot of work and effort to really shine in those beauty pageants. I caught the last part of the recent Miss America pageant and was amazed at the talent. There were several classical pianists, an opera singer, etc.
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Yes, Speed is a good thriller. Miss. Congeniality is a fun movie. It is nice how the character develops from a woman who didn't think much of beauty pageants and contestants but after spending time posing as a contestant found a respect for both.
I think that Sandra Bullock is a terrific actress. That movie titled Speed certainly was a nail-biter! She has been in many good films. Miss Congeniality is such a cute one!
Interesting observations Robert. There is often more truth and more of a message in a movie than we would think at first glance. Sandra may agree that the internet is full of enough information to ruin you as she was stalked for lack of a better word and no doubt use of the internet probably helped that to happen. Angels are once again on the way ps
Indeed. The pleasure is mine
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Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, I find it interesting how by looking at a movie a different way you can come up with lessons, and not necessarily the ones the movie makers intended.
*smile* I have never quite looked at movies this way...now you make me wanna go watch some and psychoanalyse my favourite movies...I think I'll start with Ms. Congeniality.
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Yes, if you haven't seen The Net I think you would find that one especially interesting.
I may have to borrow these movies at the library and watch them if they're still available there. You make them sound interesting and with Bullock in them they probably are.
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Yes, they are both very talented actors. A movie with one of them in it is at least worth a look.
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I've never seen the movies that you write about here, but I did see Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality -- the first one with Michael Caine. She was so funny, and so was Caine, and I loved that movie. I highly recommend it.
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Thank you, glad you found it interesting.
Interesting hub!
Short and to the point! Great hub!
Very informative, interesting and voted up!
Sandra Bullock has become one of my favorite actresses although I have not seen all of her movies.
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