Films about country and history

I took the opportunity last weekend to see two movies. Since I am typically not a moviegoer, this was an extremely rare event. Before the weekend, I believe the last movie I saw at the theater was “The Hunger Games” and before that, “The King’s Speech.” One of the reasons that I don’t visit the theater often is that it seems as if every “new” movie is either a sequel (or worse, a prequel) to or a remake of an earlier movie. Originality is not a strong suit right now, so I’d rather spend my leisure time with my family, friends, or a good book (not much on television grabs me either, but I’m sure glad that hockey will return soon).On Friday afternoon, we rushed out to catch the opening day matinee of “Zero Dark Thirty,” which is a dramatic account of the hunt for Osama bin Laden. I was interested in this movie as a military veteran, wanting to see how the professionalism and precision of an elite element like the Navy SEALS was portrayed. It turns out that the “military action” component of the movie was minimal and almost anti-climactic.What I found most intriguing about the story was the cat-and-mouse intelligence aspect that culminated in the raid into Pakistan that found and killed bin Laden. It reminded me of several other (and much older) historic dramas, such as “Midway,” “A Bridge Too Far,” and “Battle of the Bulge.” In each of those movies, the actions and intrigue leading up to the actual event were what created the tension and excitement. The planning, the preparation, the setbacks all contributed to the eventual outcome.We have all been shaped over the last decade by the “War on Terror.” While some cringe at that term for political reasons, “Terror’s War on Us” cannot be denied. We have many good people, in uniform and not, who are working diligently, frequently under extremely adverse conditions, to protect American lives and values. Since most of us are more concerned about the outcome of this weekend’s football games, we take for granted (or even worse, blatantly dismiss) the sacrifices of those committed to serving and protecting us. “Zero Dark Thirty” was an enjoyable movie, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in glimpsing the more clandestine aspect of the Central Intelligence Agency.The second movie of the weekend was the Saturday showing of “Lincoln” at the Gilson Theater. As a quick aside regarding the venue, I am constantly told by residents and visitors that the Gilson is truly a Winsted gem. It was nice to see many friends and acquaintances at the movie that night. I encourage all of you to visit the Gilson as frequently as possible. It was a wonderful evening.“Lincoln” will not be confused with a high intensity action movie such as “Zero Dark Thirty.” Whereas the depiction of the hunt for bin Laden represented a nearly decade-long series of events, Lincoln predominantly tells the story of one month, January, 1865, and the related political machinations in the House of Representatives related to the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution, the amendment to abolish slavery.It is a movie of thoughtful dialogue that builds upon the well-earned and documented popular idolization of Abraham Lincoln. My personal knowledge of Lincoln was mainly formed through my own reading, especially Shelby Foote’s Civil War trilogy. Despite the seamy side of 19th-century politics, the movie depicted a much simpler government than that to which we are accustomed today, and perhaps a style of government for which many yearn.The movie showed Lincoln moving freely about, without a posse of pollsters, speechwriters, and staff that politicians require today. What effect do the trappings of power and the insulation of Washington (and Hartford?) have upon our governance? With lobbyists and big money, have we lost the nobleness of public service?The movie also offered the opportunity to reflect upon how much our nation has progressed in a mere 160 years: to watch the members of the House of Representatives lament the slippery slope that freedom for slaves would lead to their franchise (right to vote) and then, perhaps even worse, the right of women (gasp) to vote. During Lincoln’s time, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were still the untested documents of a relatively new nation and treated with respect and reverence. Now, I fear that we take those same documents as for granted as we do the warriors of “Zero Dark Thirty.” Go see “Lincoln.” Actually, go LISTEN to Lincoln.I am idealistically naïve enough to continue to believe in the inherent goodness of America. These are difficult times in Washington, Hartford, and Winsted. We will survive and we will make efforts to succeed. I can’t promise that things won’t be rocky, but I am confident that we can turn the corner and leave the past behind. I look forward to working with all of you to build a better community. Dale Martin is the town manager of Winchester.