February 25, 2005
Movie: HBOs 'Dirty War'
This HBO Films thriller shows how a "dirty bomb" attack might be planned and executed in London, despite the best efforts of police and intelligence forces - as well as how devastating the consequences of such an attack could be.
more HBO movie blurb w/ a link to USAs CDC! (Center for Disease Control)
~I"m half-way through this movie (this week on Public TV) and I'm surprised by my initial reactions. 1) How easily I accept the premise that what happens in Britain with cops, terrorists, spies, foreigners and crowds isn't fundamentally different from what might happen in any large American city. If the movie was in another language and dubbed or subtitled, it would more difficult to identify with?
2) How readlily I accept the inevitability of a 'dirty bomb' attack on an American city. Let alone a city in Europe.
3) Along with this fatalism, for some inexplicable reason, is the belief that American intelligence agents have already stopped a number of potentially catastrophic terrorist attacks but can't or won't inform the public.
I'm surprised at how easily I identify with Britain and how willing I am to accept the dirty bomb mcguffin in this movie and in real life.
Most disturbing is my fantasy about the already successful guardians in the unseen, unknowable, unproven American intelligence agencies. Where do these imaginings come from? They ain't art, can't pay the bills, get me laid or elevate my pulse and they certainly aren't all that profound or unique. They're in some ways as satisfying as a good meal but of no real substance or importance.
What a luxury to have the time to muse over such trivialities.
I owe someone for this. Thank you whoever ya'll are.