Why do so many so desperately wish to be entertained?

What grand appeal is there for those content to live and die vicariously through celluloid heroes while like children, they sit sheltered in the dark from the dangers of the outside world, in utter thrall before the imaginary, but comforting world of the silver screen?

Could it be, the darkness of the theater serves as a welcomed reprieve, perhaps even a psychological womb for those anonymously huddled together in desperate escape, while collectively hoping the light shed upon them from the mammoth silver screen will bring order to the world they’ve been conditioned to perceive as cold, unforgiving, and unpredictably chaotic?

The celebrity icons featured upon the silver screen – whether cast in the roles of heroes or villains – become worshipful, iconic vessels, mirror-like images upon which the masses project generalized idealizations, consisting of their fearful insecurities or perceivable virtues.

Marlon Brando represented one such icon who, for decades, generations of movie critics and audiences held in the highest esteem. Nevertheless, is it possible the name Marlon Brando was yet another pseudonym created to mask Hollywood’s rampant nepotism?

This installment shall connect this Hollywood legend with another actor and television star alleged to have recently died and with the current Russian Premiere, Vladimir Putin.

Stay tuned, folks. Continue reading “Marlon Brando: Godfather of Hollywood chameleons?” →