Let's dive into the world of cinema and explore a film that has sparked quite a bit of controversy and discussion, especially within certain online circles. The movie in question is 'Citizen Vigilante', a recent release by director Uwe Boll, which has gained traction among the far-right for its provocative themes.
At its core, 'Citizen Vigilante' tells the story of Michael Sanders, an American expat living in Europe, who takes matters into his own hands to combat what he perceives as a broken criminal justice system. Sanders, portrayed by Armie Hammer, is a complex character, to say the least. By day, he's a landlord managing his real estate business, and by night, he transforms into a one-man army, battling what he sees as the 'demographic scum' plaguing the city.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this film is the portrayal of Sanders as both a vigilante and a landlord. It's a unique combination that adds an extra layer of complexity to his character. While some may see his vigilante actions as a form of justice, the fact that he's also a landlord, profiting off the capitalist system, raises interesting questions about his motivations and beliefs.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire movie. We witness a horrific stabbing of a blonde woman and her child, allegedly committed by a black migrant. This incident serves as the catalyst for Sanders' vigilante journey, and it's a moment that the film uses to establish a sense of fear and upset. However, the execution of this scene, and indeed the entire movie, leaves much to be desired. The lack of tension, pacing, and suspense makes it difficult for viewers to fully engage with the story.
As the film progresses, we see Sanders engage in a battle of wills with Interpol's Chief Henry, played by Costas Mandylor. The major action sequence, where Sanders takes on an entire police force from his bunker, is a highlight, albeit a gory and over-the-top one. The violence is excessive and obscene, but it's also poorly filmed and edited, taking away from the impact it could have had.
Despite the focus on Sanders' vigilante actions, the film fails to provide a clear ideological framework. Sanders' beliefs and motivations are vague, and he lacks any real structural political commitments. He comes across more as a Travis Bickle-esque figure, living out his fantasies with the means to do so. This lack of coherence makes it difficult to classify 'Citizen Vigilante' as a conservative or right-wing film, despite its apparent appeal to those audiences.
The movie's release comes at a time when there's a growing trend of cheap right-wing art that fails to deliver either as art or as a coherent political statement. This trend is part of a larger cultural moment, characterized by petulance and a sense of persecution. The election of Trump in 2024 seemed to signal a new era of conservative ascendence, but what we've seen instead is a culture of men engaging in childish behavior, alleging persecution, and using slurs and insults to express their frustration.
This petulance is pervasive, from online influencers to stand-up comedy, news media, and even the White House. It's a culture of trolling, where the goal seems to be to provoke and anger the other side, without offering any real substance or ideology. 'Citizen Vigilante' fits into this trend perfectly, but its poor execution and lack of depth make it a weak entry in this growing genre.
In contrast, there are examples of great conservative art, especially in the action and crime genres. Films like 'Bad Boys 2', 'Cobra', and 'Rambo' sequels showcase a different side of conservative cinema. These films, while controversial in their own right, have a clear ideological framework and are well-executed, making them more engaging and thought-provoking.
So, what does 'Citizen Vigilante' really represent? Is it a conservative film? Is it a propaganda piece for a white uprising? Or is it simply a poorly made attempt at cultural trolling? I'd argue that it's none of these things, at least not intentionally. The film's lack of coherence and its focus on provoking a reaction suggest that it's more of a symptom of a larger cultural trend of petulance and frustration.
In a world where everyone is trolling and ragebaiting, it's hard to know who the real target is. Perhaps the future of political cinema lies in the hands of leftist movements, which seem to be gaining momentum and attracting attention from both sides of the political spectrum. Only time will tell if these movements can produce films that are both well-made and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, 'Citizen Vigilante' is a film that raises more questions than it answers. It's a poor representation of conservative art and a weak attempt at cultural trolling. Its lack of depth and coherence make it a forgettable entry in the world of cinema. Perhaps the real story here is the cultural trend of petulance and the rise of leftist political movements, which may offer a more promising future for political cinema.
