It’s quite the cosmic coincidence that “Series 7” is finally out on DVD, and I saw it on the shelf just days after my diatribe against “The Chamber.” Series 7 is an unspeakably brilliant satire, not so much of reality TV (that already satirizes itself, thank you very much), but of the amusing-ourselves-to-death mentality that has permeated the culture.
How far are we away from a society that picks people through lottery to take part in a deathmatch contest on national TV? Way closer than we would like to admit.
Some of the most chilling footage in the movie is the commercial lead-in promos, which look and sound exactly like reality TV promos. Director Daniel Minahan was a producer of reality programs for Fox, and it shows on the screen.
I don’t think a lot of people saw this movie in the theaters, but it’s especially good on video anyway, since it’s about TV. Get the DVD, if you can, but watch this movie however you can get your hands on it. On the DVD, be sure to watch all the deleted scenes – there’s something that looks like the “lost” footage from the end of the film that adds a whole new disturbing edge to the entire experience. Highly, highly recommended.
Last night I saw a promo for Jerry Springer that said “Thee ways with Grandma! On the next Jerry Springer!”
Truth is worse than fiction.
Um… that was “Three ways” …damn my typing.