tilda swinton – Houghton STAR

Snowpiercer: A Metaphor of our Broken Society

In a world decimated by the effects of climate change, amidst the snow of the now frozen world, there remains one source of refuge for humanity: Wilford’s train.

On board this self-sustaining train, the people are segregated into classes: wealthy in the front, poor in the back. Chris Evans, known for his role as the superhero heartthrob Captain America, now takes on the role of a poor, back-of-the-train, unlikely leader, Curtis. Faced with food scarcity, fleeting memories of what earth was like, and a desire to help the poor, Evans becomes a revolutionist, determined to reach the front of the train and restore equality to the classes. Filled with plot twists, action, and a bit of blood, Snowpiercer brings about a deeper question: is modern society really any different than the broken system portrayed in this film?

The majority of the population, residing in the back of the train, sits in squalor, resorting to desperate means to acquire food. In contrast, the minority of the people live comfortable, posh lives, ignorant to the atrocities being implemented by the man in power.

As Curtis fights his way towards the front of the train, he is lambasted by the reality of the frivolity shown by the fortunate few in the front. Car by car, the shift is made; engineering cars with water and food in the back separate the haves from the have-nots. Proceeding towards the front is the fine dining car and then the wild party cars. A new aspect of a potential lifestyle is brought to light as Curtis and a loyal few battle their way to power.

This eye-opening metaphor brings into question how the world today is run and maintained, and what our responsibility on our “train” may be. If given the seat of power, would Curtis take that opportunity to bring justice to the back by destroying the front? Beyond the revolution, what will become of the earth? Will the climate ever be bearable for mankind? Will polar bears never be seen again? What will become of humanity in this desolate, post-apocalyptic world?

Directed and written by Korean director Joon-ho Bong, renowned for his socially and politically charged films, this film effectively encompasses pressing social issues while maintaining an action-packed plot. The film was released in 2013, but did not come to American theaters until this past summer. Although this film was independently produced, it is star-studded with world-renowned actors such as Tilda Swinton (The Chronicles of Narnia), Ed Harris (Gravity and A Beautiful Mind), John Hurt (V for Vendetta), and Jamie Bell (The Fantastic Four).

While this film may not be the best choice for family movie night, as it does live up to its R rating for violence, language, and minor drug content, it is certainly worth the time investment. The action, plot, and character development go beyond simple entertainment. Thought provoking and intriguing concepts are undeniably evident in the film, and bring into question innumerable aspects of the social systems we live in today.

Last summer, on June 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into a law a piece of legislation banning the “propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations” in regions or areas exposed to minors. Article 6.21 reads as follows:

“Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors: 1. Propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors expressed in distribution of information that is aimed at the formation among minors of nontraditional sexual attitudes, attractiveness of nontraditional sexual relations, misperceptions of the social equivalence of traditional and nontraditional sexual relations, or enforcing information about nontraditional sexual relations that evokes interest to such relations, if these actions do not constitute a criminal offence, – is punishable by an administrative fine for citizens in the amount of four thousand to five thousand rubles.”

This move sparked an outcry from activists and organizations both inside and outside of Russia. In the United States in particular, many urban bars and clubs began refusing to sell Russian vodka as a protest against the discrimination happening on the other side of the world. More public figures–Tilda Swinton, Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Stephen Fry, and others–raised their voices in protest of Russia hosting an Olympic event meant to “unite the world.”

After calls for a boycott of the Sochi games seemed to fade into the background, attention turned instead to the Obama administration and whether or not the United States would make a statement regarding President Putin’s anti-LGBTQ stance. Months later President Obama’s office published the list of his hand-selected delegation to be sent to Sochi to represent the United State’s government. Topping the list were former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, Ambassador Michael McFaul, White House aide Rob Nabors, and two openly gay American Olympic Champions – two-time ice-hockey gold medalist Caitlin Cahow, and 1988 figure skating gold medalist Brian Boitano. In a recent interview Boitano informed USA Today, “Everyone knows why we’re here. We’ve made it obvious and quite public as to why Caitlin and I are supporting the delegation and are here. I think Russians know that and I think Americans know that and we’re proud to come from a country who supports tolerance and diversity and we stand strong.”

Since the Olympic Games began last week, other international athletes have voiced their opinions about Putin’s continued stance against gay rights in the face of Western opposition. “Homosexuality is not propaganda,” writes New Zealand Olympian Blake Skjellerup, “Anyone, no matter their sexuality, religion, or race, can play sports. One facet of who you are does not make you a weaker athlete. Being proud of who you are, and representing that makes you a stronger athlete, and the Olympic Games should be actioned in a place that provides that safety and opportunity.”

Putin, however, staunchly continues to defend the law he signed into effect. In his State of the Nation address this past December, two months before the opening ceremony in Sochi, Putin attacked the “norms of morality” of the West. “This destruction of traditional values from above not only entails negative consequences for society, but is also inherently anti-democratic because it is based on an abstract notion and runs counter to the will of the majority of people,” he said. As the games continue to unfold, it is predicted that athletes of multiple countries will pursue gestures of tolerance, bearing little regard for Putin’s disdain.