Even before the end of the San José mine accident where 33 men lived 70 days trapped 700 metres deep, fictions and documentaries based on this near disaster were already in preproductions throughout the world.
It seems greedy producers have forgotten that the film had already been shot... 60 years ago! Re watching "Ace in the hole" today feels strange. The 1951 Billy Wilder's satyr deals with a fictional mining incident taking place in New Mexico. The story revolves around a ruthless journalist played by Kirk Douglas who decides to exploit the fate of a trapped miner to create a media buzz and get his career back on track.
In the real Chilean incident, media were probably not the prime suspect. Yes their coverage was exaggerated and sensational but on the positive side, they probably helped accelerate the rescue process by putting the fate of the 33 miners on the international map. No the real "bad guy" this time would be best portrayed by a politician. If a remake of "Ace in the Hole" had to be done today, how about having Sebastian Pinera or Laurence Golborne interpreted by Michael "Gekko" Douglas? Both politicians clearly used the unfolding drama to increase their popularity and distract the audience's attention from other sensitive topics while avoiding answering the real question, the one about working conditions in the Chilean mines. Who's responsible? Miners knew the site was dangerous but had to risk their life for financial reasons. The statistics speak for themselves: on average 34 miners die each year in Chile (In China it goes up to a thousands for the same reason). Their story is hardly televised.
Fortunately the Chilean incident ended well. But the reality-TV shows broadcasted on our news channels has a bitter taste. Let's hope the forthcoming screen adaptions won't just be about patriotism and bravery.
No comments:
Post a Comment