New Consciousness Review Fall 2016 | Page 40

CONSCIOUS CINEMA Among the most common belief conflicts we encounter are aspirations undercut by doubt or, especially, fear. Holding fast to a cherished outcome while simultaneously embracing a fear of that manifestation’s realization will almost assuredly prevent the goal from happening. It only makes sense, too; after all, how can we expect our divine collaborator to assist us if we send it mixed signals? It’s like saying “I want something but don’t want it” at the same time. It’s no wonder nothing happens. This is where facing and overcoming our fears becomes so important. Indeed, purging ourselves of fear-based beliefs is essential to keep them from interfering with the materialization process. In fact, embracing beliefs that are directly opposed to fear – those related to courage and heroism – can play a vital role in achieving our objectives. Such positive influences not only eliminate potentially undermining influences, but they also infuse a high degree of confidence into the conscious creation process, acting like a supercharger to bolster the overall effort. one of the most horrendous incidents in American history; “The Front” (1976), director Martin Ritt’s semi-autobiographical comedy-drama about a cafeteria cashier (Woody Allen) who “fronts” the scripts of a blacklisted TV script writer (Michael Murphy) during the Communist witch hunts of the 1950s; and “Hotel Rwanda” (2004), the fact-based biopic of a brave hotel manager (Don Cheadle) who went out of his way to protect his guests, family and friends against the warring factions caught up in the genocidal madness of the Rwandan Civil War. Given the power of these supporting influences, it’s no wonder that they play such a central role in many storyline contexts. That’s especially true in the movies, which often celebrate heroes and reward characters who successfully overcome their fears. In fact, these themes are so prevalent in motion pictures that coming up with a manageable list of representative films was quite a challenge. Nevertheless, many excellent titles reflect these ideas, inspiring viewers with their compelling narratives and dazzling cinematic spectacles. Courageously facing down the fears associated with confronting powerful entities is a common theme in this genre. In some cases, that involves going up against oppressive governments or autocratic political factions; in others, it means taking on formidable corporate interests; and, in the most challenging of such scenarios, it means tackling both. Films that adeptly illustrate heroic initiatives against the state include “JFK” (1991), director Oliver Stone’s chronicle of the valiant crusade by New Orleans District Attorney Jim Garrison (Kevin Costner) in challenging the Warren Commission’s official findings on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and his attempts to prosecute the parties he believed were truly responsible for 40 | NEW CONSCIOUSNESS REVIEW Movies that peg the Davids of the world against corporate Goliaths include “The China Syndrome” (1979), in which a nuclear power plant supervisor (Jack Lemmon) and a pair of intrepid journalists (Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas) seek to expose the safety hazards of a facility in danger of meltdown, something the plant’s owner would rather keep quiet; “The Insider” (1999), the fact-based story of the efforts of a 60 Minutes producer (Al Pacino) to air a segment about tobacco industry secrets revealed by a company whistleblower (Russell Crowe) that the popular TV news magazine initially approved but later reneged on when confronted