You know it hasn't occurred to me until last night:
Among the most remarkably well-received performances on screen during the last few decades are the Batman Comic Joker, beginning with Jack Nicholson, and extending through several stars. In addition, we have now idolized characters in mob movies who are transcendentally evil and sociopathic: Joe Pesci in almost any role, Michael Corleone, the boss in Kansas City(?) in Casino, Paulie in Goodfellas, you get the point....
These are the new heroes in America: strong, occasionally brilliant sociopaths, who are perceived as nearly-infallible by their acolytes and politically and legally indestructible. This is nothing new: we idolized Al Capone as well. Trump is a know-nothing who was bolstered by years of familiarity in the sensational tabloid press, and the gigantic level of hatred emanating from many millions. It is no wonder that in our cinematic idolization of autocrats and dictators that the nation elevated one to its pinnacle of leadership. The only question is what, if anything, will change all of this for the better?
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