Journal Entry 6

The big deal between The Kentucky Cycle and Deliverance is how it portrays the Appalachian culture. It over embellishes many negative aspects associated with the respective culture. I can see both ends of this argument; however I think that the movie is a better depiction of what the culture is like (sadly enough). The Kentucky Cycle was way over the top as I wrote in Journal Entry 5. People have to realize that molestation (as seen in Deliverance) was a random occurrence. My personal opinion is that this is not a common occurrence and hasn’t been one. It just seems like the entire movie is based around the struggle between the river and the two guys that raped the group. This is the only noticeable connection between the group and the culture. I think that the end of the movie, where they are eating dinner with Appalachians, is a more accurate description. I can see why the Appalachian scholars are offended by the play, I agree with them. The movie critics that are pissed over the movie, yeah I see their point. However, the director is bringing attention to many of the problems of the society. The poverty level and lack of education are definitely pressing issues that needed reform. Still today those issues are prevalent, yet people focus on issues oversees instead of the ones we have here in the United States, and I think that is wrong! The director of Deliverance definitely over embellished the negative aspects, yet he did bring attention to it. If someone just watches the movie and continues the make fun, or condescend the individuals of this region, they have something wrong with them. Why don’t they do something productive and go and try to help these people, whether they want it or not! I can see where the director was coming from when his agenda was one to help out the region. I think that he accomplished his goal. If someone wanted to prove this, then go look at what reform programs have been established since the release of this motion picture. This will provide an answer as to whether the director was effective in his motives or not.