General Discussion

The Lives of Others is an Oscar-winning German film that is really an update on Orwell's 1984. It shows how the stasi, the friendly, neighbourhood beat managers on the wrong side of the Berlin Wall, controlled the lives of just about everybody. And woe betide those who stepped out of line.
The film, first shown at the Exeter Picturehouse a couple of months ago, is returning next month -- by popular demand. Hopefully, some of the dozy sleepwalkers in Dawlish who think spy cameras are the best thing since sliced bread will rouse themselves from their slumbers and make an effort to see it. (It's doubtful if they will, however. Orwell said the Brits were paralysed by inertia and complacency. Besides, seeing the police -- even those who can't speak English -- in a less-than-flattering light might disturb a few prejudices.)
The film, a thriller, was even mentioned by the information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, in his evidence to the Home Affairs Committee in May. He said some of his colleagues in Europe "have seen the real evils of a surveillance society" and he did not want that sort of thing in Britain, or anywhere, ever again. So how come Dawlish Councillors and the award-winning Peeping Toms at Newton Abbot 'control' centre think round-the-clock surveillance is such a good thing? Perhaps they should book a seat at the Picturehouse now, before they,re all taken by people who regard civil liberties as more important than a pat on the back for keeping an eye on their fellow citizens.
The lives of others, August 4 & 5, is a must foreverybody who is not totally senile.
George
(but you can call me Eric)