Braveheart (12-16-14)

We started watching Braveheart (edited for content), starring and directed by Mel Gibson. He earned his early reputation as the star of action-oriented films.  Then he started making his own films after getting support from others who had cast him in more challenging roles (acting with range, emotion, etc.).  Problem is, Gibson was also revealed to be an ultra-conservative, anti-Semitic, misogynist.  It presents an interesting ethical dilemma as a historian, film-lover, and general citizen of the world.  Should an artist's personal views be considered when evaluating her/his work (which, in Gibson's case, is truly powerful film-making)?  Seriously, the films he has directed are beautiful, gripping, and well-regarded by popular masses, his peers, and critics.  We'll takea break for Exam 2.2 tomorrow, and conclude the film on Friday.