theguardian.com
Lapid's "Yes": Decadence and Violence in Israel
Yes," a new film by Nadav Lapid, depicts the opulent lives of Israel's ruling class amidst the suffering in Gaza, using a fictional song inspired by a real-life event to highlight the call for extermination in Gaza and the trauma of the 7 October attacks.
- How does the fictional song in "Yes" reflect the broader political and social climate in Israel, and what are its implications?
- The movie connects the opulent lives of Israeli elites with the violence in Gaza, suggesting a disconnect between their reality and the ongoing conflict. The film uses the fictional song as a device to explore the cyclical nature of violence and the justification of retaliatory actions, showing the emotional toll on individuals caught in this conflict.
- What are the immediate consequences of the depicted disconnect between the Israeli elite's lifestyle and the suffering in Gaza, as shown in Nadav Lapid's "Yes"?
- Nadav Lapid's "Yes" portrays Israel's ruling class as decadent and indifferent to the Gaza conflict, contrasting their lavish lifestyle with the suffering in Gaza. The film uses a fictional song, inspired by a real-life event, to highlight the call for extermination in Gaza, juxtaposing it with the trauma of the 7 October attacks.
- What are the long-term implications of the cycle of violence and trauma portrayed in Nadav Lapid's "Yes," and what potential solutions are suggested or implied?
- Lapid's film suggests a future where the conflict continues due to a lack of empathy and understanding between the sides. The film's ambiguous ending implies there will be no easy solutions or resolutions, highlighting the complex and emotionally charged nature of this conflict and the difficulty of finding resolution.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review frames the film as a powerful critique of Israeli society, emphasizing its 'icy provocation' and portrayal of the ruling class as decadent. The headline and opening sentences immediately set a critical tone, potentially predisposing the reader to view the film negatively. While the review does acknowledge the film's sympathetic portrayal of certain characters, this is presented as secondary to its harsh critique.
Language Bias
The review uses strong, charged language to describe the film and its characters, such as 'fierce,' 'confrontational,' 'radioactive,' 'odious,' and 'heartlessness.' While descriptive, this language may influence reader perception and could benefit from more neutral alternatives. For instance, 'confrontational' could be replaced with 'direct' or 'challenging.'
Bias by Omission
The review focuses heavily on the film's portrayal of Israeli society and the trauma of October 7th, but omits discussion of Palestinian perspectives and experiences. While acknowledging the film's critique of Israeli actions, it doesn't delve into potential counterarguments or alternative interpretations of the events. This omission might leave the audience with an incomplete understanding of the complex geopolitical situation.
False Dichotomy
The review implies a false dichotomy by suggesting an equivalence between Putin and Israeli actions without fully exploring the nuances of their respective situations. It also presents a simplistic 'us vs. them' narrative, where those critical of Israel are immediately labeled as 'anti-Israel,' neglecting the spectrum of opinions and criticisms that exist.
Gender Bias
The review focuses primarily on male characters (Y, the composer) and their experiences, while female characters (Yasmin and Leah) are presented in relation to the male protagonist. Their roles are largely defined by their relationships with men, lacking independent agency. More detailed analysis of female characters' experiences and perspectives could have provided a more balanced perspective.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film depicts the Israeli ruling classes as decadent and indifferent to the suffering in Gaza, highlighting a failure of institutions to address conflict and injustice. The portrayal of a fictional song calling for extermination, even if in response to the October 7th attacks, further underscores the lack of peaceful conflict resolution and the prevalence of hate speech. The film also touches on themes of political polarization and the erosion of trust in media outlets, which are key elements of a functioning and just society.