“Cosy Competency Porn”: Why The Post is My Feelgood Movie

The latest news from the world of wildlife conservation serves as a sobering reminder that even well-intentioned efforts can falter without clear vision and direction. In an era where environmental stakes are higher than ever, it’s disheartening to see high-profile projects like Steven Spielberg’s “The Post” prioritize feel-good narratives over hard-hitting ecological themes.

Spielberg’s filmography has consistently leaned towards entertainment rather than education. His movies often feature sweeping landscapes and a nostalgia for the American wilderness, but rarely do they tackle complex ecological issues facing our planet. For example, his latest film “The Post” has been criticized for its superficial treatment of government secrecy and accountability. While the film’s themes of transparency and truth-telling are timely and relevant, they feel disconnected from pressing environmental concerns.

Spielberg’s filmmaking style has been described as “cosy competency porn,” suggesting a comfortable familiarity with familiar tropes and settings. When applied to his treatment of ecological issues, this label raises questions about his genuine engagement or commitment to meaningful change. It’s hard not to wonder whether Spielberg’s environmental credentials are more about image management than actual substance.

In recent years, film and media have increasingly been used as tools for environmental activism. Documentaries like “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Racing Extinction” use storytelling to raise awareness about pressing ecological issues. However, Spielberg’s output has been noticeably absent from this conversation. Instead, he focuses on crowd-pleasing fare that avoids real confrontation with environmental challenges.

The irony is that Spielberg has positioned himself as a champion of progressive causes. His film “Saving Private Ryan” was praised for its unflinching portrayal of war’s horrors, while “Schindler’s List” tackled historical trauma with nuance and sensitivity. However, his record on environmental issues is spotty at best.

This raises questions about our cultural priorities: do we value spectacle over substance, or do we prefer environmental messaging watered down and sanitized? Spielberg’s films often rely on sweeping vistas and nostalgia for a bygone era, which raises concerns about the role of media in shaping our relationship with the natural world. By prioritizing feel-good narratives over hard-hitting ecological themes, are we failing to engage audiences in meaningful conversations about environmental challenges?

The stakes couldn’t be higher. As we continue to grapple with climate change and biodiversity loss, it’s essential that artists and filmmakers use their platforms to raise awareness and spark action. Spielberg may have been a pioneer in his early days as a filmmaker, but on environmental issues, he seems out of touch.

The future of our planet will be shaped by the choices we make today. Will we continue to prioritize feel-good narratives over hard-hitting ecological themes, or will we use our platforms to spark meaningful conversations about challenges facing our world? The answer lies not just with Spielberg, but with all of us – and it’s a question that demands an urgent response.