Maps To The Stars is either incoherent, post-modern or shallow. Whichever way you take it, the film entertains with cynical satire, observational humor and a memorable performance from Julianne Moore.
A man is bleeding on the streets. He’s been shot and will die without your help. You pick him up, take him to your house, and discover he’s a soldier fighting for your opposing side. Is his life any less valuable now that you know his identity? Do you hand the soldier over to the rebels who will most likely kill him or do you protect him despite his association?
America is awakening from the fantasy of living in a post-racial society despite the leadership of a black president. This current racial landscape is crucial to understanding the attitudes and addictions in Da Sweet Blood of Jesus. Many African Americans are angry, thirsty for blood, or have coped with hardships through destructive habits. The pastor’s message in a black Baptist church is timely and resonates emotionally. “Put down that 22, put down the 38, put down your 45! Oh, glory to God lift up your Bible and put down that oozie! You don’t need no AK 47, you need Romans 8:21,” he howls.
