'Sicario' is about how the Western world reacts toward problems outside of its borders. Should we become monsters in order to fight the monsters? It's not about the cartels. The movie could have been set in Africa or the Middle East.
Interpretation
The quote explores the moral dilemmas faced by the Western world in addressing external issues, questioning the means by which we confront evil.
Denis Villeneuve's quote delves into the ethical complexities of how societies respond to threats beyond their borders. It raises profound questions about whether the use of brutal tactics and becoming a 'monster' in order to combat real monsters is justified. The focus extends beyond the specific scenario of drug cartels to a broader commentary on global conflicts and moral choices, suggesting that such struggles can be universal and applicable to various geopolitical contexts.
In practice
During a panel discussion on international relations, one could use this quote to illustrate the moral complexities faced by policymakers.
I think I'm attracted to subjects that I'm afraid of. It's a way to approach things I am afraid of, things that bring fear in my heart, and try to understand them, try to deal with them. It's like demons. I try to approach it and understand it... I'm just visiting fears.
Cinema is an art form that is designed to go across borders. And as a filmmaker, the only way I can direct a movie is when I feel close to my culture.
As a director, you're a bit of a dictator. But I feel that you're a better director if you're open to other people's ideas. It means that it's tougher: you have to be in a choosing process; you have to put the ego aside. As long as everybody's aiming in the same direction... I'm open to my main partners in the film crew.
I've been dreaming to do sci-fi since I was 10 years old, and I said 'no' to a lot of sequels - I couldn't say 'no' to 'Blade Runner.'
If you don't deal with your shadows, you are condemned to repeat the same mistake over and over, as a human being or as a society.
Anger is the ego's way of cloaking fear to make what is frail seem formidable.
We can neither heal nor build if, on the one hand the rich in our society see the poor as hordes of irritants or if on the other hand the poor sit back, expecting charity. All of us must take responsibility for the upliftment of our conditions, prepared to give our best to the benefit of all
All the lives I could live, all the people I will never know, never will be, they are everywhere. That is all that the world is.
When it's better for everyone, it's better for everyone.
Human life in common is only made possible when a majority comes together which is stronger than any separate individual and which remains united against all separate individuals. The power of this community is then set up as right in opposition to the power of the individual, which is condemned as brute force.
The ego doesn't know that the source of all energy is within you, so it seeks it outside.
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