MovieChat Forums > Hud (1963) Discussion > Homer's quote even more applicable today...

Homer's quote even more applicable today!

posted 13 years ago by Rinec
7 replies | jump to latest

I absolutely abhor the current obsession with celebrities and celebrity culture. The media seems to inundate us with celebrity culture and gossip on a daily basis; from constant worthless celebrity tittle-tattle to programs involving celebs faffing about in the jungle or on dance floors. Magazines regularly pay celebs millions for pictures of their extravagant homes and weddings, or hundreds of thousands for stories of their bad behaviour and antics. And it appears that younger people seem to be especially enthralled and impressed by the excesses and often appalling behaviour of these people, many of whom are only famous for those antics.

In the film Homer says to Lonnie, "Little by little the look of the country changes because of the men we admire", regarding his initial admiration of Hud. This quote appears to be even more appropriate today regarding many people's obsession with and emulation of decadent, immoral and self-serving celebrities.

[–] Errington_92 13 years ago

I completely agree, I see this as one of the examples from "Hud" that show the clash between old and modern values. Homer represents the old values while Hud embodies modern values. Through out "Hud" there are several scenes that highlight these differences, which conveys a strong message about society.

For example when Hud suggested to Homer that he should get rid of the cattle before they can be inspected, Hud says "I say let us dip our bread into some of that gravy while it is still hot". The gravy being the business aspect of modern society, which prefers profit over anything else. These ideas Hud has shows how times have changed, that there is no room from honestly or hard work not just in business but society as a whole.

Even when Lonnie leaves the ranch in order to avoid the path Hud has chosen, Hud hits back by saying "this world is so full of crap, a man's gonna get into it sooner or later whether he's careful or not". This quote along with Hud taking control of the ranch by the narrative's end suggest that dishonest and greedy businessmen like Hud will continue to grow stronger whilst honest men like Lonnie will either have no success or convert to immorality, depicting a bleak view of society.

"I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not".

[–] bluefellow 13 years ago

Little by little the look of the country changes because of the men we admire.

The best quote in the film, and for my money one of the best in cinema history. I, too, often think of this quote when I see some of the "celebrities" who are admired and rewarded by our culture.

"I don't want any Commies in my car. No Christians, either."

[–] balthazar_bee 13 years ago

Yep, I've often got this line rattling around in my head. And it's far worse today than when the scene takes place.

I think limiting it to "celebrities" is too narrow; they're a side-effect, people reaping the benefits of other distasteful aspects of our society. We don't reward critical thinking; we disdain any sense of sacrifice for the sake of a common good; we buy unnecessary crap and don't complain; our kids eat junk, get no exercise, play COD for six hours a day, and are rude to strangers because they've been taught that it's an appropriate social "default" setting.

It's all about furthering our individual quests for personal worth, which as near as I can figure involves arresting an adolescent outlook well into our forties, preening for all of our "friends" on Facebook, and doing/saying absolutely nothing of consequence, lest our BFF with the spray-on tan roll her eyes and say, "Woooooooow, that's sooooo random. Hey, Christy -- guess what Emily just said..."

Our "culture" is fast becoming one great big noxious black hole. In day to day life I'm a happy person, mainly because I try not to think about this.

[–] noveltylibrary 13 years ago

definitely stuck out to me as being relevant today.

[–] driftwood35 12 years ago

I knew what the quote was going to be as soon as I saw the subject line. I reflect on it every time I watch the film. Couldn't agree more with those who have commented at length. Well said by all!

[–] mike-848 12 years ago

This quote kept spinning in my head when Obama was running. I couldn't believe he was the Democratic pick and admired by so many folks after it came out how much HE admired Rev. Wright, Lew Ayres, and Louis Faharakhan.

[–] lizcarlo87 12 years ago

Timeless quote that has truth