I've made it no secret how much I've been looking forward to this movie, and how much I enjoyed reading the novel. The story relates how the boy genius Ender is psychologically manipulated by the war machine of his time to become a weapon of mass destruction.
The movie is very well done, though like all screen adaptations it falls short of the subtlety and depth of the novel itself. Still, Asa Butterfield is perfectly cast as Ender, and while I had doubts about seeing Harrison Ford in this movie, he did a good job too. The special effects are phenomenal, and it was especially interesting to see the three-dimensional weightless battle games come to life on screen.
When we got home after the show, I wanted to share some thoughts about the movie via Facebook. Upon logging in, I came across a posted comment by a person who had decided they would never read ENDER'S GAME or see the movie because of Orson Scott Card's personal beliefs.
Not really sure what the post was referring to, I did a Google search and discovered that Orson Scott Card is a fairly controversial figure because, among other issues, he disapproves of same-sex relationships and has campaigned against same-sex marriage. This has cost him in his following, and has led to a movement to boycott the book and the movie.
As much as I agree with those who criticize Orson Scott Card's attitudes toward homosexuality, I was a little taken aback by the boycott movement. The situation reminded me at once of THE GOLDEN COMPASS by Philip Pullman.
Why? In part because Pullman is an atheist. Because of this campaigns were run to boycott his books and his movie. When returns on the movie were less than ideal, the option of filming the sequels was quietly dropped.
Now, many would argue that homophobia is much more objectionable than atheism. Personally, I would have to agree, but that is not the debate I am interested in having today.
What I really want to ask is this:
When we reject an author's work because of his or her personal beliefs, does that put us on a higher moral ground than them? Or does it merely bring us down to the same level of intolerance?
Have at it, friends and followers of Heroines of Fantasy. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts.
-Posted by Karin Rita Gastreich
