New posts

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="Toni" data-source="post: 339023" data-attributes="member: 82">I´m working on some updates for my site and also a documentary for YouTube about "Dallas" in Spain, and I wanted to share part of it with you (not online yet, this is a "sneak preview").The quotes come from a story published in 1982 on a Spanish newspaper, with two psychotherapists being interviewed about the "Dallas" phenomenon. Any comment will be appreciated! (I don´t necessarily agree with their opinions...). Sorry in advanced if there is something "lost in translation"...    “If we analyze the show´s protagonists, we can see that all of them have pathological traits. J.R. might be the usual decompensated who balances himself out with ladies and money, which he uses to flaunt around his manly power. On the contrary, Bobby might become impotent very likely given his frustrated status in business and family conflicts. Then we have Sue Ellen, who acts hysterically and turns to alcohol for her situation of whore-wife who stays with her husband only for his money and social status.  [ATTACH=full]40682[/ATTACH] Pamela represents the pseudo-liberated wife who works despite being rich, but is capable to give up on a Paris fashion trip for attending a business party important for her husband. She won´t go to the shrink as soon as she assumes this role of "reasonably liberated wife", whenever she keeps that delicate balance between her personal realization and her position as an "obedient" wife. DALLAS is based on the patriarchal family, completely reactionary, set in an environment of wealth and power where there is sex too. There are 2 great brothers who are Cain and Abel reincarnated: we enjoy when Cain´s plans backfire, and get moved when the same thing happens to the good brother. J.R. is a fine target to discharge on him our agressivity, just as in Japanese factories, workers have the busts of the directors to beat them when they need to. [ATTACH=full]40683[/ATTACH] But J.R. turns out to be a man desirable and appealing for his power, money, girlfriends... It´s not strange at all that he became the show´s main protagonist despite his "evilness". J.R. owns all that people want. We are sure that our yuppie execs prefer J.R. over any other character. Another meaningful detail is the setting of the story, that rich house environment where there are no servants at sight nor an excessive ostentation of wealth, which is a smart ploy to get the maximum number of people identified with it: from the high-class lady who thinks there is an army of servants behind everything who do the laundry, cooking and ironing, to the humble housewife firmly convinced that Sue Ellen or Pam themselves have just laid the table.  [ATTACH=full]40684[/ATTACH] It´s something quite significative that the Ewing house doesn´t look too big or lush, and you can "see" it your own way. On the contrary, the show often features an image of power: the high building in Dallas where the Ewings own their offices, a symbol of J.R.´s financial power.    [ATTACH=full]40685[/ATTACH]Sex is measure very adequately: there is a lot but everybody can watch it. It is suggested but nothing is ever truly seen. The show lets yourself imagine and build upon our own imagination through every character. The plots are varied and open for you to choose what you want. The series is very simple: white and dark, good and bad, no layers. Despite the adulteries and conflicts, "Dallas" is the tangible proof that family is safe and will stay. [ATTACH=full]40686[/ATTACH]The show´s massive success is the logic consequence of being a well-built product targeted to a majority audience, with enough ingredients for everybody to feel represented, and also because it promises a number of intimate benefits and paybacks, because the public doesn´t want to change anything, only be in the characters´ places and enjoy their privileges."</blockquote>

Verification: Who played JR Ewing?