Sunday, March 16, 2014

Ghostbusters: the most libertarian Hollywood blockbuster of all time

Why 'Ghostbusters' is the most libertarian Hollywood blockbuster of all time | WashingtonExaminer.com - Philip Klein:

February 24, 2014 - "After learning the sad news that comedy actor and filmmaker Harold Ramis had died, I remarked on Twitter that the 1984 classic Ghostbusters (which he co-wrote and co-starred in) was the most libertarian Hollywood blockbuster ever made.... To me, it's quite obvious. In Ghostbusters, paranormal activity is becoming a growing problem in New York City. Government doesn't do anything to stop the problem, so private entrepreneurs set up a small business that successfully captures and stores ghosts — for a fee.

"But then, the villain -- a regulator from the Environmental Protection Agency -- decides to interfere with the private business by cutting off their power, thereby releasing all of the captured ghosts.... The EPA agent orders the shut down of the ghost containment unit over the protests of Ramis' character, Dr. Egon Spengler, who says: 'Excuse me, this is private property!'

"The movie's heroes are taken into police custody after the release of the ghosts. Once the assault by the ghosts causes apocalyptic chaos in New York City and the government is completely helpless in solving the problem, the mayor releases the small-business owners who once again save the day."

Read more: http://washingtonexaminer.com/why-ghostbusters-is-the-most-libertarian-hollywood-blockbuster-of-all-time/article/2544522
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