This was a very interesting movie about a time period in America that is hardly discussed anymore. The movie also resonates on many levels. It can be seen as a harsh commentary on race and the dual system of justice that existed at the time, as well as a commentary on class relations between the rich and poor. Paris represented two things. First he represented the white ruling class in a southern Georgia town less than one hundred years after the end of slavery, and the psychological social structure that had developed and endured during slavery was still alive and well although rarely mentioned. In the movie race is like the 500 pound elephant in the room that everyone knows is there but we dare not discuss. Secondly Paris represents the business community which had it's ruling rights at that time in such a way that when he blatantly broke the law, he was indignant about being charged. As if to say "I am above the law". This attitude still exists among some capitalists who refuse to pay taxes by writing everything off but become upset by the creation of programs to assist the disenfranchised of society. So this movie was disturbing as a social commentary of a period in America's dark past, but needs to be remembered.
Review of Paris Trout
