ANNALS OF THE CULTURE WARS, "LIBERALS LOVE BLACK PEOPLE AND HATE JESUS" EDITION.
But the critical reception of [12 Years a Slave] also demonstrates a dramatic change in critics’ appreciation for violence in movies. When my husband and I viewed the movie, I found it almost unbearable to watch. It reminded me of my response to “The Passion of the Christ,” the visceral 2004 film about the suffering and death of Jesus. Both films are very good. Both films are depictions of real people in history. Both films are full not just of violence but violence that must be depicted because it serves the central point. And both films deal profoundly with the effects of human sinfulness...
I wish she'd tell us what she thinks of Pasolini's Salò.
Whereas many claimed they objected to “The Passion of the Christ” on the grounds of the violence it portrayed, many critics also claimed that the violent depiction of slavery was what made “12 Years A Slave” such a great film.
Hemingway thinks the liberal art people only booed The Passion to razz Christians:
...Our society is in general agreement that, apart from homophobia and racism, the only real sin is believing in sin. This creates a climate where a brutal depiction of what Christ suffered is frowned upon.
Similarly, if you liked The Maltese Falcon, you have to love The Adventures of Ford Fairlaine because it's a detective movie, too. If you don't, you're hypocritical and prejudiced against Cursery Rhymes.
Bonus hackery: Hemingway tells us that though the liberal art people stuck up for 12 Years a Slave against Jesus, they are simultaneously against it ("don’t let the bullying from progressive critics or the lame protests from the professionally outraged dissuade you from seeing the film") for some unexplained reason, probably because Mollie Hemingway, a Christian, liked it. Oh, and a moment of what I wanted to believe was intentional comedy:
There was one critic who was favorable toward “Passion” and slammed “Slave.” Yes, it was Armond White.
Alas, Hemingway affects to believe White was kicked out of the NYFCC for siding with Jesus, though in fact he was expelled for bad manners. It took a little training but I guess her hack reflexes are pretty well-trained at this point.
UPDATE. If Hemingway's post isn't snarly enough for you, you can read Ben Shapiro's version ("shows the rampant hypocrisy that is alive and well in Hollywood and in the media").