In a few days, we will be able to judge whether actor George Clooney has, once again, hit another controversial nail on the head. That’s when his latest film, The Men Who Stare at Goats, is released. This is the fictionalized non-fiction account of the U.S. government’s use of psychics to help protect and defend our county (emphasis mine). Although I have not read the 2004 non-fiction book upon which this film is based, I am familiar with the 1970-90’s era of the top-secret Stargate Project, where trained psychics used remote-viewing to identify targets at long distances. Stargate was shut down in the 1990’s, as I mentioned elsewhere, but apparently it offered enough creative material, along with other psychic-related stories that author Jon Ronson dug up, to write a book and then film a movie, co-produced and starring the award winning Clooney.
George Clooney’s interest in this movie had nothing to do with his own views on psychic abilities. Looking closer at Clooney’s archetype astrology chart (he is a Taurus with an Aquarius moon), I can’t find any indications in his chart of a strong intuitive or sixth sense ability. But his Taurus Sun shows us a man who is not afraid to stand his ground when it comes to portraying controversial whistle-blowers, soldiers of fortune, high-stakes gamblers or even a secret military psychic, which some might consider whacky.
Clooney’s chart also shows him to be a dedicated and ardent supporter of causes where he believes great wrong has been done (for example, his tireless work on behalf of the refugees in Darfur). He also has worked to support First Amendment Rights and shed the light on atrocities he believes the public needs to recognize. He is high-minded and idealistic when it comes to supporting causes that might otherwise go un-supported. He reportedly has said he uses his acting celebrity as a credit card to do good in the world. With those goals in mind, he carefully selects movies that he believes both challenge him and highlight those men who were not afraid to step over the edge: controversial people who challenge authority, usually for the common good (or at least some good to somebody). With his great dark eyes and his ironic half-smile, Clooney is able to convey (like Clark Gable once did) a sense of naivete, even where none exists. He has a serious side, but also a serious sense of humor. It is said that he is a great practical joker.
The Taurus Sun also indicates Clooney’s stubborn streak, and his ability to stand his ground, when others feel it shifting. But his greatest qualities come from his high-minded ideals and the charitable work that he does. He may long be remembered more for both his humanitarian work and his acting career, with his many awards and nominations. Some film critics believe "The Goats" movie will also bring him an acting award next year.
I look forward to seeing this latest film - not only because it stars Clooney, Ewan McGregor and Kevin Spacey (no stranger to paranormal film subjects), but also because it is the latest in a growing line of film and TV programs focusing on the paranormal. I have read, from those who have sneaked a peek, that this is a funny movie, with a sort of Dr. Strangelove attitude. I could use a laugh, although not solely at the expense of crackpot psychics and the U.S. government and military. After all, (although this tale might not be told) many other countries around the world practiced psychic soldiering, not the least of which was Russia during the Cold War. What the Russian scientists may have learned is open to conjecture - unless, of course, you are a psychic.
