Sunday, June 11, 2006

Movies I want to See

It seems like there are a bunch of movies I want to see. I thought I would make a list for myself. They are in no particular order.

Crash, Cinderella Man, Walk the Line, Ray, King Kong, Syriana, Good Luck and Good Night, The Aviator, The 40 Year Old Virgin, A History of Violence, ...

Well that's a start. If I had to pick one, I think I'd pick Walk the Line.

7 comments:

Shawna said...

Walk the Line was ok. (Though I'm sure Kaleigh would disagree!) A bit boring for me. It wasn't awful, I just expected more. The same with Ray. Only I was wowed by Jamie Foxx's performance and more interested in the story.

I haven't heard of Syriana--what's that about?

Anonymous said...

OK, this may be really off-the-wall and someone may choose to tell me that I'm insane, but I'm interested in seeing Brokeback Mountain. Before you write me off, here are my reasons: 1) I've heard that cinematographicly (is that a word?) it is phenomenal, that it deservably won awards for the greatness of the movie itself 2) I've been left out of good conversations at work about this one. I feel that, as a Christian, I need to be "in the know" on some of these current issues. How can I be an example or have a conversation that could influence a nonbeliever if I always turn my back on what they are interested in?

Some movies aren't worth the time and effort; others have to be considered if for nothing more than understanding the impact it is causing on the very lost ones we are trying to reach.

OK, you can roast me now.

dan said...

Brian,
I thought Crash, Walk the Line, and Cinderella Man (in that order) were all excellent - especially for a pastor looking for illustrations.

Brian said...

I would have to say there are images and themes in the Bible that I would think would best be avoided. There is language in the Bible (vulgar and sarcastic) that would probably best be avoided. The Bible is not family friendly.

The last two films - 40 year old virgin and history of violence - plus the first film Crash (which though I haven't seen it is probably the best film of the bunch), and my wife's intriguing pick which was I was most likely afraid to list - Brokeback... these are the films that I don't know if I would consider redeeming (though possibly), but speaking to the issues that separate (virgin is probably a stretch). Syriana and Good Luck also speak some to the issues of separation as well.

Cinderella Man, Walk the Line, Ray, King Kong, and Aviator are probably more in the line for me as entertainment, and would be the ones that perhaps I should give more question to their worth in taking my time.

Jesus has called me into the mess to bring redemption to it. Does that mean I have to see these films? Well, yes, I think some of them. The question isn't whether those films are going to redeem me. The question is will they make me redeeming? The movies Crash, Syriana, and a History of Violence are probably movies that are at the core of a lot of peoples struggles and questions.

American History X, Blackhawk Down, Schindler's List, and Fightclub have all been movies that have been important for me to see, that have given me insight into the world around me without (my opinion) pulling me down.

A movie that I have not seen is American Beauty. It has themes that I don't think would be appropriate for me, meaning I think that movie would affect me adversely. A movie I did see, which I wish I hadn't, was Titanic. But I am not blanketing those as two movies that people should not see. It is about the way I am wired that is the problem.

One thing I think I did get wrong is that the movies I should start with are Crash and Good Luck and Good Night.

The reviewers at least had the context of having seen the movies.

God came down and took on flesh. I can't think of one good reason to do this except to have experienced our life. Schindler's List and Black Hawk Down did that for me. It took into a place that I hope I never know and yet help to experience what others may. Perhaps it will make me a better priest.

Hebrews 2:17 says, "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God..." Yet he was without sin.

I'm trying to be honest here without moving toward preachy or defensive. Jesus always left himself vulnerable when people wondered about him. I wish I was better at that.

This is becoming long but a recent movie that really moved me into the insight of myself and how others think has been Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly.

Brian said...

I am a terrible debater. For that I apologize in advance. For some reason I think sarcasm makes my point stronger, and of course, I know that it doesn't.

Duska, you are very astute to see the difference in our theology right at it's heart. You said, "But, we shouldn't take so much of the burden of redemption on ourselves. We need to remember the simplicity of preaching Jesus Christ, and Him crucified."

I disagree. Jesus said in Matthew 25 that he would separate the sheep from the goats by their actions toward the least of these. He makes it clear (to me) in the sermon on the mount that it is his desire to redeem people through relationships. I must love my enemies, which means more than just feeling fond of them, it means to serve them. "If I am forced to go one mile, I should go two." Paul tells a woman married to an unbeliever to stay in the marriage and through her love, he may believe.

I'll continue with he says to the husband in Ephesians to love his wife like Christ loved the church, giving himself up for her, to present her radiant. Is that not redemption? And finally I am called, as we all are, to walk in the steps of Christ (Peter wrote this). To me, that means sacrificing myself in order that some might find Christ.

And so you could say what does this have to do with movies? The Apostle Paul was well known at Mars Hill for taking their poetry and philosophy (pop culture really) and finding a place to redeem the message of God. Wouldn't you find it outrageous if I took an unknown pagan god and talked about him as if he were my God? Paul did exactly that.

It is hard to argue whether Jesus would have went to a movie, but he did go to "sinful people's houses" as they were throwing parties. So much so the Pharisees questioned his motives. Paul seems to have been comfortable going to an idol feast, though he understands not everybody should.

Watching movies is not my main means of bringing redemption to the world. It is a very minor aspect, just to be clear.

To say that Brokeback was Hollywood propoganda is not a fair statement. The movie was barely made, as no one would put up the needed amount of money to make such a controversial film. It's success was a surprise to everyone, and may be an indicator that it isn't propoganda, rather that it is probably a reflection of our culture.

You suggested my wife have coffee with a homosexual. It may be unfair but I will ask, how many homosexuals have you had conversation with in the last year? I have had several, as well as several conversations with other people with whom I disagree. And the reason I ask is that by not limiting myself to a "Biblically sound book about homosexuality," I have shown myself open to a conversation, a dialogue, which I have found to be very fruitful in leading people toward Christ. And so perhaps you have had many fruitful conversations as well.

I appreciate your honesty about your struggles. The scenes you described in History of Violence might be a problem for me. I was not aware of them. And actually, I do often read Focus on the Families reviews and despite the swear word count, often find them very helpful. What prompted my list was just the fact that I was realizing there were many movies I wanted to see, but had not, and just wanted to start a list. Would Jesus have had a blog?

I am a sinner, at a very deep level in my soul. I wish that I wasn't. But it is my opinion that it isn't that I watch such movies that keeps me in such a state. I feel honestly that these are not even close to the root of the sin that lives in me. I wish it were. I believe the root of my sin is that I am selfish and prideful, and by sacrificing my desires for others, I not only help them, but help myself, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You finished with "I believe there's a huge difference between "Schindler's List" and "The 40-Year-Old Virgin". :o)" I thought this was a bit cheap because in a previous post I said, "...but speaking to the issues that separate (virgin is probably a stretch)."

Again I am a terrible debater. And I responded rather quickly which is almost always a bad idea.

I would actually be willing to concede to you that History of Violence and 40 Year Old Virgin could be taken off my list. But I would continue to contend that Crash and Brokeback might be worth viewing.

Anonymous said...

Just a note of clarification -- My original idea of seeing Brokeback wasn't so that I could reach out to homosexuals, although it may be of some use for that. My intent was that my coworkers are intense movie-goers. They see EVERYTHING. I certainly don't intend to watch all that they do, but when the controversial ones surface, I'd like to have a voice. A Christian needs to engage in these conversations. Trust me, my coworkers have opinions -- and they are usually very non-Christian. Won't I be of greater use in this conversation if I can show them Christ's view rather than sit in silence?

Another situation: Two co-workers love "House" (TV). I had seen one, but hated it. However, they mentioned an up-coming episode that dealt with a teenage faith healer talking to God. I TiVo-ed it the second I got home, forced myself to watch it, and was ready for the conversation that would take place the next day. The show took an unfair view and basically blew the kid's beliefs out of the water. Wasn't it worth watching to try to explain what faith really is?

Media is a tool. And yes, we have to guard ourselves. This conversation that we are having is a great way of holding each other accountable to our reasonings. We have to be careful, but I really don't think it healthy to shut outselves out.

And just remember, sis -- you came first. If I'm crazy, I'm merely taking after you ;o)

Shawna said...

Hey Duska :)

Just wanted to let you all know that I was lurking reading your responses :)

I appreciate the excellent model on how to lovingly disagree with one another (sincerely)!

Great points on both sides.