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with comments by David Bruce

NO ONE DIES FOR A LIE
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2001
From: Abraham

Dear David: In a response to an e-mail - you state that "no one dies for a lie." How about the people at Jonestown? Or the suicide bombers who blew up the USS Cole? PS - are you a "born-again" (like Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson) or a Christian like John Spong, Dr. King and Mother Theresa (4 Christians who the good people of the non-christian world respect)

Response: The people in Jones Town (etc.) believed they were dying for the truth. Again, "no one (knowingly, at least) dies for a lie." I do not identify with Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, and the like. I strongly relate to John Spong, Dr. King and Mother Theresa. Thank you for asking. -David

GOOD MOVIE, ONE PROBLEM
Subject: Good movie, one problem Ever_After
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2001
From: Casey

Ok, i loved the movie. it's one of my favorites (one of many) but as an artist i have to say i was quite disturbed by the fact that Leonardo da Vinci was in the movie. Yeah, it was the right time period, but him pulling out the Mona Lisa on a canvass from a water proof tube no less, was a bit much. The Mona Lisa was painted in Florence Italy on Wood, not canvass. You wouldn't carry and oil painting rolled up like that not finished...if you've ever painted w/ oil you would know it takes forever to dry. Just a little thing i noticed. Also, the painting "Leonardo" did of Danielle is actually one of his paintings. I thought that was pretty cool how they integrated that into the movie. And what greater thing to have Da Vinci in place of the Fairy God Mother no less! Artists rock!!! Danielle was a great character, w/ flaws of course...Dug herself into a hole and couldn't get out basically till it was almost too late. We can all learn a lesson from her. Sure, she lied to get the old man back, but she could have easily told the truth as easily as she had lied. She hardly stood up for herself. I find myself screaming @ her "JUST TELL HIM YOU IDIOT!!" hahahahaha The movie portrays her as a strong woman, but also as a weak confused girl. Sad really. BUT i still loved the movie.
thanx casey stephens

YOU ARE A LUKEWARM CHRISTIAN
Subject: disney boycott
Date: Wed, 17 Jan 2001
From: Peter
In reference to: Is the Disney Boycott a Proper Response?

A COLUMN BY DICK ROLFE
President/CEO, THE DOVE FOUNDATION
this is the lamest, limp-wristed Christian position I have heard in a long time You might as well say: If you don't like abortions, then don't have one or if you think pornography is immoral, then don't buy it you said, "If you object to an activity they permit at their theme parks like Gay Pride Day, don't attend"

What a weak, yet easy thing to do, just ignore it!! Christians are supposed to REBUKE evil and fight the powers of Satan, not cower in fear or indifference (or merely support righteousness) It's so easy to wink at sin and pretend it's not there!

How about shedding some light, and revealing sin, so that people may turn from their sin, and repent? Would you say "If you see a man committing sin, merely ignore him and save your time to say "horray" when he does good."? Jesus set the example when he encouraged people by saying, "This is the way, walk ye in it." When he saw sin, he tried to do something about it, did not merely forgive or ignore Jesus was NOT easy on sin. "If you oppose Disney's corporate fringe benefits policies for same sex partners, don't apply there for a job." sounds like... If you don't like the work of Satan, then don't be his follower I find you lukewarm, saddingly... like most of not-my-business Christianity

Response: You seem to be suggesting that Jesus participated in boycotts and protests against the sins of his day. Hmmm. I think not. John 8:3-11 comes to mind. Jesus did not throw stones, as you seem to be advocating, but rather built bridges. You might try doing that too. You should also know that Jesus died for the Gay community, and for you and me. God loves homosexuals just as much as the the hetrosexuals. I love Gays too. -David

LIBERTIES TAKEN
Subject: Liberties taken with Biblical truth
Prince_of_Egypt
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001
From: Sarah

As far as the plot liberties taken by the filmakers in POE, lighten up. Egyption family life is better simplified; the reality was a lot weirder than the most corrupt film in Hollywood. In the Bible, Moses was found by Pharoah's sister - and guess who the Egyption royalty married most often? If her mummy was found, I would'nt be surprised if she was Pharoah's niece or aunt as well. The probable reason for the decline of a dynasty was inbreeding; many Pharoanic mummies have revealed terrible medical problems. I liked the film a great deal. The art was dead-on correct (I have an MFA, so I can gas off legally on this topic).

Also, the film is ART - not Bible. People complained to Michelangelo, too. Best of all, this film is Watchable; an important feature when you have, say, ten children's vidiotapes you end up having to listen to over and over. It is aesthetically pleasing, and the worst songs are not that bad at all.
Sarah

BEAUTIFUL TO WATCH
Subject: review Crouching_Tigers
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001
From: Betty

Our family is split down the middle on this film. Though I found it beautiful to watch I cannot say I liked the film. There were many, many things that the film did very well. I would have to say it was the best use of wires/flying I have ever scene, especially the scene in the bamboo. However, as you look at a story and see who's character the story really is. I did not like that person. I was never interested in her story. Rather, I would have loved to have learned more about two of the other characters. It is an interesting film about finding who you are, and honor. Fat was wonderful.
--Betty

BOOKS-WONDERFUL. MOVIE-GOOD
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2001
From: dawin

The Left Behind series of books is wonderful! The movie was good, as well. I do hope we will see the other books in the series made into movies. I agree with Pastor Rob, that people need the Lord and if one soul was saved because of this movie, it was worth it! The books and movie both helped my Christian walk. I was lacking in compassion for lost souls and now I want to plant the seed of knowing Christ in the hearts of others! I am also learning and loving the fact that the Rapture may occur very soon! We need to plant the seed with the world. If a person is lost and lives through the Rapture, there is a better chance of their choosing Christ if they have been introduced to the "salvation plan." To the neighsayers, you have to admit that the books and the movie are eye-openers. I cannot imagine a heart so hard that it would not receive a blessing from either! May God give you peace in your negative hearts! To those of you who loved the books and the movie, I hope you have let them get you more into the Word of God... the Bible! In Christ a friend

RELIGIOUS MESSAGE OVERSTATED
Subject: Roy Batty and the "Death of God" BladeRunner
Date: Mon, 15 Jan 2001
From: Linda

I think that maybe the religious message of Blade Runner is being overstated; It's not a tract for Christianity. But I hadn't really given much thought to the idea of the replicants as "fallen angels", and I think perhaps that analogy does hold. However, I don't think Rooy's killing of Tyrell is the "death of God": it wasn't Roy who said his sins were not something the "god of biio-mechanics wouldn't let you into heaven for". That was what Tyrell said. Roy was confessing to him what he had come to see as sins, thus developing morality, something which he presumably wouldn't have been outfitted with at his inception as a military design. Tyrrell was discounting them as trivial, which Roy knew they weren't. Thus he found that his "god", his creator, was a false god. I have always loved the scene where Roy saves Deckard on the roof, and I also still prefer the version of it with the eloquent voiceover saying that at that moment, Roy Batty "came to respect any life. His life. My life." It's like at that moment he became a "real boy", a real human. He at that time had the dove, the Holy Spirit, and when he saved Deckard and the dove goes skyward, it's like God rewards him with the "more life" he sought, gives him grace. I think all the hoo-haw over whether Deckard is a replicant or not detracts from thinking over the point of the film, which is just what does it mean to be human. I think it's much more poignant that Deckard the human finds love with an android. Being truly human isn't just a matter of having flesh and blood, but of caring for others. M. Emmet Walsh's character, with his references to "skin jobs", is less human than Rachel, who gets the shakes just like Deckard after she kills another replicant to save him. You could even argue that Gaf earns a little salvation here. Supposedly the "next gunslinger" out for Deckard's spot, at the end he had a chance to kill Rachel, the last "skin job", but didn't. He let her live, and left behind the origami unicorn (a creation of man's imagination) behind as testimony. I like his statement: "Too bad she won't live- but then, again, who does?"
Linda Oliver Bolivar, TN

LOVE THE SHOW
Subject: Touched By an Angel
Date: Sun, 14 Jan 2001
From: Sharon

I try never to miss an episode of Touched By an Angel. It's just a beautifully done show with people who actually seem to care about the subject matter. Of course it helps make it more believable when you realize that Della Reese not only portrays a believer - she is also a minister in real life. She is fantastic in her role. I love all three of the characters. Roma Downey's accent is wonderful and makes me think of Ireland - a place I've always wanted to go. Sharon

THOROUGHLY ENGAGING
Subject: Crouching_Tigers
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001
From: REV

I loved the artistic presentation of the movie and it was thoroughly engaging. However, I am not sure what it was really about. I understand the mythical part of the storyline. Was there a deeper message that I missed. The ending left me hanging which I suppose was exactily what they wanted. We could decide for ourselves what it meant--part of the ongoing mystery--or for a sequel. The marial arts scenes were fabulous. You know each move had to be choreographed, but then the shooting of those scenes was an art form in itself. Graceful and breathtaking. I am looking forward to your review.

MY VIEW ON THE MATRIX
Subject: Matrix
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001
From: adele

I saw the Matrix even before I knew about your site, but when I served into it and saw what you said I thought to myself that I never knew this was what it is about. My view on the Matrix is that people wants to escape from the reality they are in and that they don't know what to do. I also say that when you watch it you have to watch it two-three times before you can understand it and that it just what I did. I think that with that movie you can't destinguish between fantacy or reality. Thank you again for your site.
yours truly adele

WHERE'S HAL?
Date: Sat, 13 Jan 2001
From: "jeff and janet"

Greetings!I appreciate,use and love your site. I was , however surprised and disappointed to see no reference/review of 2001 a space odyssey. I realize that this is an older movie- but it is huge in terms of impact and theology- certainly more so than such entries as lake placid , anaconda etc. If I just could not find it- apologies.
Sincerely, Jeff Chalmers

ICONOGRAPHY ON THE PANELS
Subject: Unbreakable
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
From: Colin

All of which leads to me imagine a comic book formatted in the style of two dimensional stained glass. Comic book art has been experimenting with different visual formats and the traditional heavy black lined shapes and figures have a "gothic" (and I am loosely using that term) effect that is not dissimilar to the more modern "Batman" series. In fact I would find it an interesting litmus test of the original art form. The portrayal of light, importance and motion in a similar visual manner due to the medium would seem to me to feed well into the imaginative environment that lures a reader. Anyone have any NEA money handy?

ANDREW'S TOP TEN
Subject: Top Spiritual Films
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
From: Andrew Siems (andy@ap7.com)

My favorite Spiritual Themed films are:

-The Apostle (One of my all time favorite films. FINALLY a film that doesnt trash a Pastor.)

-Jesus (1999 tv) (This was like a sweet love letter from God. I weep almost through the entire film. Wonderful performances and an incredible musical score.)

-Abraham (TNT Mini Series) (Please no one miss the Bible series movies from a few years ago. They are all amazing. Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Samson and Delilah, David, Solomon, Jeremiah and Esther)

-The Last Temptation of Christ (If people can get over this not being "gospel" then they can look at the film as an investigation of "faith". In this film Jesus had to DECIDE to have faith. We can just walk away and deny if we want to. What if we didnt have this ability to just walk away when things got tough. Jesus couldn't. This film helped bring me into the Kingdom. No it is NOT the Jesus of the Bible..but this investigation into the possible humanity of Christ doesnt threaten my faith.)

-Jesus of Nazereth (This film sold me on Christ. Great movie)

-Contact (This film is about having an experience of faith. It is hidden within this grrat sci-fi story but underneath it's a pro-faith film about how science cannot explain away a spiritual encounter simply because all dont share it. Very profound)

-The Mission (Seeing Deniro's penance is very powerful.)

-They Live (John Carpenter's) (The main character first SEES in a church..ever notice that...very deep under currents and biblical themes. "It was as if scales fell off of his eyes.)

-Magnolia (One of the most profoundly spiritual films in decades. The COP represent the LAW (ie - 10 commandments/LAw of God). The entire film is saving that the LAW is the only thing that can save you. JUDGEMENT is the outcome of not following the law and in the end JUDGEMENT - the form of the Frogs rains down of those lost souls who cant "wise up" - as the song they sing says. I could write a 10 page report on the spiritual/biblical themes in this film.)

-Field of Dreams ("Maybe this is Heaven"...Ok maybe it's not so super spiritual but it gives me the same feelings of joy and love. The chance to see a long lost loved one again is powerful.)

KEEPING IT SUBLE
Subject: Rosemary's Baby-
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001
From: Narniaj

Rosemary's Baby is one of my favorite movies. The book and the movie are identical, that's brilliant filmmaking!! What makes a movie scary? Keepin' it subtle.

EVALUATION OF BAGGER VANCE
Subject: Legend_of_Bagger_Vance
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001
From: jmc

I liked this movie very, very much; however, I wasn't really sure why. I am a golfer and I actually got a few useful tips on playing that I employed (i.e. visualizing the panorama of a shot and "feeling the putter to the point of impact, etc.). However, once I read this review, I realized how many implications I had missed. I loved the movie for its cinematic elements; wonderful vistas, tight close-ups on the action; the relationships between Hagen, Jones and Randullph as sportsmen who supported each other's efforts were all very attractive. Looking at this thematically as the visitation of God into our lives as one who leads us back to find ourselves had simply not occured to me. Now, I need to see this movie again. Thanks for a great insight to enjoying this film again.

WHEN?
Subject: release date? Remember the Titans
Date: Thu, 11 Jan 2001
From: melissa.

Does anyone know when Remember the Titans will be released on video?

TOUCHED ME DEEPLY
Subject: Cast Away
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
From: Dods Pengra Houston, Tx

"Let's not commit the sin of turning our back on time." I think that was the line. This movie touched me very deeply. With such a wonderful score by Alan Silvestri and great direction from Robert Zemeckis, it's no wonder that I loved it so much. I didn't realize it, but, collectively, there are seventy-three minutes in the movie with no dialogue or music. I found that absolutely amazing. Being busy now, it seems to be addictive. The busier we are, the more important our lives seem to us and to the others that know how busy we are. The more important our lives, the more meaning we think we take on. "Nicoli....tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock." That says to me how we are destroying the childhood in ourselves. When I was in high school, I was enjoying being young, making a few more decisions. Now it's all about resumes and what organizations you belong to. We are snuffing out the light of the youth. "We live and we die, by the clock." Chuck's transformation, I feel, is most felt in his dealings with his friend who's wife has cancer. In the first place, he feels a need to be part of the fixing process. "I know a doctor...he's supposed to be the absolute best..." Then when he returns, it's..."I'm so sorry that I wasn't there for you...." That says more to me than anything. Just because I tell you it's broken doesn't mean that I asked you to fix it. Words are fairly useless, and at those times we need to realize that presence is saying more than any words could. We all seem to fight to out do the other in how busy we are. "You think you're busy? I'm busier." I just keep thinking about those seventy-three minutes of silence in the movie. Maybe we should be spending more time in silence. Silence with God. Away from the phones, the traffic, the tv, the noise, and just listen to life happening around us.
Dods Pengra Houston, Tx

A PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN SPEAKS
Subject: Why do Protestant Christians Reject the Visual Image?
Newsletter_20
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
From: Neil

Hello my name is Neil, and I'm one of those protestant christians, but let me explain. There are serveral stand points to why many protestants don't watch movies. Some have heard it was bad, because of the large amount of immorality that is shown on the screen, others are justashamed of the fact that they do watch movies and TV and don't want people to condem them of this desire.

Well, I don't watch movies, or even own a TV for many reason, that I can show you through scripture and opinion, so let me begin. I was never a Christian all my life, and was an athiest for most of my life. I saw and heard the expression of let's spend family time together, and it was in front of the TV. This alone produced a hole in families. Because, there are so many other things, that can be done in a more productive way. Some say you can limit you viewing time, and limit what you watch, then thats great, but a magority of people can't, which explain why the average americain spend 4 hours a day watching Televison, and that ever house has 2.1 Television in it. (I have read these stats, and will try to get them if needed). Thats is 1/6 of a day is spend in ones home watch TV, 2/6 for sleep, 2/6 for work or school, 1/6 to eat, shop, travel from different places. But I ask this, Where is time to PRAY, READ THE BIBLE, CHURCH TIME, AND TELL PEOPLE ABOUT GOD. I feel that is a major reason why most protestant don't watch visual imagery.
(Do you really think Protestant Christians spend all their available time in devotional and evangelistic endeavors?)

But, that isn't good enough to base a spiritual or church reasoning of my we shouldn't. SO let's see what the Bible say about these isssues. This one does it for me, and isn't just for Tv, but many forms of media. "Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:29-32 The King James Version. The verse state that they which do these things are worthy of death, but we stop there.
(The stories in the Bible is filled with such things too. But I think I understand your point)

The verse continues and say them that have pleasure in them also. So the pleasure or enjoyment of the action expressed in themare wrong also. I agree, that not every TV show, and movie has, them but a large majority does, so I don't care to watch. Some will say, but I don't the movie for those reasons, I ask, what better things can you do for Christ with that time. Also I shall share a true story at the end.

Heres another verse "I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me." Psalms 101:3 The King James Version

That brings me to the fact that once again, many visual images are contrary to the Word of God.

Heres, a valid point also, Mant christian (An Demonation) don't know there Bible. I have friends that say the weirdest things about why they do or don't do somethings, but don't have any true reason why they believe and do or dont do that something. Many people are religious in that aspect.

We recent showed a christian movie to a group of young people on my request. I meantion at the begin to have an open mind. We watch the mvie, and after, many complained about the effects were bad, the taping was out of a home video camera, and other faults. Out of that group of 40 people, 3 said that the message was good, and it touched there heart. That is what it really is about. What do you see in amovie I ask you?
(Judging from your grammar, and story telling ability, I think you would be served well by viewing movies and reading something besides the King James Bible.)

But finally the brownie story,

There was a single father with two young daughters. The daughters came on day and said, "Dad, I really wanna watch this movie. Everyone else has seen it. There are only a few swear words, and very little voilence. Please Daddy, please." He told her "No.", but she still try to press him. The father said, "Go outside play, and I make you some Brownies, then we can discuss it." She then went outside to play, and after an hour or so, he called them in for the brownies. They ran in and sat at the table, as daddy brought them over. "The smell great daddy, can me have some." she said. He placed them on the table, and they held hands to pray for the food. As they finished then said, "Ohh, before you eat the brownies, I need to let you know I changed the recipe a little. But, don't worry it still smells good. I did put the coco, flour, (and many other ingrediants), and little pinch of dog poo." he told them. The daughter said, "Dad, thats not good. They aren't good anymore." "But why, it's just a little bit of dog poo. I won't hurt you." he replied. She start shaking her head, and say that she wasn't going to eat. He then said, "What about that movie, it only has a little bit of swearing and violence. Isn't that the same thing?"
(Motion Pictures are just that -moving pictures. And some pictures are "good" and some "bad." But, you seem to suggest that film itself as bad is dog poo! -Dog poo?)

Well if you won't more information let me know ok.
Thanks Neil =====

FAITHFUL TO BOOK
Subject: All_The_Pretty_Horses
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2001
From: Carlow

The film is faithful to the book in its self-discipline verbally and visually. I think it is quite successful. In an age when we tend to make excuses for what we should repent of and when we look to others to let us off the moral hook, John Grady stands out for his willingness to look his mistakes and shortcomings straight in the eye and accept them and himself for what they are and he is. What a way to live!

The acting is strong. Matt Damon demonstrates again his ability to act. It may be all "pretty horses" but it is not just all "pretty faces."

REDEMPTIVE MESSAGE
Subject: Cast Away or Out Cast Cast_Away
Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001
From: Matthew

Excellent Movie, If you try, just a little, the redemptive message is plane to see. God has provided a way to get off the island. It was due to no work of hanks that half of an outhouse floats up on a Island in the middle of nowhere. We also discover that this world will never satisfy, but God has a plan for our lives while we are hear(delivering a message?). Andy, your preconceived prejudices of Hollywood don't allow to see that some have a pulse.

ENOUGH ALREADY!
Subject: Pokemon
Date: Mon, 8 Jan 2001
From: "Bill

I've seen a lot of sick things. I've seen people blame great fun games like Dungeons and Dragons or Vampire the Masquerade for sick murder cases. Those murders were commited by players of these games, but those people were demented. 98% of players are resposible and sane enough to know that it is just a game with the goal of having fun. I've seen people call these games Occult starting. They're not. But now, these people have moved the PokeMon???? What is this world coming to? Pokemon is a marketing scam to suck parents dry of their money so little kids can have six version of the same game. IT DOES NOT LEAD TO SATANISM! I laugh at the thought! It's Pokemon! It's creators did NOT aim to put Occultism or Satanism in SEVEN YEAR OLDS! Seven year olds don't even know what it is! It is rediculous to accuse Pokemon!

Please post my email address (billware_2000@yahoo.com). If you disagree with me, please email me and we can talk about it, because this is a more generic issue than it seems and has been bothering me for a long time. I want to step in and help settle it.

BEST SHOW ON TELEVISION
Subject: Le Femme Nikita
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001
From: Bettie

This show makes my day or my week. I watched it faithfully. I would watch it in the beginning as much as three times a week. I enjoyed the LeFemme Nikita marathon. Thanks for letting it be on for another season. I would even get my relatives hooked on watching the show.
Bettie

ABOUT THE GOSPEL MUSIC
Subject: If you DO like traditional gospel music...
O_Brother_Where_Art_Thou
Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2001
From: Coles

...the way it's used in this movie veers from just surreal to downright creepy. I first thought something was wrong with this picture when I heard Alison Krauss's voice coming out of about 50 baptisees. My dismay mounted throughout the film, as 90% of the music was "Sunday morning", and the activities on the screen were definitely "Saturday night," and by the time Ralph Stanley was heard at a Klu Klux Klan rally, it was all I could do to keep my seat. As the reviewer has noted, the end of the film does a nice job of showing the reality of God (and the Devil) in spite of the fact that there's been almost nothing but hypocrisy on the screen up to that point. Still, I felt that the Coen brothers just didn't really "get it". As my father pointed out to me, probably a lot of bowlers didn't care for "The Big Lebowski", and it's for sure that a lot of North Dakotans were really bugged about "Fargo", so maybe "O Brother" is just not the movie for those of us who bleed bluegrass. Although I wouldn't say no to the soundtrack by itself.

FINALLY, A DRACULA MOVIE WITH A MESSAGE
Subject: Finally, A Dracula Movie with a Message !
Dracula_2000
Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2001
From: A A

I enjoyed this movie much more than I anticipated. Frankly, I usually find Dracula/Vampire movies quite boring most of the time, as Hollywood always goes with standard fare ( garlic, wooden stakes, crucifixes ) yet always manages to keep it very spiritually superficial.

Being a devout Catholic, I was pleased to see my own faith depicted in a meaningful, respectful manner.

Yes, I also found the connection between Judas and Dracula quite impressive, if not downright brilliant. It gives the Stereotype of Evil a meaningful context; and more depth than we usually see from movies that rely on grisly effects.
Alex

WHY PICK THE MOVIE APART
Subject: Left Behind
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: BNAHS

I so agree with "Wilson." Why do we want to pick this movie apart? I am an avid fan of the books and was a bit disapointed in the adaptation, but let's lookat the big picture. What an amazing message-it brought me into a much deeper state of gratitude for my salvation and I can't even imagine what effect this movie could have on The unsaved.

The fact is God can and will use whatever he wants to get the truth out there. He knows the hearts of the people who wrote, directed and produced this film and that's the bigger picture. Let's remember that this is really HIS movie, and he will take care of the details.

It is a blessing that this film was made and that it will be in theatres nationwide. I can't wait to see it again and see the response to it! I just hope we get the seven sequels as well!

HIDDEN IMAGE OF GRACE
Subject: Cast Away
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: Ralph Noa

I greatly enjoyed the movie. And found many visual images that will be useful in a sermon. I found that the imagery of God's grace was evident in the scene where Chuck (Hanks) was retriving the rope from his suicide attempt. Did any one else notice that the piece of wood he used to test this method of sucide was in shape of a cross? How fitting that the symbol of Christ who paid the price for our death would serve to show Hanks that his death would not resolve his problems. That cross shaped piece of wood convinced him to keep on living. And in that it was a symbol of grace that enabled Hanks to continue living. I also found the movie providing hope. In response to his friends question after he was rescued, if he learned anything, Hanks replied, "Keep on breathing, you never know what the tide will bring in." Don't give up Life is not hopeless.

Ralph Noa

ALL THE FUSS
Subject: LastTemptation of Christ
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: Gaz Jones, Herts

I am very mad with the fact that The Last Tempation Of Christ was ment to come out to buy on DVD i went all overt town to find it and buy it but it wasnt there, i have come home and tried to see if i can find what it is about but i cant get any real information. its all a puzzle to me i am desperate to see it, is it like a violent film or something like scorsese's other films why has it an 18 certificate and why is it so controversial. It cant be that good can it. I have to find out.
From Gaz Jones, Herts.
can you please not give out my e-mail address.

NO GOD?
Subject: Cast_Away
Date: Sat, 6 Jan 2001
From: Motbgo

I heard this was such a great movie, but forgot to consider the sources from which that opinion came from. I would think any person in a situation so desperate as that would look to God. It bothered me and seemed unrealistic that there was not one reference of God, not one time did he ask for the help of God. He gave credit for his survival to himself alone. Although to a believer it is obvious, God is present. He created us to be survivors, which seems impossible without the wisdom of God. You have to admit, Chuck was not too wise at first with his resources. The whale, I thought was a spiritual guide of sorts. The whale is a New Age symbol, but nonetheless, it is God's creation corrupt by people. If a person were to ask for God's help or even when they don't ask, it would be like Him to use so! mething so tangible. The wings on the FedEx package also was a sort of celestial guiding. Would he have chosen the package if it's symbol were, say, flames and a pitch fork? In parts, it seemed to move along too slowly, but later I realized it was necessary to relay how his world had changed so monumentally. Well, it's only a movie, I appreciated it for it's entertainment value and it was well written. I've seen much worse. Besides, there isn't much to do here in WI in the winter.

S0ME POINTS TO CONSIDER
Subject: Newsletter_20
Date: 6 Jan 01
From: Daniel Baer

Hello! I read your article about evangelicals and the visual arts. I wish I had good answers to your query. Alas, I don't. I did want to bring up some points which perhaps might shed some light on the issue, however obliquely.

I have no idea whatsoever why evangelicals haven't produced any great painters. This is a genuine puzzle to me (a puzzle that only entered my mind as I read your article). As to that part in your query-article regarding film and evangelicals, perhaps I might be able to say a word or two . . . .

You mention an evangelical movie (I forget the title--about the end of times) in which there is much dialogue but not much imagery. As a wannabe movie director/screen writer, when I think of plots and then imagine ways to flesh out my plots, I find that dialogue as a method of plot advancement is often what first occurs to me. This first jab at fleshing out my plot, however, is something I often end tossing into my circular file--in short, my first jab is often lousy and unacceptable. So perhaps the lack of visual imagery in the end times movie you mention is more a function of inexperience--not knowing enough to hold out and brain storm longer for a more creative way of depicting--than a shunning of visual imagery per se.

Also, perhaps visual images are something which--because of their power--frighten off many evangelicals. After all, visual images are often used toward bad ends. Think about how much film and television emphasizes hypersexuality through the use of women (and now men) prancing around wearing next to nothing. Think about all the gratuitous violence.

I'm aware that the term "evangelicals" as used in the academy refers to more than just fundamentalists, but even making use of this broader definition of the word I do think that in general evangelicals are hindered by more literal interpretive styles than, say, Catholics or mainline Protestants. (I say this intending no disparagement of evangelicals--I come from an evangelical background and still feel more at home with them than with other Christians.) This might be the reason that evangelical films are not all that metaphoric but rather remain all on one level. Perhaps this somehow ties into visual imagery in that imagery we often consider creative and particularly fascinating depicts something otherworldly--as opposed to the car crashes, sunsets, flora and fauna, etc. of this worldn and time. (Think BLADERUNNER--my favorite film. The visual imagery in Bladerunner is stunning. That the film is set in the future allowed Ridley Scott a lot of play with the sets, costume design, etc. which he otherwise might not have had.)

I think many evangelicals feel very ambivalent about film--perhaps more so than other Christian groups. I can't say I often don't feel the same way. Take my favorite movie, BLADERUNNER. I find some parts of BLADERUNNER objectionable--to the point that I often resist talking it up to those who haven't seen it. There are other parts of the film I find myself puzzled by--gray areas in which I'm not sure whether I should find them objectionable and, if so, to what degree.

Take, for instance, that part in the movie when Priss performs a series of backhandsprings toward Deckard (her intent is to kill him), only to be shot at and killed by Deckard at the last moment. When Priss dies, she convulses uncontrollably--arms, legs, and head boucing up and down at lightning speeds.

On an intellectual level, I just know Ridley Scott included this in the film because of its graphic power. I mean, I can just see the cogs turning in Scott's mind . . . backhandsprings--cool!, a last second gunshot--cool!, wild convulsion--really cool! Also on an intellectual level, I find this scene immature and somewhat ridiculous. Why on earth would Priss decide to kill Deckard by backhandspring-ing after him? Why wouldn't she just run after him in a normal way? Clearly, the backhandsprings were used because of their visual "coolness" as opposed to any requirement of the plot.

On an emotional level, however, I find myself attracted to the backhandspringing. I, too (and particularly when I was younger--I remember seeing the film as a teenager), find myself feeling that the backhandsprings are somehow neat-o. (Incidentally, I suspect many other people like this kind of thing, too--think about all the gymnastics in THE MATRIX--a movie which I consider in large part an excuse for gymnastics and kung fu--which is the most aesthetic form of fighting.) But--and this is important--I also find that my emotional self is experiencing something of possible danger when I watch this scene. The gunshot, the bloody wound, the convulsions--I sense something wrong about using killing to whip up and stir our visual sensations (even if one of the points of the movie is that androids should be treated as humans are treated).

Evangelicals--perhaps more than any other Christian group--place an emphasis on examining and re-examining their purity of heart. (Think Martin Luther--his obsession about his own sin led him to the idea of "grace, not works." Also, think of the Christian Perfectionists (Nazarenes, etc.)--a minority group among evangelicals, to be sure, but nevertheless a group which oftentimes interacts and mingles easily with other evangelicals despite their heterodox belief that humans can obtain moral perfection on this earth. Please note: I'm NOT suggesting that Catholics, mainline Protestants, etc. don't care about their purity of heart or that they don't place a sufficient level of emphasis on this.)

Perhaps, then, the emphasis which evangelicals place on inward purity leads them to shun talking about films which have objectionable components to them. You mentioned that evangelicals go to movies in droves; as you know, however, a difference exists between going to a movie and analysing one.

On a positive note, evangelicals have done wonderful work in Christian music. I listen to Christian radio most of the time and never feel that I'm trading quality of music for Christian lyrical content. Twenty years ago, however, I would have felt otherwise. So there is hope for change!

One last thing--we can't get too frustrated at the lack of quality films made by evangelicals. While things are slowly changing, up to very recently MANY groups hardly had any representatives in the world of film. Women, for example, have been seriously under-represented. Some minority groups have been unrepresented, too. Other minority groups are amazingly over-represented--Jewish men, for example, account for a stunningly high percentage of movie directors and producers. (NOT that, in the latter case, this is due to some anti-Semitic conspiracy.) My point here is simply that the strange levels of representation are indicative that those groups who are under-represented have untapped potential--something which some analyses of the situation might not suggest.

Thanks for your website! I do enjoy it! Take care and have a great New Year! Sincerely, Daniel Baer baerdaniel@netscape.net

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