Godless Hollywood?
by Tom Neven on 11/28/2007 at 8:31 AM
It's become a matter of faith for many that Hollywood is hopelessly lost. It's a town full of heathen who hate God in general and Christians in particular, people who are determined to make foul movies that drag our culture ever farther into the gutter.
That some people hold this view may sound like an over-the-top caricature, but, trust me, this is a sincerely held view of a lot of Christians. So it's good to see that, despite the many acknowledged problems in Hollywood, there are Christians working in its midst trying to live faithfully and be whatever small witness they can.
In a recent interview in Reader's Digest, Oscar-winner Denzel Washington talks about how his faith sustains him and his marriage of 25 years.
"I read the Bible every day. I'm in my second pass-through now, in the Book of John. My pastor told me to start with the New Testament, so I did, maybe two years ago. Worked my way through it, then through the Old Testament. Now I'm back in the New Testament. It's better the second time around."
What gets him through hard times?
"You have faith. And discipline as well. You have to work at it. I was just reading today: One day you're going to have to walk with God when you can't understand where he's taking you. Your techniques, skill set and connections won't get you through. So don't try this on your own. ... My faith helps me understand that circumstances don't dictate my happiness, my inner peace."
Denzel is far from the only Christian in Hollywood, too. Act One is the brainchild of Barbara Nicolosi, who, motivated by her faith, started a movement to get Christians to make good movies, not by shunning Hollywood, but by becoming part of it and reforming it from within. (Full disclosure: I'm an Act One alum.) She's been called "a modern day anti-Jonah, passionately crashing the gates of today's Ninevehs -- Los Angeles and New York -- on behalf of an interdenominational campaign to find and train Christian artists to work in the entertainment business."
Anyone who knows Barbara knows she's not one to mince words. She is openly contemptuous of Christians trying to bypass Hollywood and make their own movies their own way. Her contempt arises chiefly because these movies almost uniformly are --to use a technical filmmaking term -- dreck that tells Hollywood that Christians are cheap and uncreative, satisfied with the schlocky and saccharine. She believes --rightly -- that Christians of all people should be creating the best movies.
So what makes a good movie? What makes a movie "Christian" -- or does such a thing even exist? How can openly Christian Denzel Washington make films that feature the sex and violence that many decry? Something to think about -- with more to follow in my next blog.
1. Tim Challies said the following at 9:18 AM on Nov 28:
You know, this subject sometimes makes me scratch my head. You say...
"It's become a matter of faith for many that Hollywood is hopelessly lost. It's a town full of heathen who hate God in general and Christians in particular, people who are determined to make foul movies that drag our culture ever farther into the gutter." And you provide Denzel Washington as a positive example of a Christian in the industry.
Flipping over to PluggedInOnline (another Focus on the Family ministry and one you link to from your article) and their review of Denzel Washington's latest movie, we'd have to think that this movie, "American Gangster" is near the forefront of foul movies dragging culture into the gutter.
"No fewer than 125 f-words. The s-word clocks in between 20 and 30. God's name is misused (most often paired with "d--n") more than a half-dozen times. Offensive racial epithets are hurled, as are vulgar names for sexual body parts."
"Frank's non-lethal attacks are, oddly, even more painful to watch: When one of his cousins shoots a party guest in the leg (we see the shot fired and blood fly), Frank punches the cousin and then repeatedly slams his head with a piano lid. In another scene, he bashes his brother's head repeatedly into a car window, shattering the latter and rendering the former unconscious."
"If being bad wasn't appealing, nobody would be. American Gangster tries to remind us that Frank is spreading a huge evil—its depictions of heroin users are tragic. What it ends up doing, though, is allowing evil to seduce through this character."
If this is what the Christians in Hollywood are doing in movies, it's little wonder that the industry as a whole seems to be rapidly hurtling towards the gutter.
I'll look forward to your next article.
2. Chris Deferio said the following at 9:31 AM on Nov 28:
We are too quick to label someone as "Christian" whenever they mention faith or reading the Bible...but these do not make a Christian. From the abudance of the heart the mouth speaks...and from Denzels well advertised fruit of the heart I would say that it is more likely he is a seeker than a christian.
The conspicuous absence of Jesus in his answers, how does he feel about sin and justification?....or is the idea of God and the Bible just a way for him to cope with life?
The Bible tells us to judge righteous judgement....here is a case where I think a thorn bush is claiming to bear figs.
I think this post is just too eager to be contrary to the overwhelmingly obviousness of Hollywoods God hating character and trying hard to find a poster boy to champion the cause.
-cd
3. Karina said the following at 11:08 AM on Nov 28:
I'm confused considering Denzel Washington is one of the many actors in Hollywood that are draging our culture straight to the gutter. What Denzel and many actors in Hollywood that claim to be "Christians" are wolf in sheep clothing and not living what they claim to be.
4. Diane said the following at 11:23 AM on Nov 28:
Faith in what? In whom? Even the demons believe...
5. Andrew R. (aka Canadian Boy) said the following at 11:29 AM on Nov 28:
Come on, just because Denzel doesn't cover the full Apostle's Creed in an interview, we should immediately assume he isn't the Christian he says he is? If he says he is a Christian, I will take his word for it- far be it for me to judge him based on one interview (good thing God, the one who will judge him, know's Mr. Washington's entire life, and not just one article).
I personally believe that Denzel is a positive example of a Christian in the movie industry. I don't see a whole lot of other A-list celebrities talking about their faith to magazines.
6. Jacob Douvier said the following at 12:12 PM on Nov 28:
I read Barbara's post and while I have never seen the movie, I think she raised a number of excellent points. Further, after reading through the comments she received, it became quite clear what the central problem is: Sincerity. Defenders of the movie almost always argued that we should not judge the film because of the good intentions of those who made it. Sorry, but sincerity is not all that matters. I made two points in my comment, namely, that being a sincere about something doesn't do me any good if what I'm sincere about is false. Second, God is concerned with excellence, especially when things are done in his name. Case and point, the construction of the Tabernacle. God chose Bezelel, not because he had good intentions, but because he was skilled. He was commanded to pick other craftsmen, not based on their sincerity, but based on their skill. When Solomon built the Temple, he hired a bunch of wicked pagans from Tyre to do his wood-working. Why? Certainly not because of their love for God, but because they were skilled at what they do.
That people would call her faith into question because she DARES to call something made by a well-intentioned Christian crap, is appalling.
7. dana111 said the following at 1:32 PM on Nov 28:
Diane said:
"Faith in what? In whom? Even the demons believe..."
Okay, Diane. We get your point. There is no way Denzel can have faith in Christ because he works in "evil" Hollywood and makes "evil" movies with "evil" people in them. And way to equate someone who appears to be actively seeking to form a relationship with God inspite of the sin that surrounds him with demons. Good job with that.
8. Chris Roberts said the following at 2:05 PM on Nov 28:
Dana,
I imagine the concern is with someone professing Christianity demonstrating action that is certainly not Christian. Sure it's just acting and many actors, Christian and otherwise, have acted out characters demonstrating things the actor disagrees with. But one does have to ask where the line is to be drawn. Should it be seen as acceptable for a Christian to participate in a movie which in some ways glorifies evil? To portray evil without ever really making it clear that this is something wrong? I don't know the strength of Denzel's faith and belief, but I can say at the least someone acting in these types of movies is setting a bad example and being a bad witness. From there one does not have to move far to say that such a person is cooperating with demons.
9. k. said the following at 3:41 PM on Nov 28:
About American Gangster...surely nobody thinks that the average drug kingpin is going to substitute expletives with, "Oh, fudge!" or fervently advocate non-violence. Denzel's an actor, actors portray people, and not all people are rated G.
Further in the interview, Denzel says, "When I met Frank Lucas [the drug kingpin the movie is based on], he said, “Do this and win an Oscar.” I’m like, “Frank, I’m not in it for that.” I found it interesting that he paid for his crimes with jail time, and now he’s paying with his body, which has sort of betrayed him. It’s important for me to tell that part of the story. There are consequences. "
10. No One said the following at 5:05 PM on Nov 28:
Chris Roberts:
"To portray evil without ever really making it clear that this is something wrong?".
***
I cannot comment on the movie, as I have not seen it. Obviously, some films do glorify sinful things.
However, I'm not sure you can make a film that shows things "being wrong" without it turning into propaganda or just a hamhanded film.
Older movies that were made during the Hays code from the 30's to 67 implemented a set of rules on making films that had to pass censors. You can read about it here, it's actually pretty fascinating when comparing the code to memories of older films and films you see today!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hays_code
Anyways, one feature of this code was that any criminal or evildoer had to effectively "get his just deserts." Simply said, the good guy usually always won and evil was usually shown as failing at the last moment or paying for their crimes later. I'm sure a lot of you think that kind of thing makes for great entertainment. Although it would be pretty nice, this is imperfect earth and things don't always have happy endings. Crimes go unsolved, people die, etc. I think there is a confusion between modern films showing evil "getting away with it" and just showing reality. Sure, there are exceptions. But again, this is earth. Nothing is perfect.
Of course, whether any of these "reflections of life" or artworks are acceptable viewing is up to you. However, it's ridiculous that some of you feel entitled to say if someone is a Christian or not based on a precursory examination of a new film and a snippet from an interview none of you have probably read. Good thing God is more careful than you guys are, right?
11. b. said the following at 6:34 PM on Nov 28:
I would like to bet that most people, including (or especially) Christians, believe that Hollywood's films are getting trashier and trashier. [Side note: The MPPA has changed the criterion for its ratings system in the last 20 years--current PG-13 films would have been given an R rating, which facilitates keeping more people in the theaters, which means more money for the film industry....]
But while these filmmakers and studios continue to produce movies that are on a seemingly unstoppable downward spiral, few are speaking about the increasing presence of quality films showing at our local theaters. I agree whole-heartedly with Barbara Nicolosi on how Christians shouldn't be cowering in the corner and shaking their fingers at Hollywood--we need to get involved do something about it! However, I think that there is a growing trend among moviegoers to embrace positive, uplifting and even family-oriented films. Recent films to illustrate this are (the highly successful) Enchanted, Bella and Dan in Real Life. And I think that studios are finally beginning to see the benefit (read: profit) of producing films like these.
As for prominent figures in Hollywood claiming to be Christians but then participating in projects that are clearly not “Christian”— I think that the general public uses that word far too liberally and many Christ-followers get tripped up by the (in)accuracy of labels and miss the bigger picture. Regardless of who the performers are and what their personal story is, films that introduce the world to biblical teachings like selfless love, grace and redemption should be applauded and celebrated. If these principles can be illustrated in more realistic, non-Hallmarky ways, it will be even better and more effective. I’m sure if Hollywood were to make a modern film version about the life of the apostle Paul that met the squeaky-clean standard many Christians expect to see, it would be an extremely boring, and let’s face it, an incredibly inaccurate film.
12. Chris Roberts said the following at 7:00 PM on Nov 28:
No One...
What is the purpose of movies? Some early figures in the church thought entertainment of this sort (something akin to theatre, for them) was fundamentally wrong and Christians should not participate at all. I think they went a little too far, but it is worth asking what is the purpose of such things. Especially movies, which can influence us so strongly.
Humans have a tendency toward evil. Most Christians acknowledge this, and we call it original sin, the sinful tendency inherited from Adam. It is one thing for the nightly news to try to be neutral when reporting on issues, it is another for our entertainment to try to be neutral. If our entertainment doesn't make it clear that evil is evil then the tendency will be to adopt that evil in our own lives. Those who approach such things with proper discernment might avoid any negative effects, but many people would pick up something negative.
I don't say this and other movies will cause people to run out and join gangs, but even small effects can be dangerous because they will build up. There is a reason Paul says to think about those things which are good and noble. I would like to clarify myself further, but that would be a bit long for my comment, which is already longer than anyone is going to read anyway. :)
That to say, I would tend to view a movie like this as something Christians should not promote. A Christian might watch it for various reasons, but I don't know that Christians should promote it. A Christian acting in the movie would most likely promote the movie. In promoting the movie one is promoting something which would tend much more to have a negative effect on people rather than a positive effect on people.
"However, it's ridiculous that some of you feel entitled to say if someone is a Christian or not based on a precursory examination of a new film and a snippet from an interview none of you have probably read."
You didn't direct this to me specifically, but my name was at the top of your comment, so I'll respond.
You'll note first that my comment didn't make any determination about Washington's state before God. I don't know whether or not he is a believer. As one or two have said, all I can do is take him at his word. But I will nonetheless be disturbed at seeing him participate in a movie like this, and I do think it dangerous, perhaps even wrong, for a Christian to do so in such a prominent way. I do think it is going way too far for someone to determine from this that Washington is not a Christian, I don't think it is going too far to say that Christians should not participate in such things.
"Good thing God is more careful than you guys are, right?"
So you know what God knows about Washington's salvation?
13. Lanester said the following at 10:56 PM on Nov 28:
You know, this movie was based on a true story about this real drug dealer's life... here's the thing, in neighborhoods infested with poverty, drug dealing is a way to make a living. Why would someone bust their tail off flipping burgers at McD's for 6.15 an hour, minimum wage, which is not a realistic living wage, when they could be making big money to live off of, actually afford their house, car, stuff... the movie glorifies drug dealing, but if you are from the hood, REAL LIFE glorifies drug dealing. Maybe movies like this should push us upper middle class pampered white Christians WAY OUT of our comfort zones, help us understand ALL the problems facing communities and how they are inter-related, and then CONVICT US TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. Instead of debating Denzel's salvation. If you don't have a plan to battle poverty, you aren't going to get far in the drug war. What is my responsibility to my brother downtown who is faced with these decisions every day? If we have the time to debate Denzel's sincerity of faith, are we making time to mentor at risk youth down the street? Because that's what will make a difference in real life, that's what we are called to do in Christ. We have a choice to see/support a movie or not, but obviously, since it is based on a real person's life, we better figure out a way for Christ's love to penetrate and change the message it sends. Drugs are a real problem, I've seen them destroy too many people's lives, I hate them, but there are a lot of problems inter-related behind them that if we don't acknowledge and tackle and fight... shame on us, shame on me. Are we making Christ attractive to these at risk teens, kids, and adults, more attractive than the drugs? I just think debating Denzel's salvation because he did a great job acting a very bad man's life, misses the point. He was acting to the best of his ability, and maybe that did bring God glory. Or that's what he thinks.
Whether you think a Christian should act in a movie like this or not, (and if all Christians do retreat from Hollywood and hard roles or movies that tackle hard issues like drugs, racism, poverty, etc, that's a sad thought to me) or a Christian should even watch movies like this or not... what is the alternative, if we are not willing to engage where the culture is at? Lots of Christians saw Facing the Giants many times... but really, would the same demographic that American Gangster targets be interested in Facing the Giants? Not of their own volition, I would say. But these kids that see Denzel acting, and then learn about Denzel's life and professed faith, maybe there is a witness for Christ after all! If it was just Joe Bloe acting the bad guy, who beleived in who the heck knows what... well, that indirect witness was lost. Whether kids can distinguish movie characters from their real life actors is another debate, mind you, but some won't, and some will, just like some of us will never think a Christian should participate in movies like American Gangster, and some of us think it's up to that individual's conviction. You know, Christians have retreated completely from different aspects of the culture in the past... if you hit http://www.jdgreear.com/ and click into the October 23rd post from Dr. Bruce Ashford at SEBTS, there's an interesting blog somewhat related to this...
I haven't seen the movie, BTW. I like Denzel though, and let's not forget he's played the good guy and the hero in some incredible films before... Man on Fire, Deja Vu, both come to mind, I'm sure there are more...
14. Christy said the following at 12:53 AM on Nov 29:
The movie "Training Day", starring Denzel Washington as a cop who has abused his power, is one of the best movies i've seen about the way someone with noble intentions can be seduced into sin, how hard it can be to make the right choice, and how evil will be seen for what it is in the end.
I saw it on tv, thought it would be fascinating to discuss with the students i work with, and got it on dvd. Then i discovered all that had been edited out in order to make it suitable for televison. I thought it would have been incredibly inappropriate to watch with my students, even though i think that the worldview the movie portrayed was excellent and worth discussing and learning from.
This makes me long for deep, thought-provoking, well-made, artistic movies, such as this one could have been. I love watching movies and have found that it is a terrific medium with which to engage students in conversation and to get to the heart of faith and life issues in a way that allows anyone to enter the dialogue.
What we need are more Christians making movies with excellence. I'm sure it is hard to get anywhere in Hollywood without compromising, but perhaps it is because we are starting from the wrong place. I think we too much consider ourselves christians who happen to be stuck in the world and have to deal with it... rather than humans who are living in the world and are invited into following Christ here on earth. I think we need Christians doing art, business, science, politics, theater, sports, and all of life in a way that glorifies Christ.
I've seen many squeaky-clean movies that parents in my church think nothing of allowing their children to watch that portray a lifestyle and way of thinking that is glaringly anti-Christian. They are making sure their kids don't learn any swear words or see people getting high, but fail to realize the rampant idolatry present in forms such as materialism, false views of self, love, and purity, etc. None of these options are good enough.
As Christians we are called to work in the world - making disciples, bringing the ministry of reconciliation, ushering in the Kingdom of God. In life, we have to constantly deal with all the harsh sinful reality of our world while pursuing Holiness. So what does it look like to do this in film? Taking out the reality of sin is cheesy; not pursuing what is of Christ is pointless.
Christians ought to be making the best movies. God is truth, His story is the best story. I would submit that any movie, past or present, that is worth watching, is so because it somehow points us to Christ. Sometimes as simple as good triumphing over evil, but usually with some element of sacrifice, redemption, and hope fulfilled.
What more strategic way to witness then through the cultural phenomenons of our time? I concur with Barbara Nicolosi and say it is time we get in the game
15. Audrey said the following at 1:05 AM on Nov 29:
A few weeks ago I got into a heated discussion with somebody about Denzel Washington, so I had been thinking about this particular subject for a little while before a friend brought this article to my attention. I have to say I did not expect the responses I have been reading in the comments.
First of all, we are not judges. God reserves that right. So when people try to make assumptions about the “level” of somebody else’s faith, I admit I get a little incensed. We have absolutely no right to be passing judgment regarding other people’s personal beliefs. Whoever on here said “I don’t know the strength of Denzel’s faith and belief” is right—you DON’T know. Therefore the comment should just end there, but it essentially goes on to accuse the man of “being a bad witness.” Who are you to comment on his witness?
As for Denzel himself, let me just say that he is a successful actor: he is good at what he does—really good. He has had to have an incredible work ethic besides just talent in order to get where he is today. Over the course of his career, I can guarantee that there were hundreds of choices concerning his values. Firstly, as an actor, Denzel is going to choose roles that are interesting. Anybody else in any other profession would do the same—choose a project that intrigues them. If fluffy Christian films interested Denzel, he’d be doing them. And he wouldn’t be an A-list actor, either. Actors get stacks of scripts every day on which they pass. If you believe that “American Gangster” is violent, think of what he has chosen to NOT do. I don’t think many Christians understand how difficult it is to hold onto one’s faith within secular industries—it’s all about the little choices we make.
16. No One said the following at 1:16 AM on Nov 29:
Chris Roberts:
"So you know what God knows about Washington's salvation?"
No?
I was just expressing the futility of trying to guess someone's walk with God by their actions. I mean, yeah, you can make an educated guess. But you never know for sure, do you?
But no, I don't claim to know what God is thinking. :P
17. Jean said the following at 6:56 AM on Nov 29:
Tim, and everyone else, but specifically Tim,
I believe we all make mistakes and screw up. A lot of Christians use words that Denzel used in the movie unfortunately. I imagine there's a lot of problems there amongst youth groups and the teenagers who are finding their way.
Denzel is portraying the gangster to the best of his ability. He's not the director or dealing with the editing of the film. So he must be realistic in saying what Frank would've said and done. If not, then he's not painting a picture of where we really are in life and though it's sad, it's true. Despite the fact that Denzel is the most visible person in this film, you can not forget the director who has the responsibility of taking this film in the direction it should go. Denzel's just responsible for doing what Frank did and he did that just fine. The sad truth is that this is not just a movie showing what poor light Hollywood's in but where we are in the world. If we don't show this, we're living a lie. We're living in some cave in a remote part of the world. And if you're going to get your name out there, you have to be in big projects.
18. rob said the following at 8:38 AM on Nov 29:
I agree that Hollywood does exagerate the exentricity that is our world but to say that Hollywood itself is hellish is insane! I worked there for a summer and met some of the most amazing people. It's not that Hollywood itself is bad but that American's want what they're putting out. It's business and has nothing to do with personal faith. If people want to see violence, then they're going to do what they can to save their own jobs. I think it's important to note that while many are turning on Hollywood calling it sinful and regarding it as the downfall of American society, American society is the one who wants the films. I'm not saying your comments aren't valid just that I don't think you're placing the blame where it should actually be. Just something to think about.
19. Chris Roberts said the following at 9:46 AM on Nov 29:
Audrey,
"Who are you to comment on his witness?"
I am a brother in Christ, that's who. Part of the point of the community of believers is to hold one another accountable. I cannot determine whether or not another person is saved (pretty much the point of the "judge not" passages) but I can say something about whether or not an individual is living in line with biblical Christianity. If someone in my church is living wrongly and I see that, Scripture says I am to do what I can to help him live rightly. If that someone is in the public eye and is setting an example for others, I am to do what I can to help others see that this is an example not worth following.
20. Chris Roberts said the following at 9:52 AM on Nov 29:
Jean,
I think Scripture gives a good example of how to portray sin. It is never glorified in the Bible. Even in the Old Testament narratives, you read of the sins of the people and it's gross, revolting stuff. It is never seen as pretty or attractive in any way. By the time we move to the New Testament, this becomes even more the case. It is made perfectly clear that sin is sin and it is against God. Most of the time the writers do not give specific pictures of sin but speak of it in terms that are general yet specific enough to be recognizable. Think about what Paul does in Romans 1:18-32. This is a more appropriate Christian way to display the sin of the world. We are not being dishonest or hiding in a cave if we do not support movies like American Gangster. Perhaps we are instead wishing to portray sin in the way the Bible does rather than in the way the world does.
21. Rebecca said the following at 10:06 AM on Nov 29:
I've read through all the comments going back and forth and not one seems to mention the fact that yes while Denzel (for example) chooses to star in secular movies, he also chooses to do Christian projects. If you haven't already, I would encourage you to listen to some sample clips of The Bible Experience, an audio Bible. The Complete Bible and Old Testament (featuring Denzel in the Song of Songs) was released about three weeks ago. The New Testament was released last year and was named the 2007 AudioBook of the Year and has become the bestselling new Bible.
I understand that some will see this as not inherently Christian, but I encourage you to give it a try. This is the only project of its magnitude to bring together "Hollywood", musicians and clergy members from around the world. The Bible Experience is just that, a new way to experience the Word of the Lord and perhaps bring His Word to those who may not have listened before.
Be blessed,
Rebecca
22. Jean said the following at 10:58 AM on Nov 29:
Chris,
I did not say we are living in a cave if we do not support American Gangster. I said, "If we don't show this, we're living a lie. We're living in some cave in a remote part of the world." So let me clarify. If we make movies that are all 100% happy and don't tell true stories no matter how badly they turn out in the end then what are we doing, hiding from the fact the world is full of sin? (though Denzel did mention he did not want to be in a movie that glorified what Frank did it's not his fault others mistake how the film ended up or read too much into it, it's getting lots of press because of PR not because it's telling everyone to be like Frank) For the record, Frank, right now is in a wheelchair. Nicky Barnes, played by Cuba Gooding Jr. in the movie, is in real life under the witness protection program. I can't imagine that being much of a life. It's not that wonderful to hear where these men are now. Frank is dirt poor until this movie came out and he's repentant.
Yes we are to hold people accountable but if you're familiar with media, a lot gets distorted. So unless you're personal friends with Denzel and communicate with him, I don't see what bashing his actions or any other actors' actions will benefit you or Denzel in any way. Besides, most people who come to know the Lord do it through relationship, not through people gossiping and talking about them.
23. Anastasia said the following at 12:23 PM on Nov 29:
I always laugh at people who are horrified - just horrified - with movies that portray reality. They want "safe" movies. Well, most of the time those movies are "dreck" because they do not capture or portray what's true, even if it is bad, evil, awful.
If you live such a safe life, you can have it. I don't. I work in a hospital and see the worst every day which is worse than what's onscreen.
The only difference between a "worldly" movie producer and a Christian one should be that a Christian should always point to hope and redemption, but maybe not the way the "safe" parties want them to. God's work in us is not accomplished in a second, an hour, a day or a year. Sometimes not even for years. Our lives contain much that is evil and/or questionable. To deny that whether in real life or in the stories we tell each other is idiotic. Even God tells us some very unsavory things about His saints in the Bible.
Grow up.
24. Becca said the following at 2:18 PM on Nov 29:
I'd like to remind those with complaints against modern Hollywood film-making that Hollywood hasn't always been so crude.
Go see some of Hollywood films of the '30's, '40's, and '50's at your local repertory cinema (some of the best aren't and probably never will be on DVD) - see some Frank Borzage or King Vidor, or maybe some Douglas Sirk or John Ford.
People tend to treat cinema as an ephemeral art - the prevailing attitude seems to be that if it's not the newest and most popular film, it's not worth seeing. Given the incredible richness of America's cinematic history, this is truly a shame.
And since I'm evangelizing for classic Hollywood cinema, I may as well give you guys a suggested viewing list:
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962, John Ford)
The Searchers (1956, John Ford)
There's Always Tomorrow (1956, Douglas Sirk)
All That Heaven Allows (1955, Douglas Sirk)
The Night of the Hunter (1955, Charles Laughton)
The Mortal Storm (1940, Frank Borzage)
Three Comrades (1938, Frank Borzage)
Little Man, What Now? (1934, Frank Borzage)
The Crowd (1928, King Vidor)
25. Diane said the following at 2:07 PM on Dec 1:
Um, Dana...
Not what I meant at all. What I was suggesting was that we can have all the nebulous faith we want but unless it is rooted in the one true savior, Christ Jesus, then it is bunk. We hear a lot about "faith" guiding people...even Muslims say that! I would love to hear more from him. We should NOT assume that someone in our country is a believer because they talk about faith and read the bible. I wasn't even talking about the movies he's made (which I have enjoyed, many of them.)And, as far as comparing demons with someone's quasi-profession? That is in the word of God...I just paraphrased. So, the sarcasm probably needs to be directed to the one who really said it!
"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
...In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." James 2:14, 18-19
26. Ted Slater said the following at 1:53 PM on Dec 4:
Becca -- thanks for the list. I *love* old movies. I'm always tivoing something on Turner Classic Movies and American Movie Classics. I haven't moved much beyond the standards -- Bogart, Cary Grant, Alfred Hitchcock, Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly, Ingrid Bergman, Peter Lorre, Sydney Greenstreet, Claude Rains, Lauren Bacall, Lionel Barrymore, Edward G. Robinson, Robert Cummings, Jane Wyman, Marlene Dietrich, John Huston, James Mason and a few others. So I'll check out your list. :-)
I have seen "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," by the way. Powerful movie.
27. obewan said the following at 2:29 PM on Dec 4:
For old movie classics check out the Variety Channel (VTV). They are a new free digital tv network. When analog tv goes away in a year or 2, all people who want free tv will be forced to go digital. I have already done it. They run 6 or 8 hours of classics every Saturday and Sunday.
28. Becca said the following at 3:31 PM on Dec 4:
Ted,
You'd be surprised how many of those big names are in a lot of relatively unknown older movies!
As you know, "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" stars Jimmy Stewart - but he also stars in "The Mortal Storm" (along with Margaret Sullavan, who's the star of all three of the Borzage films I mentioned - she and Mr. Stewart also co-star in Ernst Lubitsch's wonderful "The Shop Around The Corner").
"All That Heaven Allows" stars Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson (and "Written On The Wind", also directed by Douglas Sirk and showing Tuesday, 11 December on TCM at 1:15pm EST, stars Hudson and Lauren Bacall).
Incidentally, "The Night of the Hunter" is also going to be on TCM soon, on Saturday 10 December at 3:45pm EST - and a King Vidor film called "Show People", which I've heard is great, will be showing at 12:30pm EST on 3 January.
[Whew - can you tell I'm into movies?]
29. Becca said the following at 3:50 PM on Dec 4:
Oh, and I forgot to mention - "The Night of the Hunter" not only stars a terrifying Robert Mitchum, but also a 62 year old Lillian Gish, famous for her starring roles in many important early silent films, like D. W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance".