Posted on 03/02/2005 7:59:07 AM PST by Mr. Silverback
The great Christian thinker Francis Schaeffer once wrote that philosophy—often dismissed as irrelevant—is, in reality, a powerful engine that drives cultural change. Ivory Tower ideas filter down into popular culture, including films. There, they influence millions who often have no notion of what they’re consuming along with the car chases, love scenes, and popcorn.
This brings us to the Academy Awards of Sunday night. If you watched them, you already know that the films Hollywood chose to honor had little to do with quality and everything to do with philosophy and worldview. As Christian film critic Barbara Nicolosi acerbically put it, Hollywood’s choices affirm, once again, “just how very, very sick America’s storytellers have become.”
Several awards, including Best Picture, went to Million Dollar Baby, a film that promotes euthanasia. Five Oscars went to The Aviator, a film that celebrates billionaire Howard Hughes, the man who bedded dozens of starlets, made unwelcome advances to many others, and ultimately died of syphilis-induced insanity.
Oh, and then there’s the nasty little film called Sideways. This film suggests that it’s fine—even funny—for a man to engage in an orgy of sex with strangers just before his wedding. That got an award, too. Films that were nominated, but did not receive awards, included one intended as a warning against making abortion illegal, and one that celebrates Kinsey, a twisted researcher whose now-discredited theories continue to degrade America’s view of sexuality. Meanwhile, one of the greatest films ever made, one of the biggest box-office hits of the year, worldwide, and the biggest independent film in the history of the world—that is, The Passion of the Christ—was ignored.
It’s gotten to the point where you can’t help but laugh at the pretense that the Oscars actually honor the best films, and at the intrepid efforts of Hollywood to make its choices seem relevant. And, I might add, laughter is a better response than simply getting mad. Critics who do little more than count up the four-letter words and sex scenes, and then issue an outraged press release, only boost the audience. Instead, Christian critics like Barbara Nicolosi take a more sophisticated approach, pointing out that movies like Million Dollar Baby and The Aviator are mediocre films, and they celebrate degraded values—not worth the price of a ticket.
That is the message we need to press home to our friends and to our impressionable kids. They need to know that everyone embraces one philosophy or another—a worldview that defines his or her conception of the world, of reality, and of human life. These beliefs are woven into movies—often in subtle ways that viewers miss. That is why it’s so important that we teach our kids how to find the worldview message in every film.
This week, especially if your kids are home because of the snow, why not teach them a little philosophy. Rent some of the better films and watch them together. Help them identify, not only the filmmaker’s philosophy, but also what makes for artistic excellence.
Schaeffer was right. Philosophy is a powerful engine that drives social change. And the time for philosophy lessons is before our kids walk into the multiplex—not when the lights go out.
The movie in no way suggests that his conduct is "fine," and it clearly depicts the emotional wreckage this man leaves behind him everywhere he goes.
There is nothing wrong with sharp witted debate. That is one of the purposes of FR.
A person truly only learns from those who disagree with them, and tell them why.
I don't know how to put this any other way than just say it (well, I could say it more nicely, but I really don't want to): I am a widely published and produced writer, editor and television writer with many, many credits (national, household-name credits, not the weekly shopper). I'm a professional, is what I'm saying, with years of experience. There are a lot of talented writers on this forum, and there are many others who aren't so talented, but still manage to get their points across. You may be in a new category. You have a way with a phrase, I'll admit it, but you're too smart by half. For the careful reader (editor), there are far too many misusages. And let's not even get into syntax. I believe you believe that you used the word histrionic correctly, but you didn't. Here, from Webster's:
"Main Entry: his·tri·on·ic
Pronunciation: "his-trE-'ä-nik
Function: adjective
Etymology: Late Latin histrionicus, from Latin histrion-, histrio actor
1 : deliberately affected : THEATRICAL
2 : of or relating to actors, acting, or the theater"
I really don't think you'll find many, or any, Freepers who would sign on to the idea that I was deliberately affected (intemperate or strident, sure, impassioned, even), or that my statements have had anything to do with the theater.
As for the rest of your dazzling comeback:
"1 drama queen.
Main Entry: drama queen
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: any person who overreacts to a minor problem or situation"
That ain't working, either. If you were half as smart as you think you are, you'd be twice as smart as your friends know you are. You want to argue, go for it. But when it comes to professional communication, don't play in the Bigs till you're ready. How's that for a kick in the Thesaur..ass?
Although the movie couldn't be nominated because of submission rules (it is a foreign language film, but had no foreign country of origin to submit it), they could have, and should have, nominated Gibson for his extraordinary accomplishment. Johnny Depp gets a nomination and not Jim Caviezal? And Caleb Deschanel certainly deserved an Oscar for his cinematography...he's no hack, having won for "The Black Stallion".
I will wager that the same people who gave Densel Washington a Best Actor Oscar for the most offensive, bigoted portrayal of a corrupt black L.A., cop ("Training Day") never even watched the DVD of Passion that everyone was sent.
Do you think my usage of CAPITAL LETTERS was intended to be interpreted as SHOUTING, based on the context of the sentences they were in, or that it was for emphasis?
Also, Emphasis can be defined as shouting at low volume.
Yes, I know. I don't use it for that, I do it for emphasis.
Although this is actually kind of the opposite of deus ex machina, instead of some lame twist to get them out of a poorly plotted situation they use a twist (or conveniently forgotten fact) to get them into a situation. I'm not sure that has a name. I agree deus ex machina can be a lot of fun to look for, sure sign of a writer that is bad at logical problem solving, he can write good dramatic situations but has no idea how to get his characters out of them.
You mentined somewhere on this thread that you belong to the Academy.
I, as a homeschooling mom, do have a different view. I can see how being in the business, seeing as many movies as possible keeps you abreast of your profession. I avoid as many movies as possible. I don't want to spend that much money, we don't rent a lot of DVD's either. I only go when I can tell it will affirm and inspire my heart. If there are too many commericals pushing one movie, I go out of my way not to see it. I most certainly did not go to see "Million Dollar Baby".
I do not want to be preached at with my own money.
That should be, hermana!
Have a good day :)
If you're not a movie-lover why would you even waste your time on this thread?
I recommend you rent or buy a movie called "The Heart and Soul of America" just now available on DVD. While the world was busy screaming about "F-9/11" Disney dumped this wonderful and tear-jerking documentary Valentine to the USA into a few theaters without a word. It died a horrible death which is unforgivable.
Oh, please.
I was not insulted in the least. "Phantom of the Opera" is a gorgeous, sweeping, romantic 2 1/2 hours of complete joy and you should see it. There's no reason to cut yourself off from transporting fun or beauty because you have "standards". It's also nice to have informed opinions so you can influence and debate. Or not.
I would need to see the movie to judge. Sometimes focusing on the positive really amounts to a snow job, and sometimes it's redemptive.
The downside of this, of course, is that the Muslims also claim direct revelation of God.
I didn't feel it really overlooked his relationship with starlets, but there were only 3 that he is shown having a relationship with. When you look at what he accomplished outside of that it is really hard to include everything in 3 hours. Especially when you have to try and deal with his OCD and becoming a recluse at times.
I can have "standards" and still have fun and beauty. I am not "cut off". I am a very busy mom who must make choices. Entertainment, books and information have become a hill to high and broad to mine its depths completely. It is impossible to be fully informed today. I think the last person who was considered informed on all that could be known was Erasmus.
I believe earlier you questioned me as to why I was on this thread. I believe you thought it was a movie thread.
It is a thread about a specific movie, but written by a Christian I look to for thoughts about our culture. He had been sent to prison for having one FBI file back in the Nixon days. He converted to Christianity in prison.
He now heads up a ministry that reaches into this nations prisons and helps those who convert. He also has a program to bring Christmas presents to children whose parents are unable to buy them anything at that time of year. It helps the children to know they are still loved and were not forgotten. That is real and lasting beauty.
I think you would agree.
The four pillars of 'Modern Thought': Hysteria, Histrionics, Decadence and Degeneration- A great Historian 1888
Colson nails the Awards! How ironic that he was one unfortunate who did serious jail time for the Watergate affair. Gosh, how many of the Felon's close associates did jail time for their multiple crimes while in office? Not many. Why aren't Clinton and Hitlery in jail, is my humble question.
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