Watching Watch You Watch
Watching Watch You Watch
I enjoy going to the theater. There is something about paying $12 for a small coke and bag of popcorn that turns a normal evening into a special event. This doesn't hap- pen too often, simply because there are just not that many good movies out there. Hollywood isn't especially devoted to cranking out films of worth and meaning, though some do, inexplicably, get produced. And even in those 'good" films, they rarely make it to the screen without acquiescing at some point to the appetite of the great unwashed. So, some discernment is in order to be a pious, culturally relevant Christian and still enjoy a night out.
The way to judge a film's worth is by the story, how it is told, the ability of the actors, the direction of the camera, but least of all "just because you liked it." You really have to be careful with that last one. Grading a movie by the feeling it gives you allows the screenwriter and director to manipulate your emotions while bypassing your moral judgment and sense of truth. Steven Speilberg is quoted as saying, "Every person that enters a theater is going to be manipulated."
Consider how the depiction of heroes has changed. Once upon a time there were good guys and bad guys. Just check their hats, and you'd know which was which. Now there are bad-good guys and bad-bad guys. No morally worthy role models, just the lesser of two evils fighting the worst of two evils. You end up cheering for someone just because they have the hero role. The movie Heat is a case study in the way that a film's direction can cause an audience to be concerned for the villain's well-being and blur any distinction between right and wrong.
Voyeurism is huge in the movie industry. Most believers would shy away from any nudity in film, (as well in sculpture and paintings) but sometimes the portrayal is necessary. The movie Schindler's List is a perfect example of both. Compare the scenes of the death camp refugees entering the showers all the while fearing that gas was going to come out of the pipes instead of water with the way that the Commandant's mistress is filmed. The first was legitimate; the other wasn't necessary.
Then there is dark humor. We are set up to laugh at things that should not be funny. The manipulation is subtle and effective. We have to be careful. There are some Christian film enthusiasts who believe that since they have their "world view grid up" they can take in most any movie. But just because we are discerning does not mean that wading through sludge will not affect us. Soiling ourselves in the name of Christian liberty is not justifiable.
Some of the better movies I have seen include: the humor and loyalty in White Christmas; the lessons of Dead Poets' Society; the gospel in The Shawshank Redemption; the perspective of It's a Wonderful Life, the depth of Vanya of 42nd Street, the hilarity of The Princess Bride; and the contrast of world views in Chariots of Fire.
Good films are like great literature; you can enjoy them over and over. Whether it is watching Mel Gibson as William Wallace delivering his pre-battle speech in Braveheart or Linus taking center stage and quoting Luke chapter 2 in A Charlie Brown Christmas, movies of worth leave us with enduring scenes of inspiration and instruction.
The sets and background in The Adventures of Baron Munchausen are stunning. The camera angles in Searching for Bobby Fisher make the movie. The high concept of The Matrix makes you think. The story line of Life is Beautiful, with its mixture of humor and tragedy, is unforgettable.
When considering a movie you should also evaluate its rating. Remember that G, PG, PG-13, and R ratings are not found in Scripture. Just because a film has a 'G' rating doesn't mean that it is safe. In fact, you should be asking (and asking with suspicion) who it is that is saying, "This movie is fine. Bring the little ones." And conversely, just because a movie is rated 'R" doesn't mean that it is detrimental to your sanctification. Consider that some of the story lines in the Bible qualify for "NC-17" and "X" ratings.
Angela and I love going to a good film with other couples. Afterward, we all go and get some coffee and discuss the movie we just watched. This is a great time to critique the message of the movie together, to share what we thought was valuable in the message that was presented and to rate the artistry of the costumes, dialogue, special effects, and backgrounds.
Before going to the theater, we endeavor to find out as much as we can about the latest releases without the story line being completely revealed to us. This is best done by hearing what friends who have seen the movie thought and by what trusted critics say (World magazine does a decent job). The sight and sound of a theatrical release that is worthy of our time is truly something to savor. Seeking to understand the director's use of actors, dialogue, special effects, lighting and camera angles to deliver a story and sell you is challenging and an exercise in discernment and evaluation. This should be part of the enjoyment of your whole evening. I have had some people remark that this is thinking too much and ruins the reason for going to a movie in the first place. They should consider that amusement (the state of not thinking) is a violation of the greatest commandment, "loving the Lord your God with all your mind..." Bringing every thought captive necessarily includes in this area of our culture. If not, you tend to swallow what's being fed you. If we are not careful, entertainment can fall to the same level as watching Christians being fed to lions. You know, that was once a crowd pleasing, box office smash.