Gmail - Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy. - jacobthanni@gmail.com
Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy.
Link to Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy.
Faith, Film, and Philosophy
Posted: 26 Jul 2008 02:00 AM CDT
There's no doubt that our culture is dominated by the powers of our modern media; whether that be news, television, the internet, or film, its clear that we are constantly bombarded by competing ideas and perspectives. As a blogger, I love the fact that its become easier than its ever been in the course of history for just about anyone to participate in the cultural conversation. No doubt, challenges come with this new found power, but its amazing to see, and participate in, the global conversation as it unfolds. Lately, I have also begun to think more about the potentcy of film on cultural norms and values, and it seems clear that this form of artful communication is arguably as powerful as the internet; I say this not as an ominous warning to avoid the 'ills of Hollywood', as is often the fundamentalist mantra, but merely to highlight the sheer power of movies, while encouraging discerning cultural engagement.
As a pastor who lives and ministers primarily among college students, I see first-hand how movies represent a major part of social and cultural life for students. Like most other things, I have also seen how the underlying message is at times, both positive and neagtive. As I have thought about how to engage students a bit more deliberately on this level, I am reminded of our need to engage in, as Kevin Vanhoozer describes it, "cultural exegesis". While Vanhoozer certainly applies this idea beyond simply engaging in film criticism, this notion is also not exclusive to it. One good example of an effort to do just this sort of thing recently came across my desk with the release of "Faith, Film, and Philosophy" (IVP, Nov. 2007), which was edited by James S. Speigel and R. Dougles Geivett.
This book, which features the writings of fourteen thoughtful and inflential scholars, challenges the reader, Christian or not, to engage in thoughtful interaction with the ideas and perspective presented in a wide array of contemporary and historically influential films. One of the ideas, broadly speaking, is to be deliberate about how we integrate the notions and values presented to us via cinema. Below are two excerpts from a chapter in this book, written by Dallas Willard, where he interacts with the moral precedents put forward in the films, "Pleasantville", "American Beauty", and "The Cider House Rules":
"It is that moral rules and rigorous moral order in life, as traditionally understood, are meaningless or pointless at best and really are repressive of the best aspects of human relationships, individuality and creativity. What would traditionally have been thought of as moral propriety and human goodness is now considered arbitrary and harmful to life-perhaps even vicious (at least in its effects)-largely because moral rectitude eliminates or represses human feelings, the true elixir of life." (141)
"There may be good reason to think that, for most human beings, life within the boundaries of individual human abilities is tragic or at least quite disappointing. But life need not be anywhere nearly as tragic as it in fact is precisely because of unchecked feelings and desires, together with their consequences. Most of the actual tragedies one sees in real life, as in these pictures, are precisely the result of feelings ungoverned by good- from drug addiction to unwanted pregnancies, ethnic cleansing, and on and on. The tragedy of living a Pleasantville life or even a Lester Burnham life (before his reawakening) is very small indeed compared to the tragic lives of multitudes ravaged by unbridled feelings and desires, whether their own or those of others. For real life requires a point of reference as to what is good for people, and a firm understanding that what we want or how we feel is not the same as what is good for us and for those whose lives we affect- even though what we want and what we feel has some importance. This crucial point of reference is altogether absent from the vision of life communicated by cinematic productions that represent sensuality as the path to moral liberation." (154-155)
Agree or disagree, Willard's words are provocative and incisive; overall, this book contains numerous examples of thoughtful interaction with cinema, and will certainly be a thought-provoking read. I have no doubt that this book will change the way you watch that next film- definitely check this one out!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids - Yahoo! India News
Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids - Yahoo! India News
Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids
Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Enlarge Photo Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Slideshow: Day in pics: July 9 2008
Thu, Jul 17 07:43 PM
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Two new cable TV shows, "Mad Men" and "Damages," claimed Emmy nominations for best drama series on Thursday, marking a turning point in the 60-year-old contest for U.S. television's highest honors.
"Mad Men," the AMC network's 1960s period piece set in the world of advertising, and "Damages," the freshman legal hour on FX starring Glenn Close, are the first two shows airing exclusively on a cable network other than HBO nominated for best drama series.
They will be competing against the serial killer drama "Dexter," from Showtime and CBS, as well as the Fox medical drama "House" and ABC's castaway thriller "Lost."
But NBC's show-within-a-show "30 Rock" was the most recognized series overall with 17 nominations, including a nod for best comedy. "Mad Men" was close behind with 16 total nominations.
"30 Rock," a spoof of network television, will compete in the comedy race against fellow NBC workplace sitcom "The Office," the bawdy CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men" and a pair of HBO series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage."
While "30 Rock" was the most nominated series, HBO's mini-series "John Adams," about the second U.S. president, claimed the most nominations of any single program -- 23.
Other contenders in that category include the PBS "Masterpiece Theatre" presentation of "Cranford," A&E's production of the science-fiction thriller "The Andromeda Strain" and Sci Fi Channel's "Tin Man."
The 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Sept. 21 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on ABC.
Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids
Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Enlarge Photo Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Slideshow: Day in pics: July 9 2008
Thu, Jul 17 07:43 PM
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Two new cable TV shows, "Mad Men" and "Damages," claimed Emmy nominations for best drama series on Thursday, marking a turning point in the 60-year-old contest for U.S. television's highest honors.
"Mad Men," the AMC network's 1960s period piece set in the world of advertising, and "Damages," the freshman legal hour on FX starring Glenn Close, are the first two shows airing exclusively on a cable network other than HBO nominated for best drama series.
They will be competing against the serial killer drama "Dexter," from Showtime and CBS, as well as the Fox medical drama "House" and ABC's castaway thriller "Lost."
But NBC's show-within-a-show "30 Rock" was the most recognized series overall with 17 nominations, including a nod for best comedy. "Mad Men" was close behind with 16 total nominations.
"30 Rock," a spoof of network television, will compete in the comedy race against fellow NBC workplace sitcom "The Office," the bawdy CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men" and a pair of HBO series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage."
While "30 Rock" was the most nominated series, HBO's mini-series "John Adams," about the second U.S. president, claimed the most nominations of any single program -- 23.
Other contenders in that category include the PBS "Masterpiece Theatre" presentation of "Cranford," A&E's production of the science-fiction thriller "The Andromeda Strain" and Sci Fi Channel's "Tin Man."
The 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Sept. 21 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on ABC.
Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action - Yahoo! India News
Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action - Yahoo! India News
Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action
Thu, Jul 17 08:16 PM
Chennai, July 17 (IANS) The Rs.2 billion cartoon extravaganza 'Sultan the Warrior' will also feature superstar Rajnikanth in live action, publicists said Thursday.
'The superstar's live action will appeal to all sections of the audience and not just children,' sources said.
Meanwhile, Telugu actress Illena told IANS that producers approached her for being featured in the movie but other details are yet to be finalised.
The movie with animated Rajnikanth playing the main protagonist is being produced jointly by the actor's daughter Saundarya Rajnikanth owned Ocher Studios and Warner Brothers.
Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action
Thu, Jul 17 08:16 PM
Chennai, July 17 (IANS) The Rs.2 billion cartoon extravaganza 'Sultan the Warrior' will also feature superstar Rajnikanth in live action, publicists said Thursday.
'The superstar's live action will appeal to all sections of the audience and not just children,' sources said.
Meanwhile, Telugu actress Illena told IANS that producers approached her for being featured in the movie but other details are yet to be finalised.
The movie with animated Rajnikanth playing the main protagonist is being produced jointly by the actor's daughter Saundarya Rajnikanth owned Ocher Studios and Warner Brothers.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Remembering George Carlin
Remembering George Carlin
Monday June 23, 2008
In lieu of The Funny Site of the Day, we reminisce and give thanks for one of America's most prolific, uproarious, outrageous, profane, cranky, and beloved stand-up comedians.
George Carlin, 71, died Sunday evening in California, after an entertainment career spanning 51 years. He complained of chest pains and was admitted to Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, where he was pronounced dead of heart failure several hours later, according to Reuters. The Grammy Award winner, author, and actor had a history of heart and drug-dependency health issues.
Only a few days earlier, Carlin had been announced as the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. That celebration is scheduled on Nov. 10, according to The Boston Globe, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
More information on the life and death of George Carlin is available in this New York Times obituary.
The comedian was Internet savvy, maintaining his Web humor presence at GeorgeCarlin.com and Laugh.com. Performance clips of the popular Al Sleet and "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" routines are accessible at The Funny Video of the Day.
On a personal note, Carlin -- my funny friends always refer to him as Carlin -- has been a comedy beacon and inspiration to me for more than 40 years, especially his sublime silly side. I was fortunate to see him in concert twice and what's struck me more than the gifted breadth of his talent was his work ethic. There are few performers that ever reach his level of commitment to the comedic process. He devoted an entire lifetime to the heavy lifting of creativity, fueling himself as the sole writer of the monologue material for decades and decades. Carlin was the pack mule of stand-up, always moving forward, always delivering the goods, always timely, always fresh.
He was the hippy-dippy funnyman. And, now, it's like ... dark.
Monday June 23, 2008
In lieu of The Funny Site of the Day, we reminisce and give thanks for one of America's most prolific, uproarious, outrageous, profane, cranky, and beloved stand-up comedians.
George Carlin, 71, died Sunday evening in California, after an entertainment career spanning 51 years. He complained of chest pains and was admitted to Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, where he was pronounced dead of heart failure several hours later, according to Reuters. The Grammy Award winner, author, and actor had a history of heart and drug-dependency health issues.
Only a few days earlier, Carlin had been announced as the next recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. That celebration is scheduled on Nov. 10, according to The Boston Globe, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
More information on the life and death of George Carlin is available in this New York Times obituary.
The comedian was Internet savvy, maintaining his Web humor presence at GeorgeCarlin.com and Laugh.com. Performance clips of the popular Al Sleet and "Seven Words You Can't Say on Television" routines are accessible at The Funny Video of the Day.
On a personal note, Carlin -- my funny friends always refer to him as Carlin -- has been a comedy beacon and inspiration to me for more than 40 years, especially his sublime silly side. I was fortunate to see him in concert twice and what's struck me more than the gifted breadth of his talent was his work ethic. There are few performers that ever reach his level of commitment to the comedic process. He devoted an entire lifetime to the heavy lifting of creativity, fueling himself as the sole writer of the monologue material for decades and decades. Carlin was the pack mule of stand-up, always moving forward, always delivering the goods, always timely, always fresh.
He was the hippy-dippy funnyman. And, now, it's like ... dark.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Church Says No to 'Angels and Demons'
Church Says No to 'Angels and Demons'
Rome Diocese Bans Ron Howard From Filming 'Angels and Demons' Inside Churches
By PHOEBE NATANSON and LUCHINA FISHER
June 17, 2008
Once again, the Catholic Church is coming down hard on writer Dan Brown, the author of "The Da Vinci Code." The producers of Brown's latest thriller to be made into a film, "Angels and Demons," have been banned from filming key scenes inside any church in Rome, on the grounds that the book is "an offense against God," according to a church spokesman.
Angels and Demons
American actor Tom Hanks reacts on the set of his latest movie "Angels and Demons," currently... Expand
American actor Tom Hanks reacts on the set of his latest movie "Angels and Demons," currently filming in central Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The film, inspired by Dan Brown's best seller, tells the story of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Hanks) who works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.
Led by executive producer/director Ron Howard, the producers sought permission to shoot scenes inside two churches in Rome's historic center for the film adaptation of Brown's prequel to "The Da Vinci Code." The Diocese of Rome, the local church authority for the city, denied them access in early 2007, but the ban was only made public on Monday.
"Normally, we read the script, but this time it was not necessary," Monsignor Marco Fibbi, spokesman for the Rome Diocese, told the Ansa Italian News Agency. "The name Dan Brown was enough."
Members of the Catholic Church denounced both "The Da Vinci Code" novel when it came out in 2004, and its film version in 2006.
"Angels and Demons" tells the story of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who was also the protagonist in "The Da Vinci Code," and his race to prevent a terrorist plot against the Vatican. Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Langdon for "Angels and Demons," which is scheduled for release in May 2009.
Although not as successful as Brown's subsequent and better known "The Da Vinci Code," the book has still posted strong sales in America and around the world since it was published in 2000.
Two Roman churches -- Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria -- are the settings for scenes in the book and film. In one church, Langdon finds the body of a cardinal who has been buried alive, and in the other, he arrives to find another cardinal burning to death.
The decision to ban the filmmakers from the churches was made public Monday, when an interview with Fibbi was published in the Italian entertainment magazine "Sorrisi e Canzoni TV."
"We don't allow filming in churches every day and when we do, it is usually for documentaries or for historical dramas, Fibbi said. "It is rare that permission is granted to shoot scenes for feature films inside functioning churches, but when allowed, the subject matter must be compatible and not clash with moral and pastoral church values.
Rome Diocese Bans Ron Howard From Filming 'Angels and Demons' Inside Churches
By PHOEBE NATANSON and LUCHINA FISHER
June 17, 2008
Once again, the Catholic Church is coming down hard on writer Dan Brown, the author of "The Da Vinci Code." The producers of Brown's latest thriller to be made into a film, "Angels and Demons," have been banned from filming key scenes inside any church in Rome, on the grounds that the book is "an offense against God," according to a church spokesman.
Angels and Demons
American actor Tom Hanks reacts on the set of his latest movie "Angels and Demons," currently... Expand
American actor Tom Hanks reacts on the set of his latest movie "Angels and Demons," currently filming in central Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Wednesday, June 4, 2008. The film, inspired by Dan Brown's best seller, tells the story of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon (Hanks) who works to solve a murder and prevent a terrorist act against the Vatican.
Led by executive producer/director Ron Howard, the producers sought permission to shoot scenes inside two churches in Rome's historic center for the film adaptation of Brown's prequel to "The Da Vinci Code." The Diocese of Rome, the local church authority for the city, denied them access in early 2007, but the ban was only made public on Monday.
"Normally, we read the script, but this time it was not necessary," Monsignor Marco Fibbi, spokesman for the Rome Diocese, told the Ansa Italian News Agency. "The name Dan Brown was enough."
Members of the Catholic Church denounced both "The Da Vinci Code" novel when it came out in 2004, and its film version in 2006.
"Angels and Demons" tells the story of Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who was also the protagonist in "The Da Vinci Code," and his race to prevent a terrorist plot against the Vatican. Tom Hanks will reprise his role as Langdon for "Angels and Demons," which is scheduled for release in May 2009.
Although not as successful as Brown's subsequent and better known "The Da Vinci Code," the book has still posted strong sales in America and around the world since it was published in 2000.
Two Roman churches -- Santa Maria del Popolo and Santa Maria della Vittoria -- are the settings for scenes in the book and film. In one church, Langdon finds the body of a cardinal who has been buried alive, and in the other, he arrives to find another cardinal burning to death.
The decision to ban the filmmakers from the churches was made public Monday, when an interview with Fibbi was published in the Italian entertainment magazine "Sorrisi e Canzoni TV."
"We don't allow filming in churches every day and when we do, it is usually for documentaries or for historical dramas, Fibbi said. "It is rare that permission is granted to shoot scenes for feature films inside functioning churches, but when allowed, the subject matter must be compatible and not clash with moral and pastoral church values.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Film on slain bandit Veerappan
Latest from RGV: Film on slain bandit Veerappan
16 Jun 2008, 0014 hrs IST, Bharati Dubey,TNN
Ram Gopal Varma plans to transport Veerappan from real to reel life.
MUMBAI: Ram Gopal Varma is all set to make a film on sandalwood smuggler Veerappan's life very soon. The slain dacoit's wife Muthulaxmi flew down specially to meet Varma and his team and discuss the film's storyline.
"Veerappan's wife visited us. After listening to our intentions she gave us valuable inputs and insights into the true story of Veerappan. She is completely endorsing and standing by the project," Varma said.
Speaking about the film, the director said: "It will be a film on the story of Veerappan's life and the men who killed him. The film will track Veerappan from the time of his being just a skinny, pale teenager to how he metamorphosed into a cunning chameleonic monster. It will show his charismatic childlike behaviour that made many men dismiss him off as a buffoon until he killed them."
Varma is impressed by Muthulaxmi: "She is a lady who is in total command. She told us about her first meeting with Veerappan and how they fell in love. My film will also tell the story of Muthulaxmi, the girl who fell in love with him."
Varma and Ekta Kapoor will be only playing the role of producers in the film. "It will be directed by Prashant Pandey, the writer of my film ‘Sarkar Raj'. It will primarily cater to the national audience, but, as Veerappan is known at an international level, it is bound to arouse interest outside India," he says.
Varma intends to cast only newcomers in the film.
"Prashant wants that the look and characters should approximate a sense of reality. This is required to maintain the film's authenticity and the power of its telling. He believes that when the audience comes to see this film in theatres, they already know that it is a true story. They must have a first hand connection with the characters. They should not make associations because the idea is to show them a police officer, an informer and an outlaw rather than an actor who would carry a baggage of associations with him or her," Varma explains.
Although Varma refused to comment on Muthulaxmi's acting debut in the film, sources said there is a good chance that she would play a part in it. If sources are to be believed she is also likely to get a certain cut in the profits of the film.
16 Jun 2008, 0014 hrs IST, Bharati Dubey,TNN
Ram Gopal Varma plans to transport Veerappan from real to reel life.
MUMBAI: Ram Gopal Varma is all set to make a film on sandalwood smuggler Veerappan's life very soon. The slain dacoit's wife Muthulaxmi flew down specially to meet Varma and his team and discuss the film's storyline.
"Veerappan's wife visited us. After listening to our intentions she gave us valuable inputs and insights into the true story of Veerappan. She is completely endorsing and standing by the project," Varma said.
Speaking about the film, the director said: "It will be a film on the story of Veerappan's life and the men who killed him. The film will track Veerappan from the time of his being just a skinny, pale teenager to how he metamorphosed into a cunning chameleonic monster. It will show his charismatic childlike behaviour that made many men dismiss him off as a buffoon until he killed them."
Varma is impressed by Muthulaxmi: "She is a lady who is in total command. She told us about her first meeting with Veerappan and how they fell in love. My film will also tell the story of Muthulaxmi, the girl who fell in love with him."
Varma and Ekta Kapoor will be only playing the role of producers in the film. "It will be directed by Prashant Pandey, the writer of my film ‘Sarkar Raj'. It will primarily cater to the national audience, but, as Veerappan is known at an international level, it is bound to arouse interest outside India," he says.
Varma intends to cast only newcomers in the film.
"Prashant wants that the look and characters should approximate a sense of reality. This is required to maintain the film's authenticity and the power of its telling. He believes that when the audience comes to see this film in theatres, they already know that it is a true story. They must have a first hand connection with the characters. They should not make associations because the idea is to show them a police officer, an informer and an outlaw rather than an actor who would carry a baggage of associations with him or her," Varma explains.
Although Varma refused to comment on Muthulaxmi's acting debut in the film, sources said there is a good chance that she would play a part in it. If sources are to be believed she is also likely to get a certain cut in the profits of the film.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Munnabhai maker wowed by IIM innovations
Blue Star
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Munnabhai maker wowed by IIM innovations
Mumbai: The Aamir Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer might include various rural innovations discovered by Anil Gupta, IIM-A professor and founder of the NGO SRISTI.
Innovations have a strange way of getting recognised. Not just venture capitalists and angel investors, even Bollywood is going gaga over the rural innovations that have been documented by a professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
The much-awaited Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Idiot', which is produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, might include various rural innovations discovered by Anil Gupta, professor at IIM-A and the founder of a non-government organisation called Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI).
The film, based on the education system, focusses on innovating rather than cramming. Sources at the production house confirmed that scenes on grass root innovations have been shot for the film.
The production house, claimed the source, came across the innovations discovered by Gupta during the lookout for innovations to be included in the modern village, which is a part of the film.
The idea is to change the prevailing mindset that money is not an important factor when it comes to innovations, but what is required is to execute what one understands while learning.
Gupta was later approached to feature some of his rural innovations in the film. Gupta feels that the film is a great platform to promote innovations. "We are excited about the possibility of our innovations creating such an impact. The basic concept of the film is that those who are considered idiots are not actually idiots, and focuses on changing the frame of society's thinking. The production house had read about our innovations and approached us to include them in the film," Gupta said.
The innovations are the discoveries of SRISTI, which conducts Shodh Yatras across the country to document, analyse and disseminate technological and institutional innovations by the people from the remotest parts of India.
Source: Business Standard
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Munnabhai maker wowed by IIM innovations
Mumbai: The Aamir Khan- Kareena Kapoor starrer might include various rural innovations discovered by Anil Gupta, IIM-A professor and founder of the NGO SRISTI.
Innovations have a strange way of getting recognised. Not just venture capitalists and angel investors, even Bollywood is going gaga over the rural innovations that have been documented by a professor at the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A).
The much-awaited Aamir Khan-Kareena Kapoor starrer ‘Idiot', which is produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra and directed by Rajkumar Hirani, might include various rural innovations discovered by Anil Gupta, professor at IIM-A and the founder of a non-government organisation called Society for Research and Initiatives for Sustainable Technologies and Institutions (SRISTI).
The film, based on the education system, focusses on innovating rather than cramming. Sources at the production house confirmed that scenes on grass root innovations have been shot for the film.
The production house, claimed the source, came across the innovations discovered by Gupta during the lookout for innovations to be included in the modern village, which is a part of the film.
The idea is to change the prevailing mindset that money is not an important factor when it comes to innovations, but what is required is to execute what one understands while learning.
Gupta was later approached to feature some of his rural innovations in the film. Gupta feels that the film is a great platform to promote innovations. "We are excited about the possibility of our innovations creating such an impact. The basic concept of the film is that those who are considered idiots are not actually idiots, and focuses on changing the frame of society's thinking. The production house had read about our innovations and approached us to include them in the film," Gupta said.
The innovations are the discoveries of SRISTI, which conducts Shodh Yatras across the country to document, analyse and disseminate technological and institutional innovations by the people from the remotest parts of India.
Source: Business Standard
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