Expectations of Grandeur
I’m noticing an interesting phenomenon on websites, in blogs and in conversations around the water cooler.
People expect every “Christian” movie (let’s say that’s movies with a strong Christian message, a Christian as the main character, or a Christian cast & crew) to be a grand-slam home run, or at least to be really good. Wow - that’s realistic. I mean, if we look at every Hollywood movie that comes along, they’re all blockbuster hits with the critics and the fans, aren’t they?
Truth is, there are equal numbers of bad movies made by Christians and non-Christians alike.
Truth is, there are equal numbers of bad movies made by Christians and non-Christians alike.
I think there’s another issue at stake that is underneath a lot of these conversations, and that is the issue of our spiritual expectations. When I go see a Tom Cruise film, I don’t really expect to receive a spiritual message unless it’s from Scientology. And if one comes through, I’m likely to dismiss it because I’m not a Scientologist. If I choose to see an action film, I know that there’s going to be violence and likely a lot of cursing. If I go see a modern-day romance, there are going to be situations that I think are wrong: people living together, people having sex (either shown or implied). Even animated films have underlying messages. But I’m prepared for that - I don’t expect them to line up with my beliefs.
I believe our filters are different for Christian films. Unconsciously or not, I expect a “Christian film” to line up with my belief system. I expect it to be Biblically sound (by my judgment - which all depends on my level of Biblical knowledge). I expect the characters in the film to use the same language I do, and abstain from sex outside of a heterosexual marriage. If I’m honest, I want to see people whose lives all work out in the end because I want that for my life, even though the Bible warns me repeatedly that “in this life, you will have trouble.”
We will probably never all agree on what makes a good film or TV show. It’s too subjective. So rather than continually bashing Christians who are trying to make good films, let’s support them by praying for them. If they make something you don’t like, that’s OK, maybe the next one you will. And remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
I agree… but it’s so much more fun and easier to be negative!
May 16th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
I agree also and would like to add a little to the message. Another thing to think about is that Christian Movies a lot of times are working with no budget, non professional actors and possibly no crew (in my case this is very true when I made my film “Objects Of Wrath”). So it’s even harder to match the Quality of a Hollywood film. In my opinion we need to be a little less harsh on our fellow Christian brothers and sisters and not beat them down when they don’t make the exact movie that you wanted to see. It might be possible that they made the film God wanted them to make instead. So let me encourage everyone out there making Christian Films to focus on what God is calling you to do and don’t worry about what is marketable and what will sell. That’s not why we do this anyways.
May 17th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
great blog and very accurate statements..expectations are different for “Christian” labeled products and the Christian audience is a lot harder to please
May 18th, 2007 at 4:01 pm
I agree with “Reece”. The main motto of Hollywood and I have heard this a thousand times over the years that “Sex Sells.” Not only that they believe that “Profanity” captures the attention of the younger generations that are known to use that kind of language. I would rather watch a G rated movie for example “Happy Feet” than to watch a PG or higher movie. So when it comes to buying movies; I have turned to Christian Movies where there is no sex, no swearing, no drugs, no alcohol, etc. in the movie. And I have noticed having cable and the movie channels I am shutting the TV off more because of the selection of movies they have, the ratings, and they show the same movies over and over again for months at a time. I have seen for example the movie “Stealth” when it first came out and it has been on for atleast 3 months now. So when it comes to movies, I pick one of my Christian DVD’s, pop it in, grab a soda and some popcorn and enjoy the evening with God watching over me and in my heart and soul and have fun.
May 20th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
[…] doesn’t. If I want the movies I watch to reflect only my beliefs and church culture (see Expectations of Grandeur posting), it’s going to be a very limited selection. While the action in “Night at the […]
May 23rd, 2007 at 2:56 pm
Very interesting topic. My question to a lot of Christians who want to watch quote on qoute “Christian Movies” is: how is real life to you on a daily basis? If we were to put the lights, camera and action on your life what would it be like? What issues has one overcome to be where they are in a place of freedom today? And wasn’t the Good Lord watching, loving, caring and helping us while we were still trying to get it right (the 20th time around falling into the same sin?)
Maybe if “Christian Movies” reflected the real struggles we truly face before we gain a significant victory maybe then and only then would we really see stuff that not even Hollywood is capable of coming up with. Just some thoughts on the real life of believers I know and meet with almost on daily basis (myslef included.)
The things the Good Lord has put up with in our lives before got it right (and He didn’t discard us in the process)cannot be fathomed by the human mind. I pray that we will be more truthful with our lives as believers and let the Grace and Mercy of God show up more. Love you all.
May 24th, 2007 at 6:50 am
When I look back at films that had an impact on me personally, it was not the ones that shouted the answers in my face… rather it was the ones that made me think.
When movies show, rather then tell, they are immensely more powerful and do what this art form can do like no other.
May 24th, 2007 at 10:25 am