Going Back to School with the Movies
This weekend, I attended a mega-press junket for four films coming out between now and Christmas:
- The Day the Earth Stood Still – Opens Friday, December 12th. Directed by Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose) and starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm and Jaden Smith
- Bedtime Stories – Opens Christmas Day. Directed by Alan Shankman (Hairspray) and starring Adam Sandler, Keri Russell, Russell Brand and Courteney Cox
- Marley & Me – Opens Christmas Day. Directed by David Frankel and starring Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Eric Dane and several Marleys
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Opens Christmas Day. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Julia Ormond, Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton (The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian) and many others.
After a full weekend of watching the films then having press conferences with some of the cast and crew, I find myself thinking about the process of making a film and the millions of decisions that are made before we see the finished product. The path a story takes from an idea in someone’s head to a written screenplay (which usually goes through multiple drafts) to a vision a director creates and brings to life isn’t always quick or straightforward or easy.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” came from an F. Scott Fitzgerald short story which was inspired by a quote from Mark Twain: “Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of 80 and gradually approach 18.” That same philosophy was expressed by Soren Kierkegaard, who believed that life could only be lived forward but understood by looking backward.
I’ve been thinking about that film for the last 14 hours. I’ve also been thinking about “The Day the Earth Stood Still” for the last 28 hours. They both raise questions and thoughts that cannot be easily answered or processed, at least by me. I have questions about the director’s and actor’s choices, the development of the story and structure, and many other things.
A delightful part of this weekend was the companionship of other writers and reviewers, with whom I had many conversations about film, how the art form affects and reflects our lives, and what filters we bring with us to the theater. You should read their work because each brings a unique and valuable perspective to their reviews and will challenge you to think. You won’t get a grade in this school, but you will learn a lot. So let me introduce you to some great reviewers and friends:
- Megan Basham – writes for World Magazine
- Phil Boatwright – film reviewer and writer for The Baptist Press
- Laura Bagby – senior Internet Producer for CBN.org
- Kenneth Chan – writes for Christian Post
- Rebecca Cusey – freelance writer and reviewer
- David Bruce – founder of Hollywood Jesus
- Paula Parker – freelance writer and reviewer
- Holly McClure – journalist, talk radio host, film critic
Thanks to a company called Grace Hill Media, who is bridging the gap between Hollywood studios and Christian media outlets, we are beginning to understand each other. When I sit in a room or across the table from someone working to produce excellent and entertaining art, I don’t see an enemy of Christendom. I see someone exploring the same life questions and mysteries that I am, and those questions usually show up in their films. They are just exploring from a different perspective.
So back to school for me. I want to understand films and their makers better, and simultaneously understand my faith and my Maker better. Want to join me? Class starts now.
