Why Are Christian Movies So Bad?
That’s the title of an article written recently by Dallas Jenkins, a friend and filmmaker. He makes great points like:
- Why did it take Hollywood so long to acknowledge the Christian market?
- Why can’t they replicate even half the success of The Passion of the Christ? (Everyone is asking that, because everyone wants to make the next one!)
- When over half the population of the U.S. self-identifies as Christian, why are faith-based films relegated to low-budget, straight to DVD projects?
In brief, his reasons include:
- Christianity’s abandonment of Hollywood a few decades ago, creating a greater distance between American Christians and the entertainment industry. They both spent time attacking each other.
- This distance created a shortage of qualified Christians to write and film good movies. The church was so busy avoiding Hollywood that it failed to encourage creative people to make change from within.
- Since the choices from Hollywood were so few for clean entertainment for the whole family, Christians created a subculture of movies and music made by and for Christians.
- This created a genre defined by the message. I saw this today when someone wrote me about their disappointment with To Save a Life. They wanted the filmmakers to use what the writer called the Fireproof model. While I know the Kendrick brothers and appreciate their work, I don’t want all Christians making movies to make Fireproof movies. There are holes in every genre, and Fireproof only addressed one genre: the family drama. What about the action/adventure, rom-com, horror, comedy, animated categories?
What do you think? Do you think “Christian movies” are bad? How do we help filmmakers make them better? What can we, as an audience, do?
Thanks, Dallas, for tackling a tough subject, and thanks for making us think!
I don’t think they are bad. Maybe not my taste on some of them. But we need to keep in mind that these people making Christian movies are doing what God called them to do. So maybe we shouldn’t judge them so harshly. Some have money to make the films others have access to a camera and make a no budget film. For example “Flywheel” still my favorite out of the Kendrick Brothers films. It had a good story with a low production value. Lately, I see lots of films with high production values but the story isn’t as good. Lots of them could be the hallmark movie of the week. I think Dallas is on the right track about we need to explore other genres.
February 5th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Great topic, definitely no clear answer as to how to keep everyone happy. I have heard people criticize the best of movies and praise the worst. This of course gets us into the mix of who decides what is a good film and what is not. I’m with Dallas about exploring other genres and filling the holes. But let me just say ultimately we are called to reach the world and we each have a calling and a God given purpose to do just that. The more specifically you understand your purpose the more specific you can direct it (in this case as a filmmaker find your target audience based on your style(s)). Therefore fill the “genre holes” or people that are not being reached (Luke 5:29-32). Problem always seems to be finding a compromise without compromising. Filmmakers who produce “edgy” content are accused of compromising and that can lead us back into a limited genre.
So question remains what can we do as an audience to help the filmmakers? Maybe we can start by not being so hard on these filmmakers who are doing their best to reach others with the purpose God has given them (Romans 14). This is definitely a tough subject.
February 6th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
I have been studying and writing screenplays for 3 years but I’m actually an older Christian.I like to see faith mixed in like it was done in “Indpendence Day”.I hate it when Christians are made fun of or all the bad or pornigraphic people wear crosses.My movies have God in them because I have an “all is lost moment”.I think all good movies do.As for Genres you guys have got to know that there is’nt but ten.
1.Monster in the house
2.Golden Fleece
3.Out of the bottle
4.Dude with a problem
5.Rites of passage
6.Buddy Love
7.Whydunit
8.Fool Triumphant
9.Institutionalized
10.Superhero
Every movie made that does well will fit inside these 10 Genres.Christian movies are welcome ,no problem,But there are certain rules of story telling that come from the expectations of the audience that cannot be ignored or you will have a bad movie,Christian or Not.Avatar was of the Institutionalized Genre for example.I think Fireproof was Dude with a problem,but it could been a Budy Love.Anyone doing a movie if you want to make sure your movie is going to make it for goodness sake use the right structure.If you want to know more blog back or google Blake Snyder.
February 6th, 2010 at 8:21 pm
I think there are some that could use better scripting and acting. There are some really great Christian movies out there though– The Visitation, End of the Spear, Hangman’s Curse, Luther, etc. It just depends who makes it.
Sherwood Pictures has shown improvement over the years with there movies, but there are some that still need some work. The Christiano movies have improved with their equipment but the acting, scripting, and score could still use some work.
Then there are the foreign ones that really need some work, like St. Peter and The Final Inquiry. I like Omar Sharif as a choice for Simon Peter, but the whole rest of the movie (score, scripted, acting in general) could use some serious work.
It bothers me when people say that God wants them to do something, but they don’t properly research and prepare to do it right.
February 7th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
My question is, “What are CHURCHES doing to help FUND Christian film projects.” If we could raise a portion, or up to the amount Hollywood studios put up for their inevitable “Blockbuster’s”, more of us Christian’s could produce the quality of movies that would drive interest, and be appealing to the public and make God proud of what we are doing as a minstry.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Churches are not a source of funding for movies but they are an audience.Now God enjoys our success and failure equally.Pretty cool huh when you think about it.Now also God gives us every tool for comepeteing in the movie business.We got to do it by writing material so good that it can’t be denied.
February 12th, 2010 at 12:45 pm
Here’s how i feel based on my experience making movies.
What people don’t realize (Christian or not) is that they can make a movie right now, wherever they are at. We made a low (and i mean lowww)budget movie that is filled with creative/experimental material. no, its not a full on masterpiece, but thats how you start.
Here is how it was accomplished:
1) worked a job until i could afford a mac and final cut pro (video editing program)
2) self taught myself final cut
3) we made a few short films (learning and getting better with every one)
4) we decided that we were going to make a feature length film, and we did it
thats all it took, and we are all in our early 20’s. i dont say this to brag on myself or to say that something good will come out of thin air. but i say this because it is something that i didnt realize could be done, until we just went out and did it. perhaps i can inspire others in a way that i am inspired to keep creating and getting better. i may never be a great filmaker, but maybe i can inspire the great filmaker who lost the dream, because others did not understand them. or believed that it was too much work.. well, it IS a lot of work. but it can easily be done!
our project took over a year to complete. we had a group of 4 (multi-talented) people that we could count on week in and week out. everyone else involved basically had one day of shooting and they were done. that is all we had, 4 people. all i can say is dont be scared to take initiative. most of the people with hollywood budgets only got where they are because they took risks.
it honestly doesnt cost that much to get started. if you have people you can rely on and you have some extra cash, i suggest you be the difference you want to see in Christian films. if a bunch of us start up grassroots, well have big budget movies in no time. lets not forget that we can make an impact now. everyone is worried about funding, but that will come when we prove to investors that we are innovative with or without their money. basically anyone who has ever played a hand in the creation of a film have all been a part of a ‘bad movie’. so what? is that what we are worried about? no one becomes a great writer or actor or engineer overnight!
if your on this site, you obviously have an interest (if not a passion) for movies. find some people that can commit to every other weekend and give them a role (or two, or three, or four..). the Christians i know are the most talented people, but they dont always collaborate with eachother. create something that presents the values of Christ, and then move onto the next project..
why are Christian movies so bad? we wait for others to create exactly what we want to see
February 13th, 2010 at 9:56 am
Great thoughts, Benjamin, and good for you for just going for it! We can all wait for lots of things, but if we don’t just step out and do it, we’ll never get anywhere.
Can we see your film online, or any clips on YouTube? Facebook? Etc.??
February 13th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
yeah, there is a trailer, but there is no sound on it as of yet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1qi_w01s9s
its pretty mysterious, i wasnt part of the editing process on the trailer.
heres a piece that i edited about 4 years ago-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib0okWe2MAY
February 14th, 2010 at 8:08 am
I’m doing re-writes now on a Christian film that is unique in its subject matter. It has been called by a major player “an important work.” I am sure I will have trouble marketing it. You can’t get past the blockbuster mentality, those looking for the next copy of a previous success.
Somebody up there, wish me luck.
February 14th, 2010 at 9:49 pm
I have watched alot of christian movies in my life including Passion of the christ and Megiddo. And I too think that most of the christian movies out there are bad and one of the reasons why I think that is, is because there is enough fresh talent flowing through the christian industry.
The christian movie industry needs to make the job more accessible to the public, because when you are looking for a writer position there aren’t any websites acknowledging job offers for a position. I wanted to be a christian freelance writer for a long time and I can’t even find not one single christian website to send my resume to.
I also think that they should not just welcome christians writers alone, but also nonchristians as well, because christians aren’t the only ones that have christian values and want to watch clean family friendly films. On top of that it would open up the door for even more fresh new talent.
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:11 am
Jane;
You took the words right out of my mouth. I too have tried in vaid to get my screenplays read. I read an article that said:” Most christian movies are bad due to:Stereotype character, boring plots and lack of imagination. I believe I would have had an easier go climbing Mt. Everest then getting an agent or my scripts read. I don’t know the remedy but I agree, the system is too closed to new talent.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:32 am
The majority of “Christian” movies have been underfunded, poorly written and obsessively driven by a particular agenda that beats the audience over the head. I had the chance to meet with Doug Gresham, C S Lewis’ stepson and the man behind the Narnia movies a couple of years ago, and I love the way he puts it: “We don’t need more ‘Christian movies.’ We need more Christians making good movies.” Engaging, compelling stories are crucial. Good actors are essential. Stories where the characters have to wrestle with life issues that involve faith are fantastic, that’s what we did in our film WESLEY. But shallow poorly acted stories that are driven by an obsessive agenda that beats the audience over the head are NOT GOOD MOVIES. Sort of like what would happen if PETA produced a movie that every five minutes would make some exaggerated point about animal rights and would falsely characterize every character who wore leather shoes. Give me a break.
March 11th, 2010 at 6:28 am
I like what John has to say. All in all Christian information is presented poorly.Most learned Pastors even repeat themselves in the pulpit til it drives me insane.I told my Pastor that I would like to give him a critique of his most basic tenets.Pastor says right off,”For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son.”{Me}”Stop right there,Who are you speaking to?”{Pastor}”I’m speaking to a person who has never heard The Word.”{Me}”So I will answer like someone who has never heard the word.”{Answer}”You speak in the past tense about this God,Is He Dead or does He not love you any more?”Pastors need to say it like it is and and quit confusing people with an ancient translation that disregards tense.”For God so loves the world that he Gives.”And this goes for these Christian movie makers.You know what you are talking about and so do I.They think that we are confusing and absurd.
March 14th, 2010 at 8:29 am
Nice points John.
March 18th, 2010 at 9:35 pm
John Jackman, The first sentence of your statement summed up how I have been trying to describe christian movies for a long time. And I am glad that you stated that because too many christians are either too afraid to say what you have said or they are too radical to admit the truth and turn to radical praise of a movie that they know is bad.
April 5th, 2010 at 9:34 am
John J. could you tell me how did you find Doug Gresham?
April 5th, 2010 at 9:37 am
I’m reminded movie that Carmen did called “The Champion”. There was so much exaggeration and stereotyping. And that is how he does all his music videos. The good guy is a jack of all trades and a master of all of them and is good with the women, and the bad guy has absolutely no redeeming qualities and get drunk doing a commercial for a drink with a name that they would never broadcast on a commercial in America.
I don’t understand why anyone liked the “Left Behind” movie. The acting was terrible and the music score was the worst.
April 5th, 2010 at 6:09 pm
While watching “Fireproof” with my wife, my attention turned to doing a Google search that pulled up the title of this discussion. IMHO – The problem is that we Christians tend to put our faith before our craft. Simply put – I have to be a film maker first, then a Christian. Otherwise, I can’t expect my faith to trump the core values that makes for quality film making. Christians have a hard time dealing with moral ambiguity – the very ingredient required for complex character development. Finally, we have the role of left-right politics that has succeeded in brainwashing Christians into confusing temporal political concepts such as liberalism or conservatism with the eternal spiritual truths we are supposed to embrace. Oversimplification of our theology results in making the mistake the story of Christ can only be told one way – when the reality is our faith can be expressed in a myriad of creative ways.
The fact is – film will never by the “conversion tool” some segments of Christianity have always hoped for. Far more effective will be when quality film makers – who happen to be Christian – become a positive influence in the secular film industry.
Unfortunately, we Christians working in the entertainment industry are often judged for “compromising” our values instead of being recognized as functioning no different then any effective missionary that uses the language of the culture they are trying to convert to effectively communicate the truths of Jesus Christ.
Christian Film – as a genre – accomplishes nothing in terms of true cultural transformation. The vast number of tickets sold are bought those already professing Christ. Hollywood can use the genre as a convenient category that allows the same institutions to now profiteer off of Christians while in no way changing any aspect of content marketed to non-Christians.
May 27th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
I think you can be a Christian first then a filmmaker, and it’s OK to have your faith come before your craft. Who you are as a person trumps what you do as a career or vocation.
But I agree with your point that we want everything to be black & white and can’t be comfortable with ambiguity. Amen! Film is not a “Conversion tool.” In fact, I believe when we try to make a piece of art a tool, it’s like … well, I can’t think of an appropriate analogy.
Christians working within the entertainment media – YAY! That’s what we need.
What we also need are Christians creating the stories (so producers, directors, writers) – because they will naturally infuse it with their core values.
Great thoughts Brent! Thank you.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:28 am
Re-reading my comment I realize my literal words implied putting my faith secondary, which was not what I intended to say. Better would have been to say we ought not to wear our faith on our sleeves – so to speak – letting our work ethic, words, choices and creative inspiration reflect our faith far more than our words.
May 28th, 2010 at 10:19 am
Angela – the analogy I find in scripture for creative expression is from 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.” (NASB) As artists, our affection for humanity should drive the creative spirit. Our work should embody an outpouring of our soul – dare I say warts and all?
May 28th, 2010 at 10:24 am
This is the first time I have been here and the first time I have replied to anything. I am involved in the industry and read each of your comments looking for answers. I will come back to that.
I want to share two things with you. When I finished reading all your comments I opened by bible. I use a daily reading program and today’s was Isaiah 52. Verse 7 says, “What a beautiful sight it is to see messengers coming with good news! How beautiful to see them coming down from the mountains with a message about peace! How wonderful it is when they bring the good news that we are saved! How wonderful when they say to Zion, ‘Your God rules.’” Christian films can be messengers.
The notes for today’s reading were penned by Roger Pooley. He ends by saying, “Telling others is not merely a matter of proclaiming truth or telling the story (movies – I added this word). It is calling them to a shared experience marked by joy and inviting them to join the party.”
Christian films have a place and I believe that if we screened more films like The Blind Side the world would be a different place. Christian films can encourage us, make us question our lives and move us in a different direction as can a good book. The bottom line is we still need to share God’s love with people and not depend on films or books to do that for us.
Towards the end of Lee Strobel’s book, The Case for Christ, his daughter says, “I want what Dad’s got!” For those who don’t know the book I suggest you read it. The comment was made after Lee Strobel, a journalist, set about trying to disprove Christ and in the end found Him. His young daughter saw the change and wanted it too.
I don’t know a lot of the movies you mentioned in your discussions but some, like Fireproof, I have. One that I would recommend is The Ultimate Gift. It stars James Garner, Drew Fuller, Brian Dennehy and Abigail Breslin. Great movie. A wonderful cast. A modern day version of the Prodigal Son.
I said earlier that I was in the industry. My role is to screen films. I own a couple of small theatres. There are times when I wrestle with this fact as trying to decide what films to screen and what not to is not always easy.
One thing that I am doing more of is screening Christian films. We have had One Night with the King, The End of the Spear, Faith Like Potatoes and the story of Corrie Ten Boon. Soon I will be screening The Touch and this will be followed with The Ultimate Gift.
I would love to of others that you can recommend.
May 28th, 2010 at 9:18 pm
Hi Peter,
That’s great that you own theaters and are showing films. I’d heartily recommend one coming out in the fall called Like Dandelion Dust. It’s based on a Karen Kingsbury novel, made by Christian filmmakers, and has won over 30 festival awards. Check out the trailer on the movie website.
I’d also recommend The Secrets of Jonathan Sperry, The Heart of Texas, Find Me and The List. All are terrific films made by Christians.
May 29th, 2010 at 3:37 pm