Culture Connections
Les Miserables (M, 2012)
I believe many of our members may have seen this film at the cinema, but if you did not, or indeed want to sing along again, you can readily find it now on DVD (and often at an amazing price). The book and the stage and film versions were incredibly popular in the late 20th century and now this continues in the new century. A new generation of people have been exposed to the Christian context and underlying message and through DVD and download, more people will also see this in the future. If people missed some of the underlying Christian references in this film, they were either asleep or so secularised that the heritage of our Christian foundation is now not able to be perceived.
Prisoner 24601 (Jean Valjean) is played by Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe is Javert his nemesis who doggedly pursues him to the end, and an end that Javert simply cannot accept. Javert cannot understand the mercy that is offered by the one who has become his obsession. It appears he would rather have been shot, or at least rejected, rather than actually understood. The film version is a spectacle by itself, and follows on from other period works by director Tom Hooper who made The King's Speech. The period in this case is the first half of the 19th century, focusing on the turbulent ‘back and forth' history of France following the end of the Napoleonic era and a period of social unrest and quasi-revolution. The era is well-captured in the costuming, the set buildings and occasional images of the vulgar and hedonistic lifestyles that had developed.
Musicals sometimes have a little difficulty being translated from the intimacy of the stage to the large screen format, but overall this one is done well and the special effects enable some scenes to be more dramatised than before. Some aspects of the acting are slightly melodramatic and parts of the singing are limited, but Anne Hathaway's stunning turn as Fantine, especially for her version of ‘I Dreamed a Dream' makes the film worthwhile by itself. She certainly deserved her Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and she seemed to win every other similar award in this year.
Valjean's story of a man so touched by the mercy of another that he becomes a man who also shows mercy is a wonderful theme to consider. Les Miserables won the Epiphany Prize from MovieGuide for most inspiring film (2013). Watching this film with a group of friends at your home (perhaps with an intermission as it is a long film) could provide a gentle way into reflecting on the Christian story of forgiveness and hope.
Peter Bentley
Faith in Foreign Films
This short piece considers five foreign films that have created interest among critic and discussion groups that consider religion and film.
Babette's Feast (Denmark, 1987, G)
Set in 19th century Denmark, this somewhat disarmingly simple story is based on a story by Karen Blixen, who became well-known for her book Out of Africa. Babette's Feast is the story of a meal organised by Babette, a ‘refugee' from France, who is the housekeeper and cook for two sisters who live in a puritan community in a remote setting in Jutland. The sisters have the oversight of the religious community founded by their father and he is often referred to in glowing and saintly terms, but the community is struggling with ageing and health issues. The community keeps a fairly rigid lifestyle, including usually avoiding enjoyment of any food - it is just ‘fuel' to keep going. After coming into some money, Babette decides to provide a meal for the community in appreciation for their taking her in. The movie is also a story about a different era of perhaps unrequited love, and following what you believe God has called you to do. A gentle film, though one that is often considered to mark the beginnings of new interest in exploring the use of film in church circles.
Jesus of Montreal (Canada, 1989, M)
This is a film based around a group of actors putting on a passion play which achieves controversy, due to its more radical interpretation of the life of Christ and its confrontation with the authorities of the modern time (part of the official church). This has some famous analogous scenes as the life of one of the actors Daniel begins to mirror elements of the life of Christ. There is an especially contemporary scene related to the temptation of Christ by the devil. While the film has a theologically liberal base, adult viewers can certainly use this to look at biblical themes, and one can have a vibrant discussion about who Jesus really is.
As It Is In Heaven (2004, Sweden, M)
This movie struck a chord with Western audiences and in Australia ran in one small Sydney theatre for nearly two years. It is a simple story of a famous conductor coming 'home' to rest and recover, who then becomes caught up in helping a church choir learn to sing. This could have been a bit like Sister Act, but instead of a comedic foundation, it focuses on some real and sometimes disturbing issues in the not-so pious and fragile community. It should be noted that while religious, the theological premise is essentially humanist, as it focuses mainly on the people's responses in terms of finding their own way and even the conclusion reached while ‘spiritual' is more aptly centred around the idea of earthly nostalgia than ‘as it in heaven', that is to the glory of God.
Adam's Apples (Denmark, 2005, MA)
This poignant story features the now well-known Danish actor Mads Dittmann Mikkelsen (the villain in Casino Royale) as Ivan Fjeldsted, a pastor in a remote area who takes in former prisoners who are required to spend a certain amount of time following the conclusion of their sentence in community service. The latest arrival is Adam Pedersen, a former leader of a neo-Nazi leader gang. Each person at the church community has to choose a goal or task to undertake that will help with their rehabilitation. In an attempt to get the meddlesome pastor off his case, Adam finally resolves that he will bake an apple pie (there is an apple tree in the churchyard). While a seemingly simple task, it becomes fraught with difficulty and also issues arise with other prisoners, Adam's past connection and also Ivan's own tragic past. One book of the Old Testament features firmly in the discussions and also theme, but I will leave this to you consider. This is an adult film for its themes, but can richly reward a discussion about God's grace, providence and questions about good and evil.
Letters to Pastor Jaakob (Finland, 2009, PG)
In a similar theme to Adam's Apples, Pastor Jaakob finds himself with Leila, a recent though unwilling paroled prisoner, who now has to undertake long-term community service. Jaakob has a unique ministry for today - no technology here. He is blind and receives mail from people asking for advice and prayer. He needs an assistant to read the letters and write a response. His responses are typically scriptural references and a blessing. Needless to say some issues arise for Leila who finds the whole situation frustrating and odd, but God's love abounds. This is an amiable and reflective film, which helps the viewer to consider the mercy and grace of God.
Peter Bentley
For more reviews by Peter see the ACCatalyst magazine and the Culture Connections section of the website.
Pastors in Film
Billy: The Early Years (2008, M)
While made a few years back, this film has only recently made it to DVD in Australia. I should note (as the credits also record), this film was not made by the Billy Graham Organisation and is not endorsed by it, though one of Billy's daughters, Virginia, has spoken fondly about it.
It is nostalgic in a good way for a different era, though sometimes the abundant sentimentality does not allow deep critical reflection. It is also a romantic drama with a key focus on the development of the relationship between Billy and Ruth Bell.
Billy is brought to life by Armie Hammer, who had a significant role as the Winklevoss twins in the recent film about Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg The Social Network. He is perhaps sometimes a little too ‘nerdy' or earnest, but that may be an attempt to reflect the idea that this was a gentler and idealistic American Christian period. The film helpfully illustrates some of the important characteristics of Billy Graham and the ministry he founded, and contrasts the call on his life as an evangelist with that of his former colleague Charles Templeton, an evangelist who eventually left his calling after having co-founded Youth for Christ International with Torrey Johnston. Templeton continued to speak highly of Billy though he viewed his faith as too simple. The film ends with a striking scene illustrating the important setting of the Los Angeles Crusade in 1949 and leaving a foundation for the significant growth in the 1950s, with Billy Graham continuing to preach the ‘simple' message of faith in Christ.
The Holy Roller (2010 PG)
This romantic Christian comedy with a touch of drama has many homage elements. It is based on a story by Australian actor Angus Benfield, who plays the lead role and was made in New Zealand just before the Christchurch earthquake. The story revolves around struggling Pastor Luke who heads for the big city, and finds a range of sinners and temptation, and yet also miracles. He inadvertently helps the owner of a nightclub aptly named Temple and then sets up a church. Issues abound as he attracts many similar people Christ did in his ministry. Some scenes are reminiscent of the well-used discussion film Jesus of Montreal (1989) and also Pray TV, the 1982 John Ritter film, which contrasts the personal style of pastoral connection with the tele-evangelist role so often seen in the USA, and in this movie through the appropriately named Reverend Shoebuck. The Da Vinci Last Supper image is also worth considering. A strength in the film is the music, led by the other major character Kate (Victoria Abbott), and also promoted as a key element in the development of the church. While the ‘nerdy' pastor is sometimes a little perhaps too deliberately cringe-worthy, this is a warm-hearted film exploring some of the essentials of the Christian faith in belief and practice and helps Christians to consider their motives and actions.
The Sessions (2012, MA)
This film doing the rounds in some religious and secular religious circles is one to consider with caution. Most of its interest has been because of the priest character and his seeming liberal attitudes regarding sexual practice. I found it less than heart-warming and mystifying as to why many film critics have lauded it, except for the way it tries to tug the heart-strings and promotes our individualistic culture. The film centres around the true story of American writer and poet Mark O'Brien, who due to polio breathed with an iron lung for most of his life. Mark has a desire to lose his virginity before his life (his life is remarkably precarious) and seeks a "sexual surrogate". One of the main persons he consults about this is a priest Father Brendan (played by William H. Macy) who portrays one of the most awkward figures I have seen in films. Many critics have praised his seeming humanness and accessible character, while I saw him simply as a priest who was not sure of his own role, the faith of his church and a theology of the body, let alone common sensibilities. Even if there are physical limitations, his confidential counselling with Mark in common areas of the church where other people are listening in, and in one case comment via their looks, is profoundly disturbing and I certainly did not find it provided the light relief it probably intended. The film needed a more robust depiction or perhaps cutting the character out completely.
Two other aspects stood out for me. Its focus on the contemporary idea that the sex act is a pinnacle of achievement, and central to being (not withstanding this person is disabled and the issues this raises for sexual expression), and secondly the intriguing bonding that occurs in a very short space of time with Mark's sexual surrogate, played by Oscar winning actress Helen Hunt. What does this actually say about the theology of the body-the bonding provided by sex and what was the film trying to say overall? Anyway, a film to note when you see reference, but I recommend avoid viewing.
Peter Bentley (ACC Executive Consultant)
The Master - Paul Thomas Anderson
The films of Paul Thomas Anderson
American Director Paul Thomas Anderson has made several high profile films which have garnered interest in religious and critical circles. I thought it would be helpful to briefly profile two. His latest film The Master (2012, MA), has received wide publicity, including a considerable discussion on the ABC TV show Gruen Planet. Much of the discussion has centred on the connection to the story of Scientology's founder L. Ron Hubbard.
The director has seemingly now distanced himself from talking about the Scientology connection, saying it was more of a period reference (the early 1950s) and the lead character was a stimulus to the wider themes. The film is a sometimes probably deliberately fatuous and mainly semi-dramatic piece revealing the disparate real life of an influential founder of a movement ‘The Cause' and his relationships, especially with the one person who becomes like his ‘right-hand strong man'.
The two dramatic leads, Joaquin Phoenix as Freddie Quell, former WWII ‘ordinary' seaman and 'extra-ordinary' disturbed man who gets caught up in The Cause, and Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lancaster Dodd the leader of the group are quite amazing. They inhabit characters that are loathsome and repelling, yet draw the viewer in to try to understand them.
The film is also a historical survey, following the post-Second-World-War 1950s when America boomed and many movements, theories, ideas, and groups were formed. In what is becoming the infamous line of the film, the son says to Freddie "You know he's making it up as he goes along." Again like Ecclesiastes it reminded me that "there is nothing new under the sun". I would not recommend viewing the film, but you may see quite a bit of publicity and discussion about it, and it will probably receive several acting awards.
An earlier film Magnolia (1999, MA) is well-known for its overt religious foundation. One cannot understand this film without reasonable biblical knowledge. There are words from the bible, symbols and elements of prophetic reference. The theme of the ‘sins of the father' is vitally significant and interwoven in a multi-layered telling of the connected stories of several individuals in San Fernando County in Southern California. A warning though, there is a very strong and offensive scene with Hollywood star Tom Cruise (who is in real-life a Scientologist). Cruise plays a seminar leader who teaches men how to pick up women. The media have since honed in on Cruise and his connection to Paul Thomas Anderson (who is not a scientologist), but who showed The Master to Cruise, and said they still have a continuing friendship, with the subtext clearly being that Cruise had some issues.
Peter Bentley
Book Review: Teen Sex By The Book
Teen Sex By the Book (221 pages) rated MA 15+.
This relatively short book is quite easy to read and is a timely resource. I am not sure if young people will buy it – after all they are spending their time on the web (as the book recognises), so a suggestion later. One good aspect is the way the mobile world is highlighted, with the role of the smart phone replacing in a way the old idea of the computer that could be kept in the common family room and shared (and also an eye kept on what was being searched). Sex educator, researcher and therapist Dr Patricia Weerakoon accepts the reality of the situation for teenagers today and their sexual experiences and contact. For example, with regard to pornography, she is clearly not condoning, but also does not want to create a burdensome guilt, but to liberate and help those caught up or who could be caught in this web.
ACCatalyst readers may know Patricia as one of the panellists from the excellent ACL Webcast ‘Defining Marriage’ held in June 2012.
I see this book more for Christian kids before they are sucked into the contemporary mores and culture, but as I mentioned earlier it may be one parents and grandparents may need to buy. The discussion is clear and fulsome in parts, and has a helpful approach to a variety of sexual topics. I especially appreciated her subtle and reasonable approach to homosexuality. Overall this is a counter-culture book. It is actually refreshing to highlight the revolutionary aspects of a Christian approach to sex in a world where sex is devalued and exploited.
Some thoughts for further work:
1. Produce a series of short booklets based on the areas discussed to be given away.
2. Produce a more readable print edition (this may depend who really ends up reading this, but the print, some of the font and type used (eg, in the box and ‘colour’ design) are not helpful for print-based reading and also for making some points and issues stand out.
Having said this, I still believe this is a very helpful resource and reflective book for parents and grandparents. Helpful to know what is going on and also for the cyber world discussion, as your children or grandchildren probably know more than you do, or than you think. Further information at: http://fervr.net/teen-sex-by-the-book
Peter Bentley
The Grace Card - review
The Grace Card (M, 2010)
Another Christian film developed with the assistance of a church in the USA, The Grace Card has been received well, and can be compared to Courageous, though it was released beforehand. There are similar themes related to the law enforcement characters and issues about fatherhood and relations within the family unit. The acting is usually well-done, with a good role from Louis Gossett Jr (who received an Academy Award for his role in An Officer and a Gentleman). 
The director of the film is David Evans, a graduate from Southwest Baptist University and also a Doctorate of Optometry who established Graceworks Pictures. This is another example of a film developed within a church community, being the Calvary Church in Cordova Tennessee, and the involvement of local people. David has a long history of directing the church's Passion Play and the church has an interest in the creative arts. The screen play was written by Howard Klausner; mostly know for writing Space Cowboys (2000). The theme of the film is of course evident from the title and a related message is the tagline "witness the power of forgiveness". Ephesians 2:8 is the bible verse chosen the highlight the message: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God".
The film has some good elements, but has a didactic preaching style that is occasionally repetitious and does not allow some circumstances and very significant elements and issues to develop by themselves. I found this a very helpful film for its consideration of racial issues which are rarely raised in ‘Christian films' and no doubt arising from the local church's emphasis on reconciliation. Watching this film, I was reminded of another aspect of grace: "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6). Let grace abound.
Suing the Devil - review
Suing the Devil (PG, 2011)
Well this is a very interesting concept, and I appreciated the casting of Malcolm McDowell as Satan. This was a bit like having Morgan Freeman play God in Bruce Almighty. While probably aimed at the US Christian market, the film was filmed in Australia around Darlinghurst and parts of Sydney (and also some filming in LA), and clearly has significant Australian involvement, especially with Wesley Institute students. Some of the filming lends itself to advertising for Sydney itself. 
The premise is simple. A down-on-his-luck law student decides to sue Satan for 8 trillion dollars because he argues Satan is the cause of all the world's problems. Satan appears at the trial in the nick of time to defend himself, and a courtroom drama unfolds. Satan is assisted by some of the world's best lawyers, all of whom could easily feature as characters in the usual jokes about lawyers. During times in the witness box many different ethical and philosophical questions are raised including the nature of evil and the problem of pain. Who is responsible for evil in the world? All good questions and the film may help some younger groups in particular to think about God's world.
There are cameos from Christian leaders and writers, including Christian singer Rebecca St James, and a Sydney-based well-known Pentecostal pastor. Malcolm McDowell has such a strong screen presence in nearly anything he appears in that he can easily dominate. It was certainly amusing and sobering seeing him take the oath and learning that Satan sees his role as "just the trash collector." There are a number of other Hollywood actors involved as well, including Corbin Bernsen and Tom Sizemore, and perhaps it is the professional involvement that illustrates the difficulties with some of the other roles, especially the lead role. The film-work often reminded me of a play, and illustrated the difference between directing a film and directing a play. Using a relatively unknown actor Brad Bronson in the lead role of Luke O'Brien has limitations. While we know God uses all people including the weak, there are times when Luke's portrayal is too understated. This is especially illustrated by his use of the voice-over, a notoriously difficult technique to use well. The approach comes across as text being read, rather than speaking with passion or direction. Overall, the theme of Suing the Devil is about finding out who you are in relation to God. What do you truly believe in, love and therefore follow? These are worthy themes to consider.
The DVD is available from your closest Christian retailer or from http://www.movieschangepeople.com
Peter Bentley
A Very Courageous Heart
A Courageous Heart (M, 2009) - Also known as The Courageous Heart of Irene Sendler.
The story of Irene Sendler has become more well-known over the last few years, particularly through documentaries and research on Jewish children who survived in Nazi-occupied countries with the help of non-Jewish families. Irene was a member of the "?egota Committee" (the Polish Council to Aid Jews (Polish: Rada Pomocy ?ydom), a centre for Polish resistance in German-occupied Poland from 1942 to 1945, and a leader in helping to save Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto by smuggling them out in a variety of ways. The children were also saved from death as many of their families died in the ghetto or in the concentration and extermination camps. This raised other questions after the war in terms of the question of finding and returning the children to their wider family, or keeping them in the families they had in many cases come to accept. This particular subject has been explored in various documentaries and Irene Sendler herself featured in one documentary released in 2011 ‘Irene Sendler, in the Name of the Mothers' in which she speaks about the pain of all the mothers. Sendler was recognised as one of the Righteous among the Nations by the Yad Vashem (the Holocaust's Martyrs and Heroes Remembrance Authority in Israel) and received a number of awards, notably very late in her life from the Polish Government. The film is a Hallmark Hall of Fame and has a strong historical setting and acting, with Anna Paquin in the lead role. Paquin is best-known for winning the Best Supporting Actress in the film The Piano in 1993, the second youngest winner at 11 years of age. While dealing with a distressing subject the film does not dwell on the obvious misery and difficulties in the ghetto, but simply and realistically portrays the deteriorating situation. There is also a continuing consideration of religion and faith as Jewish parents wrestle with giving up their children who they know will be raised as Catholics. Certainly the children old enough to speak, learned prayers and Catholic practices, principally to ensure they would not be identified as Jewish. This film is now made available on DVD through Christian sources and lends itself to many ensuing discussions.
The Artist?
The Artist (PG, 2011)
The Artist not only won the Oscar for Best Film this year, but also awards for directing, costume design, original music score, and Best Actor for French actor Jean Dujardin as silent film star George Valentin. This film has also collected many other awards and now has the record for the most Césars for any French film. While The Artist is quite fun to watch, it is a one-off novelty movie, given it is a [mostly] silent film. I believe its recognition has been more to do with this, and the fact that in the Academy Awards there are now more movies in the line-up for Best Picture and it is difficult for any film to win unless it totally dominates the Academy's imagination.
The Artist is really a homage to the silent film era and in that sense is nostalgic for a different Hollywood era. I thought Jean Dujardin's comment about film itself was illuminating. "I discovered that silent film is almost an advantage. You just have to think of the feeling for it to show. No lines pollute it. It doesn't take much - a gaze, an eyelash flutter - for the emotion to be vivid."
The story reminded me of some elements of my favourite musical Singin' in the Rain as this also has a silent film star struggling with the idea of the new ‘talkies'. The film plays on the idea of the ‘It Girl" - aptly named Peppy Miller, who this time is well-positioned to take on the talkies and move ahead as the star for a new age. John Goodman has a very apt supporting role as the movie mogul and helps to illustrate how the movie industry in the developing years was very much a tight-knit community run by a benevolent dictator.
As I stated at the front, it is fun to watch, but while I could watch Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds again and again, once was enough for The Artist.
When Love is Not Enough
When Love is Not Enough (2010, TV Movie for Hallmark Channel)
An excellent title! It causes one to pause and think. Hollywood often gives these types of stories a twist to ensure that ‘love' will conquer all. How can love not be enough? In a day when people equate love for a panacea for anything, and believe ‘all we need is love'; this is indeed a very challenging story.
When Love is Not Enough won best TV Movie at the 2011 PRISM Awards (for accurate depictions of mental health and substance abuse). It is a Hallmark Hall of Fame film and features well-known Hollywood personality Winona Ryder, and character actor Barry Pepper in the lead roles of Lois and Bill Wilson. An earlier Hallmark film, My Name is Bill W. explores the life and times of Bill Wilson, the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Most people will be very familiar with AA, and would be aware that is has elements of a Christian foundation and history. The film highlights Bill's early pledges on the Bible, his failings and constant requests for forgiveness, and illustrates his early Christian experiences. Many AA meetings are today held on church premises. I regularly meet AA members near the ACC Office as there are three meetings held each week in our host church (Newtown Mission). (Note: I am not intending to discuss or comment on the on-going questions of spirituality and the various issues that have arisen from the early years of AA).
A smaller number of people would be aware of Al-Anon, a group providing support and counsel for the families of alcoholics. Lois Wilson was the wife of Bill Wilson (known as Bill W.), the co-founder of AA with Dr Bob (Smith). Lois realised early on that Bill's drinking did not consume only him, and saw how families often exhibited symptoms and developed significant problems arising from their love and support of the alcoholic member. The foundation for this group can be seen in the following exchange from an early meeting time.
Lois Wilson: No it would be no trouble, really. Erm I could make some tea, I, I could actually use someone to talk to tonight.
Anne Bingham: We came all the way from Westchester County. I'm Anne Bingham.
Lois Wilson: Anne, I'm Lois Wilson.
Anne Bingham: If I don't drive him here I can't guarantee that he'll make it so I make the drive.
Lois Wilson: For years I used to hide the keys from my husband. I was afraid he'd kill himself or someone else.
Anne Bingham: Exactly
Informal family support groups started from about 1939 with the wives often meeting while their husbands were at their AA meeting, but it was not until 1951 that Lois and Anne founded Al-Anon. Today Al-Anon has over 24 000 groups in 115 countries and also works with teenagers and drinking. For more information see: http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/australia/
It is interesting to consider again the overall context of this film - love. Lois often felt resentment during the development of AA, especially toward the male members of AA, because she felt her strong love and commitment should have solved his problem. This of course does not tell the whole story about change in a person's life, but the film helps one to understand that we cannot change people even if you love unconditionally and give them all your support. I was often reminded about Jesus' parables of grace and forgiveness, and how he taught us to pray: ‘Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.'
Available from Heritage HM Film Distribution or your Christian retailer.
License to Kill (1984, TV Movie)
Noting the quote in my review above, I thought it was helpful to highlight this film that tells the story of the death of a teenage girl by a habitual drunken-driver. The film focuses on the reactions of the key figures, including the husband and wife of the daughter killed, and the husband who killed the daughter and his conflicted wife. While matters of faith feature in only a small way, the film provides an opportunity for people to consider how they would react themselves when such a tragedy occurs, and especially to consider how their love for their partner helps or hinders their addiction. It is also an early film for prominent actor Denzel Washington (The Book of Eli). He plays the over-worked public prosecutor. The film was inspired by true events in the late 1970s and early 1980s, an era that witnessed the introduction of a range of legislative initiatives in the USA designed to reduce drink-driving, particularly among teenagers.
Peter Bentley