religulous

6 10 2008

There’s a new documentary that came out in theaters recently (Oct. 3) called Religulous (”religion” + “ridiculous”). Bill Maher stars as the film’s “host,” guiding viewers on an exploration of organized religion in our world today - offering plenty of his opinions along the way - and it was directed by Larry Charles, who also directed Borat … so you probably already know enough to determine whether this documentary will be wildly, or simply mildly offensive to you.

Apparently aware of the film’s potent potential for offense, the front page of the official website offers visitors two options; the typical “enter site” link (which happens to be on the left side of the page) and the unusual “enter kosher site” link (which just happens to be on the right). I’m not Jewish, so I entered the regular site and watched the trailer. For what it’s worth, the website does boast that it’s “one of the funniest and most offensive documentaries ever made.” At least they’re honest, right?

Let me be clear on a few things: I’m serious about my faith and I consider myself part of a religion. Maybe it’s because I try not to take myself too seriously, but this film looks really funny. If I end up seeing it, I’m guessing I will find myself nodding in agreement with a lot of the jokes being made on religions and religious people…even the ones about Christianity (and it’s not all a spoof on Christianity by the way, Maher takes shots at other religions as well).

Going beyond a just an awareness of his irreverance, Maher seems to take pride in his atheistic/anti-religion stance. While I can’t speak for other religions or Christianity as a whole, if Maher’s goal was simply to expose that uncertainty must be involved for any system of faith or belief to work (or make sense), then I would agree completely with him, but I haven’t seen the movie yet to know if that’s one of the points that he is trying to make. (I have seen this clip of Maher on Larry King talking about religion, this new movie, and even Rick Warren.)

Although Religulous probably fits best in the documentary genre of “look how stupid those [fill in the blank] people are,” from what I have seen and read so far it seems much more Bowling for Columbine and much less Jesus Camp. I mean, sure, Maher pokes fun at religious fanatics (like the guy who plays Jesus at the “Holy Land” theme park in Florida) and if the movie poster is any indication, I’m guesing they mock a few examples of light-hearted religious ridiculousness (like the stories in the news a few years ago about a man who burnt a fish stick and thought it looked like Jesus or the woman who reportedly sold a grilled-cheese sandwich on eBay that bore the image of the Virgin Mary…final bid: $28,000), but clearly, the film is about much more than just making fun of sacred sandwiches and Christian theme parks (since religious folks wouldn’t be offended by a movie that only makes fun of fanatics and others who have found ways to pimp religion to make a few dollars).

If nothing else, Religulous offers a slap in the face to religious leaders and people of faith - whatever flavor of belief they prefer. The film provides humor as a way of helping people realize that it might be a good idea to be capable of responding to basic questions about their faith and, although it’s not necessarily a requirement to “validate” their faith (depending on the religion), we should all possess enough understanding to express what we believe in a way that doesn’t make us sound like the butt of a joke. I’m definitely not saying people need to act like they have it all figured out - since I don’t believe that is possible - but at least take some time to think things through, being honest with yourself and others about what you think and believe so that when/if the questions are too big or your understanding is too limited, you have the marbles to say “I don’t know.” Because let’s be honest, that’s where faith comes in…not as an excuse for not knowing things, but as a way of admitting the limits of our understanding and the vasness of God’s. It also forces us to put trust and faith in a God who reveals himself to us in ways that are often mysterious at best, since the reality of life and faith seems to be that sometimes, we’re simply left wondering in awe at the mystery of God, but even this confusion is an expression of faith and worship. Having doubts is okay. Not having all the answers doesn’t mean we don’t believe, or even that we believe less. Doubts and confusion simply remind us of our need for faith…our need for God.

So what is the point of Religulous? Why did Bill Maher decide to point out that religious people don’t have things figured out any more than other people? I’m not sure yet, but I think he’s probably right in a lot of ways, he just doesn’t happen to be a person who can get over the fact that believing doesn’t always mean knowing (and he’s a guy who likes to know stuff).

Here’s the trailer:

Would you pay money to watch this movie?


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Categories : God, faith, life, movies, pop-culture

call+response

25 09 2008

“Never forget justice is what love looks like in public.”

These powerful words are proclaimed by Cornel West in a new documentary titled Call+Response, a film highlighting the virtually unknown reality that there are more slaves today than at any other time in human history. (By the film creators estimate there are currently 27 million human slaves throughout the world).

Considered to be “the first feature rockumentary,” Call+Response features some of today’s most prominent political and cultural figures (including Cornel West, Madeleine Albright, Ashley Judd and Nicholas Kristof) along with performances by Grammy-winning and critically acclaimed music artists (including Moby, Natasha Bedingfield, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Imogen Heap, Talib Kweli, Switchfoot and Five For Fighting).

The goal of those involved in the film is simple: abolish slavery in our lifetime.

Is their goal possible? I’m not sure. I think it will only happen if “their” goal becomes “your/our” goal, but the mix of intellect and influence that all these celebs offer to the project - along with their sincere concern about such an unthinkable issue - gives me hope that enough people will not only receive a “Call” to watch this film, but also feel called to be part of the “Response” to do something.

I want to believe that Cornel West’s words will become true in reality and not just spoken in truth…that a movement of justice as a public expression of love will sweep across the world, defeating all forms of hatred and injustice and transforming people’s hearts in the process.

Is this realistic hope or just wishful thinking?

Does it really matter?

What do we have to lose in trying? Is it possible to fail if we never give up?

What does the Lord require of you?
To act justly
and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with God.  (Micah 6:8)

Call+Response is opening in select cities on October 10th. For my friends in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area*, it will be playing at the AMC Arbor Lakes Theater (Maple Grove) from October 17-19 and the Landmark Lagoon (Uptown) from October 20-23.

To learn more about the film, including a list of cities where it will be in theaters, visit callandresponse.com.

Here’s the trailer:

* If anyone would like to get a group together to watch the film, feel free to use the comments section below to make that happen.


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Categories : life, movies, music

once

14 03 2008

If you haven’t seen the Irish indie film Once yet, it’s definitely worth renting this weekend (or whenever). I saw it a few weeks ago and found it to be one of those movies where you’re not ready to talk much right afterward…so you just sit in the silence of your thoughts while the credits roll and the closing music plays quietly. I don’t want to ruin the movie because I think it’s probably better if you go into it without knowing much, but in case you need a small preview to help convince you to go rent it, here’s the video for the song “Falling Slowly” by the film’s co-stars Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová (the song that just won an Oscar for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture).

What struck me most about Once is how simple it is — I heard it only cost around $150,000 to make and they filmed it in 17 days using Handycams — yet, after the first few minutes you hardly notice that the production quality is comparable to a lot of videos on youtube because the characters and their stories (especially their music) are so intensely real. Shortly after watching the film I went on iTunes to download “Falling Slowly” and read a few comments people left about the soundtrack, including one by a user who goes by the name “nycsuarez” that I think speaks to the heart of why the film and it’s music have been resonating with so many people. It said:

There’s something that millions of dollars, the finest - most beautiful actors, the fanciest camera work and the experienced aural work of a top Hollywood composer/soundtrack supervisor can’t buy - and that’s emotion. And authenticity. And beauty. Virtually everything contained with the film “Once” and it’s accompanying soundtrack speak to all that filmmakers and Hollywood should aspire…every song both contributes to the plot of the film, to the structure of the story and the emotions felt by both characters and individuals lucky enough to experience this great cinematic achievement.

Comments like this address not only what worked well in the film – emotion, authenticity, beauty — but they also make a fairly harsh criticism of most other Hollywood films. While thinking about nycsuarez’s comment, I realized they could have just as easily come from a person who has been going to churches for years and just finally found a specific church that approaches faith, life and worship with a realness that most other churches seem to be lacking (honesty, authenticity, they don’t take themselves too seriously, but they take God and faith very seriously). Perhaps it’s a stretch to say that Once gives a new perspective for us to see the church with, but the film definitely offers a new outlook on what is “needed” to make something meaningful, significant and/or real. It didn’t take millions of dollars and Hollywood’s best actors, producers and studios to make a film that has gained a lot of recognition and acclaim. Similarly, churches don’t need expensive sound systems, the best media tools, cool lighting effects or hip worship bands in order to usher people into the presence of God in meaningful ways. Sure, I think those things are cool and sometimes they can help enhance the worship experience, but all that is really needed are people who are open to God’s call and willing to serve the world and invite others to come together to experience the transforming hope, love and forgiveness that is found in Jesus Christ. What do you say Church? Let’s stop making it more difficult than it needs to be. Let’s allow films like Once to remind us how to be the people of God, gathered together as broken pieces and bound together by love. It’s time to become the Church, Christ’s beautiful bride. And as Stevie Wonder would sing, “Isn’t she lovely?”


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Categories : movies, music, video

The Darjeeling Limited

19 12 2007

I saw the new Wes Anderson film The Darjeeling Limited with my friend Tim a few nights ago. Tim had already seen it, but when he realized there was a Chipotle just down the street from the Hopkins dollar theater where it was showing, and that we’d have time to eat a burrito before the movie, he was interested in coming with to see it again (actually, Tim’s a Wes Anderson fan and he wanted to see it again anyway, but he really does love Chipotle burritos, as do I, they’re delicious).

Darjeeling stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman as brothers who have lost touch with each other, so they take a trip together by train across India in hopes of becoming “like brothers again.” I don’t want to give anything away about the actual plot–because I think it’s a fascinating film that people should see for themselves–but I’d like to briefly comment on Darjeeling’s spiritual journey theme.

Early in their train voyage, Francis (Owen Wilson) tells his brothers, “I want us to make this a spiritual journey, and for us to seek the unknown and learn about it.” Although the “seeking” and “learning” takes the brothers on many bizarre and somewhat disturbing adventures–if you’ve seen any of Anderson’s other films (Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic, Bottle Rocket) you shouldn’t be surprised by any of Darjeeling’s quirks and randomness–their desire to discover something real and satisfying (spiritually or otherwise) is palpable. In the end…again, I promise not to give away any of the movie, especially not the ending…but in the end, it seems like they find what they are looking for under a big wood cross on the top of a mountain (well, I guess that’s only half true…they also seem to find something they were looking for next to a giant elephant statue on the top of another mountain, but a wood cross on top of a mountain has a lot more connections to Jesus/Christianity than a big fake elephant, so I mentioned that one first).

If you have seen any of Wes Anderson’s previous films (and you liked them), I would definitely recommend The Darjeeling Limited. My initial response to Darjeeling is similar to my thoughts after seeing Anderon’s other movies for the first time (especially Rushmore and Royal Tenenbaums); I walked out of the theater thinking “it was good, but not great”… but also, like those other films, I think I will like Darjeeling more every time I watch it, so I will probably see it a few more times after it comes out on video (which will probably be soon).

Has anyone else seen Darjeeling? If so, what did you think…good? bad? still not sure? If you’ve never heard of the film and think it sounds interesting, here’s a link to The Darjeeling Limited’s official site from Fox Pictures.


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Categories : movies, pop-culture