And the Oscar Goes To…
I realize that there is no category at tonight’s Academy Awards for “Best Film Dealing with Theology ,” but I can’t help wonder who the winner would be if there were.
Now, I should be clear: by “theological” I don’t mean “religious.” We all have our favorite religious movie, I’m sure. But what I’m interested in here are the movies that delve into questions of life, death, destiny, meaning, and faith in an interesting and engaging way. Would it be The Descendants with its description of the broken and poignant relationships that are part and parcel of the human condition? Or perhaps The Help with its portrayal of the poisonous and insidious effects of racism? Or maybe Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’s exploration of grief, absence, and redemption. Or The Tree of Life because…. Wait, what was The Tree of Life really about? J
You know what I mean. Film is powerful because it helps us explore what it means to be human. Theology – or more simply, faith – at its best does the same. Our Christian faith offers us a lens by which to make sense of the glory and shame, the hope and fear, the struggle and triumph of what it means to be human in light of the presence and promises of God.
So what film of the last year – whether nominated in a major category or not – would you love to award an Oscar for it’s probing of life in a way that makes you think about God, faith, and our shared life in this world? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section so that we can explore this powerful medium together. And at the end of the week I’ll offer a recap of what I’ve learned from you all.
In the meantime, enjoy tonight’s show!
One of the best “theological” moments ever captured on film is from the movie “Schindler’s List” when the camp commandant is trying to pardon himself looking at his reflection in the mirror. The absolution rings hollow, reminding us of the importance of the external Word and seeking out reconciliation with others is the only way to be reconciled with ourselves.
I love that scene, too. In fact, the whole part about how the commandant thinks power is being able to kill and Schindler telling him true power – the power of the Emperor – is the power to pardon, to forgive. “Anyone can kill,” I think Schindler says, “only an Emperor can forgive.” He tries it, but can’t pull it off. (I actually reference that very scene in the last chapter of Making Sense of the Cross.)
I’ll have to get that book!
I need to watch these movies. I think I should make it part of my research time to go to a movie at least once a month. I’ve seen only The Help and Moneyball. Starting next weekend – a night at the movies each week! Yep – you can find theology in every one… except maybe the Tree of Life it sounds like (?)
I think War Horse is a winner in the area of Theology. The horse is a single figure that comes into and effects the lives of so many people changing the course of the events of their lives…like the Holy Spirit in the community of faith. Each person that comes in contact with the horse even on both sides of a war are affected and changed by having come in contact with the horse.
There are several movies from the best of 2011 field I haven’t gotten to yet, but I think the four you mention would have to have been nominated for this category. I believe I would have cast my vote for The Descendants. I loved that movie; it just hit on all those issues of sin, judgment, confession, forgiveness, and love in the context of family where we typically live them. You could even add stewardship into the mix, with the dilemma “King” was facing with his trusteeship of that pristine piece of Hawaiian land.
I gotta say, after watching the show last night, I don’t think the ultimate meaning questions were as important to the Academy as the allure of recognizing two films that lifted up the origins of their art form. No offense to the Artist or Hugo–haven’t seen either–but I can’t help feeling it’s a little rigged when people in the movie business get to vote for movies about movies.
Last, quick plug for one of my favorite films Magnolia, by Paul Thomas Anderson. A best theology film category would have probably netted that movie an Oscar in a year when the competition was stiff. I’m still smarting that Aimee Mann’s song “Save Me” from that movie lost to Phil Collins.
I’ve used scores of movies over the years in a learning process I call “Video Divina”…i.e. using non-religious movies to do theological reflection. People love it. Three movies from this year come immediately to mind for me: “The Adjustment Bureau” (awesome reflection on destiny/will of God); “War Horse” (redemption, incarnation, love); “The Actor” (not only one of the best movies I’ve ever watched but also an amazing study in where we find meaning and hope in desparate times). One more from a year ago (only because I don’t think many people would consider it) is “The Hangover.” If you can get past the language and crude jokes, it is a remarkable exploration of what it means to be lost in the wilderness – literally, figuratively and metaphorically…
I did see Tree of Life and LOVED it, though I can’t say I got every nuance. What I got out of it is that you can choose the way of Nature or the way of Grace. Which really goes along with this week’s lectionary reading– JX: “You are setting your mind not on divine things [the way of grace] but on human things [the way of nature]”. Not to get too dualistic about it. I thought it brought up so many beautiful theological questions along those lines.
I would vote for the Descendants because it tells the truth. Beauty and pain are not separated but held in tension as we see flowers,sunshine, and the ocean as well as a woman hooked up to a life support machine who is lovable because of her dying but not necessarily because of the kind of wife or mother she was. The ordinary man must make heartwrenching choices while the world goes on as if nothing has changed. Yet he is transformed by the journey and while he was betrayed he comes to accept that he was responsible for the broken relationship too. I could go on but I especially appreciated the musical score … it remained constant… it did not seek to manipulate the viewers feelings but rather to accompany the family in their quest. I hope as a church we would accompany the broken hearted as well.
A comment about the Oscars being rigged. As a movie theater manager, I think the Oscars should be chosen by movie professionals. The Golden Globes represent the popular vote. We’re very aware that most of the Oscar movies don’t appeal to our audience, but we like the fact that there are professional standards that are respected.