Today’s specials:
- Dick Staub says “I believe…” Wow. Right on.
- And speaking of inspirational writing… Jeff Berryman has just given a nod to what may be the biggest archive of art-related quotations on the Web.
- Phillip Seymour Hoffman stars in Capote.
- More film-related news has just been posted in Reel News by Josh Hurst.
Feedback:
This letter came in to Christianity Today this week and made my day:
The Brothers Grimm. Too few movie reviewers give such attention to critical analysis, but Overstreet’s reviews are insightful, both because they tastefully express his opinions AND provide plenty of supporting evidence. As a fellow editor and writer, I’m impressed. – Kelly Tait
Thanks, Kelly!! I’m glad to hear you like what’s happening over at CT Movies. I’m so glad they’re giving room to Christian film critics who see beyond the sex/violence/profanity checklist that has been the basis of Christian “reviews” for so many years. The times, they are a-changin’.
Now playing: Tom Waits’ Real Gone. Doin’ … the Metropolitan glide!!
Who is Dick Staub? I don’t think I have heard of him before this, but amen to what he says. We are in desparate need of a modern renaissance.
Who’s Dick Staub?
He’s one of the most passionate speakers one of the most eloquent writers on issues of faith and art that I’ve encountered. He’s a generous and wonderful guy, and a good friend. He teaches a course at SPU called “The Culturally-Savvy Christian.” (I’ve had the privilege of speaking to that class. He’s got a good thing going there.) He’s also hosted radio talk shows and interviewed a long list of distinguished guests.
Look around here: http://www.dickstaub.com/
Look up these Amazon items:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0787978949/qid=1125338621/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/103-1237349-4007868?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0310233151/qid=1125338667/sr=8-2/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-1237349-4007868?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
He’s also on the board for Image journal, and he’s involved in the restoration of C.S. Lewis’s home, The Kilns. He just got back from Oxford, in fact, where they dedicated a new garden there to Madeleine L’Engle and Luci Shaw.
Don’t tell me you don’t know who THEY are!
The main item on Reel News was the site hyping “Narnia as evangelism”. My first reaction is “yaaaaggghh!” I have this fear that religion-hating watchdogs in the mainstream media will spoil it for all of us and turn it into this big deal.
But I suppose it’s more likely that people will say that different people will be able to interpret the symbols & metaphors in Narnia differently. Which might be OK if it diffuses tension & allows reasonable dialog to occur, as well as the working of God in hearts.
Jeff, thanks for the update. I am sorry, I admit that up until recently with you and http://www.Millinerd.com and a hand full of others I was not aware that there were so many people out there actually interested in Artistic Expression and Faith. As a poet and would be comedian I am glad to know I am not in such a minority as I thought. I appreciate the info and will make sure to check him out.
Joel, I agree with you man. I just want to go and enjoy the movie. Though I hope the subject of faith will arise from it with my un-saved loved ones, I just want to enjoy the movie. I’ve been jonesing this bad boy for a long time!
I am definately going to Read Too Pagan, Too Christian. Looks brilliant.
That trailer for Capote blows me away. Well, PS Hoffman blows me away. Isn’t he kind of tall to play Capote? Doesn’t matter, though, he’s got the guy nailed. Every time I see this guy he just impresses me again.