Movie Review- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Overall, I found this to be a pretty boring movie. But, just because a work of art is boring, or abstract, or even just plain terrible, does not mean that we cannot mine its resources in service to the Gospel.

The film, based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells the story of a man who was born with a condition which causes his apprearance to look ever younger as he ages. This is a very interesting premise.

There is much theological fodder in the film. Benjamin's adoptive mother is depicted as a very religious woman. That willbe discussed in slightly more detail under the "Gospel Handles" section. Other theological issues raised by the fim are purpose, and whether our days and what happens in them are chance or ordered with a purpose. There actually is more to this film than this oversimplified review makes it sound. Some of it preaches pretty well.

GOSPEL HANDLES

Adoption is a big theme in this film. As is unconditional love. Benjamin's adopted mother finds him on her doorstep. She is at first repulsed by his appearance, but she chooses to love him, despite this, and despite them being 2 different races. This is the strongest Gospel handle in the film.

CLERGY HANDLES

There is one clergy deptiction in the film of note. It is a revival preacher/faith healer. It is he who actually prompts Benjamin to leave his wheelchair and start walking. This says soemthing about both faith healing, and faith itself.

Movie Review- Slumdog Millionaire

This film came highly recommended by several people. I finally got a chance to see it. It took me a while to get into the story, but once I finally did, it was an enjoyable ride.

The film is the story of a young man from the slums of Mumbai, India (formerly Bombay) who gets a chance to compete on the Indian television version "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" He scores better than anyone in the history of the show. Thus, he is accused cheating. The host of the show, as well as the police, want to know how it is that a kid from the slums could know so much. The answers to the questions are provided by his retelling his life story to the police. In other words, every experience he has had in his life has led him to the answer to one of the show's questions.

The tale is, at its core, a love story. It depicts a vast, inescapable, relentless love. This alone makes it a Gospel Handle. More on that later, though. The film also provides other theological fodder. One scene, for example, depicts a vision of the Hindu deity Rama. Additionally, theological/social justice issues such as class, education, crime and poverty are addressed.

The other primary theological issue deals with a sense of purpose. It seeks to answer the question of whether things that happen to us, or things that we experience, occur for a reason or are they random chance? Do they serve a purpose, and can we use them in our purpose?

GOSPEL HANDLES

As I stated above, the type of love that the main character (Jamal) shows for a woman (Latika) is the core of the film. It is also a wonderful metaphor for God's love to His creations (us). Further, just as Jamal will not give upon Latika, no matter how dire the situation is, God doesn't give up on us.

Another Gospel handle is the relationship of Jamal to his older brother, Salim. His brother makes some very sacrificial decisions regarding Jamal. Jamal does not always realize it at the time. However, he mostly has Jamal's interest at heart. This, too, is an appropriate metaphor for God.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no clergy depictions to speak of.

The preacher who searches this film for sermon fodder and illustrations will be richly rewarded. Theological significance abounds here. Another added bonus is that the film provides a non-western perspective, which will add nice diversity to any sermon.

Movie Review- The Reader

Here again, we are presented with a film that is not so much theological, as it is moral. Some might argue that you cannot separate the 2. That debate is not the purpose of this review.

This film is an emotionally-taut exploration of a certain kind of human relationship. In this case, it tells the story of a teenager who randomly meets and begins an affair with an older woman. The affair lasts for one summer. He sees the woman years later as a law student who observes the woman on trial for war crimes due to her involvement in the Nazi atrocities. The rest of the film deals with the continuation of their relationship after they no longer have the physical/sexual aspects of it.

All sorts of morality issues are at play here. There are obvious 6th-commandment issues. The theological issues which can be raised in a discussion are faithfulness to vocation, what it means to care for another, and the classic "Who is my neighbor"?

GOSPEL HANDLES

This film, as I stated above is not so much theological as it is moral. Thus, Gospel handles must be imported. There are themes of service, servanthood, redemption, Law, and responsibility. There is a good scene which would serve as a good sermon illustration which is a dialogue on absolution and forgiveness between the lawyer (ably played by Ralph Fiennes) and a Holocaust survivor.

CLERGY HANDLES

There are no depictions of clergy to speak of in the film.

This film is worth seeing. However, if you have an aversion to graphic sexual sitauions (whether they advance the plot or not), you may want to skip the first 40 or so minutes. Either way, you will be rewarded with a satifying drama. Kate Winslet's performance is not to be missed.

Movie Review- Frost/Nixon

This is not a theological film, per se. However, that doesn't mean that theological truths and insights cannot be gleaned from it. Nor does it mean that there are not theological issues explored.

The film tells the story of British journalist David Frost and his famed interview with former president Richard Nixon. It tells how Frost conceived the idea, tried to fund it, and eventually got it produced.

Several issues are raised by this film. These include: power vs. authority, the limits of governmental authority (Romans 13 issues), as well the use of media. All of these can be theological issues.

There is one particular religious angle in the film. It's when someone points out to Frost to ask the question, how can Nixon as a Quaker justify escalating the war in Vietnam? It's a valid point, I think.

GOSPEL HANDLES:

There's not many obvious Gospel Handles that I observed in this film. But there are some connections. The most obvious one is of course, Chuck Colson. Colson was one of those that actually went to prison for Watergate, and later became a Christian apologist. Another tie-in is using the Frost?Nixon interview as a type of confession. This is probably the strongest of the handles, though there is no real Gospel proclamation.

CLERGY HANDLES:

There are no depictions of clergy to speak of. There is only one passing reference to Billy Graham.

This is an OK movie which is saved by strong performances. It's worth seeing, but I wouldn't have nominated for Best Picture.

Movie Review- Gran Torino

For all intents and purposes, I found Clint Eastwood's latest opus "Gran Torino" to be brilliant. The film is rich with opportunities for dialogue. There are also some wonderful performances, especially by previously unknown actors. (You can read my full review here: http://habakkukscomplaint.blogspot.com/2009/01/movie-review-gran-torino.html). In this post I'll look at some of the theological aspects of the film, as well as give some Gospel handles I found. Maybe you've found some others.

The film preaches very well. By that, I mean there are several scenes which can serve as useful sermon illustrations. I also mean that there are issues with which the average person in the pews might find themselves dealing.

These issues include (but are not limited to) urban decay, racism, aging and family issues, as well as violence in our communities. I realize I'm being vague about this. That's for 2 reasons. One, I think you should see this film, and I don't want to ruin it for you. Two, you (as a pastor or church worker) know your members. I can't tell you how best to minister to them.

GOSPEL HANDLES:

1. Forgiveness is a big deal in this film. It is not limited to simple confession and absolution in the plot. It also focuses on forgiving yourself. This is an important component of human interaction. Eastwood's character does eventually learn the power of forgiveness, even self forgiveness. This demonstrated by how the reading of his will turns out, as well as how he treats his neighbors as the film goes on.

2. At the risk of being a spoiler, I'll tell you that Eastwood's character dies. But he dies so that others will have a better life and will have peace. He sacrifices himself for these other people, even those that reject him at first. Additionally, he realizes that he is the only one who can accomplish this. In other words, a Christ-figure.

CLERGY HANDLES:

There are 2 identifiable clergy figures in the film. One a Roman Catholic priest, the other a Hmong shaman. Both try to understand Eastwood's protagonist. And once they know him, they do a decent job of reading him. This is especially true of the young, fresh-out-of-the-seminary priest. He highlights the importance of caring for all of one's "flock". More than this, he shows the importance of meeting people where they are, but not leaving them there. That's the essence of ministry right there.

As I said before, this is a brilliant film. Is it required viewing? I'm not sure about that. But, I'd recommend it.

Welcome to the Pastoral Aesthetic

I resisted doing a purely theological blog for so long. I resisted for a variety of reasons: others do it much better, other people are better theologians, etc.

This blog will deal with the pastoral office and pastoral ministry. I will examine various aspects of life, mostly in light of the arts and aesthetics. This is not meant to limit the posts and the discussion, just to provide a good place to start.

Keep in mind, I am a sinful human being. Just like you, dear reader. I could be completely off-base. Please let me know when I am. Also,I've only been in the ministry for a little less than 2 years. Keep that in mind when judging and evaluating my opinions and arguments (another reason for delaying a theological blog).

This blog will a journey, of sorts. I don't know what the future holds. What can you expect from this blog? The following:

1. Reviews of books, films, TV shows, and art
2. Relating such things as mentioned above to pastoral ministry
3. Interviews with other pastors (Mostly LCMS, some not)
4. A safe place for discussion and even dissent

I'm not so egotistical to think that I have the final say on these or any other matters. That belongs to God and His Holy Word.

Welcome to (hopefully) an interesting perspective on ministry.
Welcome to The Pastoral Aesthetic!