A student ministries staff member here at SPU has asked me if I would provide a list of the ten best movies for inspiring men to be... well... good men.
Some that sprang to mind:
The Rookie - A guy goes against the "Follow Your Dream At All Costs" ethic by respecting his wife, children, father, and community. In turn, the community rallies around him and helps him achieve his dream.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape? - Ditto. Gilbert avoids his own impulses in order to shoulder the burden of his family... and what a heavy burden it is. (Sorry.)
Chariots of Fire - Eric Liddel's example of excellence and devotion to God.
Master and Commander - A good film to get a discussion going about leadership.
Others?
Full Version: Who are the best male role models in film?
Wow. I am fighting the impulse to make a joke post full of stuff like the Punisher.
I always liked As Good As It Gets...because it isn't about a guy making such a massive change in character, but rather about slowly growing as a person. Slowly acting on the desire to be better. I am sure someone will trash this example and point out how flawed it is.
Many Farrelly Brothers films are about people making better and moral choices over their selfish desires. From Dumb and Dumber to Stuck on You. The Farrelys are immensley preachy.
I am having trouble, because I am admittedly more interestwed in characters who DIDN'T make the "upstanding" choices, but learn about becoming better than films where you can say that the character's "life" was an example (like the Rookie). So I keep thinking of stuff like Changing Lanes-where the character starts out morally ambiguous at best. Plus, 90% of my DVD collection is in boxes as I get ready to flee L.A. So I can't refresh my memory. Ash from the Evil Dead films?
I always liked As Good As It Gets...because it isn't about a guy making such a massive change in character, but rather about slowly growing as a person. Slowly acting on the desire to be better. I am sure someone will trash this example and point out how flawed it is.
Many Farrelly Brothers films are about people making better and moral choices over their selfish desires. From Dumb and Dumber to Stuck on You. The Farrelys are immensley preachy.
I am having trouble, because I am admittedly more interestwed in characters who DIDN'T make the "upstanding" choices, but learn about becoming better than films where you can say that the character's "life" was an example (like the Rookie). So I keep thinking of stuff like Changing Lanes-where the character starts out morally ambiguous at best. Plus, 90% of my DVD collection is in boxes as I get ready to flee L.A. So I can't refresh my memory. Ash from the Evil Dead films?
Here are a couple:
Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons: a man who loved his king, his country, his wife and daughter, his Church, and his God, more or less in that order, from least to greatest. Like St. Paul, a man who knew how to be content in any state, whether abounding or abased; a successful, attractive man who was able to give up society and success when it became incompatible with virtue.
Nicholas Nickleby in probably any production, though I know only the 2002 Alister McGrath version: "young, poor, brave, unimpeachable, and ultimately triumphant" in the words of G. K. Chesterton; "the picture of chivalry, courage, courtesy, and dedication to duty" in my own poor words. Not a great movie, but I have great affection for the character.
Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons: a man who loved his king, his country, his wife and daughter, his Church, and his God, more or less in that order, from least to greatest. Like St. Paul, a man who knew how to be content in any state, whether abounding or abased; a successful, attractive man who was able to give up society and success when it became incompatible with virtue.
Nicholas Nickleby in probably any production, though I know only the 2002 Alister McGrath version: "young, poor, brave, unimpeachable, and ultimately triumphant" in the words of G. K. Chesterton; "the picture of chivalry, courage, courtesy, and dedication to duty" in my own poor words. Not a great movie, but I have great affection for the character.
The Mission - two immensely contrasting portraits of men attempting to be godly in life-or-death situations
The Widow of St. Pierre (can you tell this is a favorite of mine?) - an exemplary man: extraordinarily trusting of his wife, when lesser men would've found ample reason to be jealous and suspicious; makes profoundly moral decisions in the workplace, despite their personal cost
At the center of M. Night Shyamalan's 3 main films are virtuous albeit flawed men.
Rich: the western film genre seems replete with good, strong men; care to elaborate?
The Widow of St. Pierre (can you tell this is a favorite of mine?) - an exemplary man: extraordinarily trusting of his wife, when lesser men would've found ample reason to be jealous and suspicious; makes profoundly moral decisions in the workplace, despite their personal cost
At the center of M. Night Shyamalan's 3 main films are virtuous albeit flawed men.
Rich: the western film genre seems replete with good, strong men; care to elaborate?
| QUOTE (SDG @ May 5 2004, 09:31 PM) |
| Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons: a man who loved his king, his country, his wife and daughter, his Church, and his God, more or less in that order, from least to greatest. Like St. Paul, a man who knew how to be content in any state, whether abounding or abased; a successful, attractive man who was able to give up society and success when it became incompatible with virtue. |
Just got this in the mail from NetFlix, and am looking forward to seeing it.
Gary Cooper's Howard Roark in The Fountainhead. The indomitability of a man's passion and idealism in the face of status quo and unscurpulous obstacles.
Redford's portrayal of Jeremiah Johnson in the title role--another discovery tale, but this time the survival of the fittest is against the savgery of 'uncivilized' man and against the elements itself--and of course, a struggle of supreme will.
And Han Solo.
I mean, you have to have Han Solo, the cavalier rogue carefully masking the loyal servant beneath--for he was a servant, despite his own efforts, in every venture out to champion the greater good--even if he hated doing so and denied it all the way...
------------
Redford's portrayal of Jeremiah Johnson in the title role--another discovery tale, but this time the survival of the fittest is against the savgery of 'uncivilized' man and against the elements itself--and of course, a struggle of supreme will.
And Han Solo.
I mean, you have to have Han Solo, the cavalier rogue carefully masking the loyal servant beneath--for he was a servant, despite his own efforts, in every venture out to champion the greater good--even if he hated doing so and denied it all the way...
------------
got to be Neeson in Les Miserables,
But it really depends on what you define as a good male role model. Hoffman's Nurse in Magnolia is great, but some might say he's a bit girly, Kurring's cop is great too, but perhaps will be to incompetent for some to appreciate his qualities. Loys of people love , admire and cite Wallace's passion and leadership in Braveheart but overlook other areas that should perhaps bother us more.
Perhaps at least one portrayal of Jesus should do this as well, but its hard to think of one. Cavaziel's is good except for that Gibson machocism thing that's going on, possibly the best is Son of Man, but still flawed.
other's I'd think of would be one of the characters from LOTR, I suppose Stryder is the obvious one, and also (again not for his tradtionally male charateristics), but the bloke from Life is Beautiful.
Matt
But it really depends on what you define as a good male role model. Hoffman's Nurse in Magnolia is great, but some might say he's a bit girly, Kurring's cop is great too, but perhaps will be to incompetent for some to appreciate his qualities. Loys of people love , admire and cite Wallace's passion and leadership in Braveheart but overlook other areas that should perhaps bother us more.
Perhaps at least one portrayal of Jesus should do this as well, but its hard to think of one. Cavaziel's is good except for that Gibson machocism thing that's going on, possibly the best is Son of Man, but still flawed.
other's I'd think of would be one of the characters from LOTR, I suppose Stryder is the obvious one, and also (again not for his tradtionally male charateristics), but the bloke from Life is Beautiful.
Matt
Gary Cooper in High Noon.
There are a bunch of Westerns that feature strong, idealistic males, but often their outlaws!
Cooper is on the more virtuous side, as I recall.
Also, I'm thinking Quiz Show might be a good choice, showing the consequences of deceit, and how one man, and his father, comes to terms with it. Lots of pain and disappointment in that film -- probably not what the folks who asked you for the list wanted, but hey, life ain't pretty sometimes.
There are a bunch of Westerns that feature strong, idealistic males, but often their outlaws!
Cooper is on the more virtuous side, as I recall.Also, I'm thinking Quiz Show might be a good choice, showing the consequences of deceit, and how one man, and his father, comes to terms with it. Lots of pain and disappointment in that film -- probably not what the folks who asked you for the list wanted, but hey, life ain't pretty sometimes.
Let's begin at the beginning, and take a look at boys exhibiting desired qualities.
Josh Waitzkin in Searching for Bobby Fisher. He was portrayed as a normal kid with a great gift. He wasn't a geek, he wasn't a pansy. He played all types of sports and was very well-rounded. He was strong in will, but meek in spirit. He fought hard for fairness in his play and respect for others.
There are other great attributes of his character, but his mother said it best: "You have a good heart, and that's the most important thing in the world."
Josh Waitzkin in Searching for Bobby Fisher. He was portrayed as a normal kid with a great gift. He wasn't a geek, he wasn't a pansy. He played all types of sports and was very well-rounded. He was strong in will, but meek in spirit. He fought hard for fairness in his play and respect for others.
There are other great attributes of his character, but his mother said it best: "You have a good heart, and that's the most important thing in the world."
Oskar Schindler, the Priest in Diary of a Country Priest, Rick in Casablanca.
This is tough because I tend to think role models are just the people we haven't seen the ugly side of. But good film characters let us see both sides (or at least the directors let us). Of course, Atticus Fitch comes to mind, and I've said it before but Paul Scoffield as Mark Van Doren in Quiz Show.
Dan, you got Atticus Finch in before me! He's clearly one of the all-time greats.
What about Malcolm Crowe and Cole Sear of The Sixth Sense? Sure, their situations are not exactly "normal," but the tenderness and courage they exhibit are certainly praiseworthy. I see Andrew has suggested the male leads of all Shyamalan's movies, and I guess I'd agree with that.
It's somewhat dated now, I expect, but Running on Empty (1988), dir. Sidney Lumet, starring Judd Hirsch & Christine Lahti as parents who've been living undercover since they blew up a napalm lab to protest the Vietnam war, and the late River Phoenix as their son, who decides he now wants to stop moving and be "normal." As an MK, I found it a very effective metaphor for the life of a family with a mission. Hirsch & Phoenix's characters really love & respect each other, but have different goals.
What about Malcolm Crowe and Cole Sear of The Sixth Sense? Sure, their situations are not exactly "normal," but the tenderness and courage they exhibit are certainly praiseworthy. I see Andrew has suggested the male leads of all Shyamalan's movies, and I guess I'd agree with that.
It's somewhat dated now, I expect, but Running on Empty (1988), dir. Sidney Lumet, starring Judd Hirsch & Christine Lahti as parents who've been living undercover since they blew up a napalm lab to protest the Vietnam war, and the late River Phoenix as their son, who decides he now wants to stop moving and be "normal." As an MK, I found it a very effective metaphor for the life of a family with a mission. Hirsch & Phoenix's characters really love & respect each other, but have different goals.
How about Steve James with Stevie?
Wesley from The Princess Bride?
ooh yes to Atticus Finch, but not sure about 6th sense guy. But speaking of a peck Character his character in "Big Country" is another one I'd go for, or Roman Holoday. In fact maybe peck is the ideal male role model.
Matt
Matt
MattPage wrote:
| QUOTE |
| that Gibson machocism thing |
My demurers about the actual point aside, PageBoy, that's as serendipidous a mangling/conflation of a word as ever I can remember seeing. Are you brilliant, plagiarizing, or that one lucky monkey at the keyboard?
Oh to be the former, but sadly I'm very much the latter
Matt
Matt
| QUOTE ((M)Leary @ May 6 2004, 09:11 AM) |
| How about Steve James with Stevie? |
Hey, no fair. We all know Jeffrey is gonna love this suggestion.
I wouldn't mind making a case for Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome.
| QUOTE ((M)Leary @ May 6 2004, 10:51 AM) |
| I wouldn't mind making a case for Gibson in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. |
OK...make your case.
Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive (1993): memorable not only for the qualities that make him a successful action hero (unexpected survival abilities, nerve, luck, and determination to prove his innocence and incriminate the real killer), but also for the qualities that make him a sympathetic one, especially his willingness to put himself at increased risk for the sake of helping other people in need (e.g., staying to help the prisoner trapped in the bus on the train tracks; diagnosing and intervening in the treatment of a patient in the hospital when disguised as an orderly).
Training Day - Ethan Hawke (Officer Jake Hoyt)
It's A Wonderful Life - James Stewart (George Bailey)
It's A Wonderful Life - James Stewart (George Bailey)
| QUOTE |
| ...make your case |
Ok, no problem.
The context of the film is a post-apocalypse in which this lone ex-lawman is forced to do what he can to make it by in this new society stripped of all traditional capitalist social and gender codes. In the first act of the film we find Max in Bartertown having been forced to battle the guy in Thunderdome that is the last holdout to Auntie Entity's (Tina Turner's character) complete control of bartertown.
Well, Max has the guy on the ropes and knock off his helmet and discovers that this massive guy is really a severely developmentally disabled adult, crying like a child at his impending death. Long story short, he doesn't kill him which leads to Max's expulsion from the town into the unending desert. So we already have "Max" as an embodiment of a sort of justice that society has forgotten being expelled from the town as a "wholly other" that doesn't fit with the current system. He emobodies an alternative sort of politics and social structure that would bring the brazen darwinist capitalism of Bartertown to a screeching halt.
Out in the desert he is rescued by a band of children that live in an oasis. This tribe of children, he discovers, have an extremely well developed mythology about a man who is going to come and make the wreck of a jet airplane (crashed in the desert near the oasis) fly again. This mythology is complete with stories and pictures that look much like Max, and they quickly latch onto their promised Messiah. The rest of the film ensues.
Without going into much more detail about the storyline, I will just point out the implications "Max" has for thinking about male role models.
1. He embodies a way of relating to people that is counter to whatever societies he encounters out in the desert, like Bartertown. So in Max we have an amazingly moral figure, even if most of what he does he does unwillingly. He is either forced into it by irony, or jumps into the action because he just knows it is the right thing to do even though he really doesn't want to do it.
2. He discovers these kids and their mythology in the desert, and even though totally unwilling, ends up becoming exactly what they had always prophesied in their stories. Now granted, this happens through a series of circumstances way outside of Max's control, but it happens nonetheless through Max's activity on their behalf. So we have a man who is not only a moral leader in a literal moral vacuum, but he also serves to legitimize the mythology of a people group (these children) that has sustained them through the absurdity of the apocalypse. (The "pockyclypse" as they call it.) And this mythology turns out to be true.
So he is a male role model on all fronts of the childhood experience. He legitimizes both the ignorant innocence and imagination that characterizes the childhood experience. And he does this with the result that these values are championed over the heartless darwinism that has swept the post-apocalyptic world. (And to top it all of, he does it through a great personal sacrifice, the result of which we won't know because Fury Road will never be made.)
Scanning my own DVD collection...
Catch Me if You Can, especially the Carl Hanratty character
Hoosiers, 'nuff said
Iron Monkey, the father/son interaction is priceless
The Kid, through Russell Duritz' struggle
The Mask of Zorro, despite the new age philosophy employed in Alejandro's "training"
Scent of a Woman, celebrates the dignity of old age
Three Kings, a modern day western with modern day cowboys deciding to do what is right
The Tuskegee Airmen, against great odds
Witness, especially in resisting sexual temptation
Catch Me if You Can, especially the Carl Hanratty character
Hoosiers, 'nuff said
Iron Monkey, the father/son interaction is priceless
The Kid, through Russell Duritz' struggle
The Mask of Zorro, despite the new age philosophy employed in Alejandro's "training"
Scent of a Woman, celebrates the dignity of old age
Three Kings, a modern day western with modern day cowboys deciding to do what is right
The Tuskegee Airmen, against great odds
Witness, especially in resisting sexual temptation
the father in "in america." gorgeously flawed and devoted.
i second the young boy in "searching for bobby fischer." i find myself far more inspired by him than by most male "role models" in film.
-a girl
i second the young boy in "searching for bobby fischer." i find myself far more inspired by him than by most male "role models" in film.
-a girl
| QUOTE (Samuel Z. P. Thomas @ May 6 2004, 11:49 AM) |
| Iron Monkey, the father/son interaction is priceless |
Strangely enough, this movie came to my mind as well... but I tend to think in terms of kung fu movies anyways...
Or maybe it's just my avatar.
Well, if we can go there, then Jet Li as Chen Zhen in Fist of Legend rates.
George O'Brien in Sunrise
Liam Neeson in Rob Roy
Russell Crowe in The Insider
Liam Neeson in Rob Roy
Russell Crowe in The Insider
| QUOTE (MattPage @ May 6 2004, 10:14 AM) |
| ooh yes to Atticus Finch, but not sure about 6th sense guy. But speaking of a peck Character his character in "Big Country" is another one I'd go for, or Roman Holoday. In fact maybe peck is the ideal male role model. Matt |
Two words: The Omen.
Not as a suggestion, but as a refutation of the quoted assertion. And don't forget, he also played Captain Ahab!
Spencer Tracy, on the other hand... Boys Town? The Old Man and the Sea?
Here's a wild card:
Duane Jones as Ben in Romero's Night of the Living Dead.
Talk about keeping ones head while everyone around you is losing theirs.
Duane Jones as Ben in Romero's Night of the Living Dead.
Talk about keeping ones head while everyone around you is losing theirs.
That is a most intersting and intriguing choice.
| QUOTE (Jason Bortz @ May 6 2004, 05:16 PM) |
| Duane Jones as Ben in Romero's Night of the Living Dead. |
Nice one!
mrmando wrote:
: MattPage wrote:
: : In fact maybe peck is the ideal male role model.
:
: Two words: The Omen.
: Not as a suggestion, but as a refutation of the quoted assertion. And don't forget,
: he also played Captain Ahab!
And don't forget his Josef Mengele in The Boys from Brazil!
: MattPage wrote:
: : In fact maybe peck is the ideal male role model.
:
: Two words: The Omen.
: Not as a suggestion, but as a refutation of the quoted assertion. And don't forget,
: he also played Captain Ahab!
And don't forget his Josef Mengele in The Boys from Brazil!
| QUOTE (mrmando @ May 6 2004, 04:34 PM) |
| Matt [/QUOTE] Two words: The Omen. Not as a suggestion, but as a refutation of the quoted assertion. |
Hmmmm...
A man willing to sacrifice the child he raised to stop fortold suffering of millions. Making a choice that went against the desires of his heart. He was a bad exmple how?
: Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive (1993):
: Rob Roy
Good calls
::Peck
: The Omen et al
Oh haven't seen those. Actually the Peck film I most want to see is David and Bathsheba - not available in the UK.
Matt
: Rob Roy
Good calls
::Peck
: The Omen et al
Oh haven't seen those. Actually the Peck film I most want to see is David and Bathsheba - not available in the UK.
Matt
Moze (Danny Glover) in Places in the Heart.
| QUOTE (kebbie @ May 6 2004, 01:30 PM) |
| the father in "in america." gorgeously flawed and devoted. |
This is a really good choice. I second it.
This and Makhmalbaf at the end of Close-Up. He only comes into the film at the very end for about five minutes, but they are five of the most moral minutes I can remember in film.
I really like Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) in The Straight Story.
Father Gabriel in The Mission.
The father (Rev. Maclean) in A River Runs Through It.
And, of course, Frank (Brendan Gleeson) in 28 Days Later.
Father Gabriel in The Mission.
The father (Rev. Maclean) in A River Runs Through It.
And, of course, Frank (Brendan Gleeson) in 28 Days Later.
Ooh, the dad in 28 Days Later - good one!
Okay, I just finished watching A Man For All Seasons earlier, and I have to totally agree with SDG. Absolutely amazing film that had me genuinely moved throughout. The interaction with his wife and daughter (and future son-in-law) is great, as is his sorrow and regret for the former colleague turned betrayer, and that final courtroom scene... wow!
| QUOTE (Andrew @ May 7 2004, 12:29 PM) |
| Ooh, the dad in 28 Days Later - good one! |
Actually, many of Gleeson's roles might qualify, ranging from Highlander to Gangs of New York...
the main guy in 'princess mononuke'.
but having said that, sen/ohihiro in 'spirited away' is even more inspiring. she however, is female. what was the question again?:
but having said that, sen/ohihiro in 'spirited away' is even more inspiring. she however, is female. what was the question again?:
| QUOTE |
| best movies for inspiring men to be... well... good men. |
should the characters who inspire us to be good men, be men themselves? if the answer is 'not necessarily' (as i suspect it may well be) then sen/ohihiro and susan sarandon's character in 'dead man walking' are both brilliant.
i'm sure there should be more...
| QUOTE (stu @ May 11 2004, 03:36 AM) |
| should the characters who inspire us to be good men, be men themselves? |
great point. who are some filmic females who inspire men to be good men? (either within the context of the film, or in a personal screen-to-male-viewer relationship.)
You Can't Take it with You
Lionel Barrymore (Grandpa Martin Vanderhof) who shows an interest in one's pursuit of happiness and life's purpose over the pursuit of material wealth and possessions.
James Stewart (Tony Kirby) who shows blindness to societal segregation and socio-economic class separations.
Lionel Barrymore (Grandpa Martin Vanderhof) who shows an interest in one's pursuit of happiness and life's purpose over the pursuit of material wealth and possessions.
James Stewart (Tony Kirby) who shows blindness to societal segregation and socio-economic class separations.
jeffrey, did you ever put this list together? mind sharing the final product with us? (sorry to resurrect such an old thread--the Boy and i have been talking about films that provide good role models to men, and i'd like to see the list that came out of this thread.)
Here's what I sent him in an e-mail, mostly culled from this thread:
1. Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons
2. To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch
3. The Rookie
4. Chariots of Fire - Eric Liddel
5. Stevie - Steve James
6. The Insider - both Crowe and Pacino's characters
7. What's Eating Gilbert Grape? - Gilbert
8. Master and Commander - A good film to get a discussion going about leadership.
9. The Mission - Two contasting portraits.
9. Ikiru
10. The Mosquito Coast - To provoke discussion about fatherhood, leadership]
Others:
Nicholas Nickleby
The Widow of St. Pierre
Liam Neeson in Les Miserables
Paul Scoffield as Mark Van Doren in Quiz Show.
Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive
Training Day - Ethan Hawke (Officer Jake Hoyt)
It's A Wonderful Life - James Stewart (George Bailey)
The Apostle – Robert Duvall
Grand Canyon – Danny Glover’s character
The Son - the carpenter
1. Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons
2. To Kill a Mockingbird: Atticus Finch
3. The Rookie
4. Chariots of Fire - Eric Liddel
5. Stevie - Steve James
6. The Insider - both Crowe and Pacino's characters
7. What's Eating Gilbert Grape? - Gilbert
8. Master and Commander - A good film to get a discussion going about leadership.
9. The Mission - Two contasting portraits.
9. Ikiru
10. The Mosquito Coast - To provoke discussion about fatherhood, leadership]
Others:
Nicholas Nickleby
The Widow of St. Pierre
Liam Neeson in Les Miserables
Paul Scoffield as Mark Van Doren in Quiz Show.
Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble in The Fugitive
Training Day - Ethan Hawke (Officer Jake Hoyt)
It's A Wonderful Life - James Stewart (George Bailey)
The Apostle – Robert Duvall
Grand Canyon – Danny Glover’s character
The Son - the carpenter
thanks!
: 5. Stevie - Steve James
What ?!? You're whacked.
What ?!? You're whacked.
Eric Liddell was my first choice but how about:
Mufasa from the Lion King (or do animated animals not count?)
Mufasa from the Lion King (or do animated animals not count?)
| QUOTE |
| What ?!? You're whacked. |
Steve James' drive to re-enter and watch over Stevie is, to me, one of the most inspiring things about the film. Sure, you can call into question his integrity for filming the process, but I believe that his interaction with Stevie is honest and genuine, and his re-befriending of Stevie right before he enters into his life's worst nightmare gives us a lot to explore and discuss. Steve James may not be a hero for the ages, but in giving us this story, he's given us an essential film about sin, redemption, and bearing each other's burdens in the name of grace.
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