Overstreet

A reader at Looking Closer writes to say he's teaching a film class and he wants to focus on films on the theme of exile (personal and corporate) and restoration. An intriguing theme. Do any particular discussion-worthy films spring to mind?

Count me in.

In 2013, I led a seminar at the Glen Workshop that encouraged participants to trace poetic connections between images in poetry and film. I used a short film — about five minutes, I think — that was just a series of quick images, a cleverly sequenced montage. Those paying attention could see how the images were related by clever poetic or aesthetic connections. It was sort of like a game. Does this ring a bell for anybody? I'm dismayed that I can't find the name of the film in my notes.

Um... This seems significant: Terrence Malick’s ‘Tree of Life’ Gets Longer Criterion Version

A student of mine is writing a research paper about how to respond to sexual abuse (from harassment to assault), and specifically focusing on how the movies "let us down" in shaping our ideas about this. She's specifically looking for films that explore responses to abuse: Characters who go to the police, the press, counselors, etc. Characters who choose retaliation. Characters who suffer in silence. I'm sure glad I'm not writing a research paper about this, as I wouldn't want to watch a bunch of movies on this subject. But, I'm glad somebody's thinking about how we need stories that help us empathize with those who suffer. And we need stories that give those who suffer some better understanding of how to respond... and how not to respond. Ideas? Suggestions?

Whoa, I didn't even think to check. If I saw that thread back in 2007, I sure don't remember it. Thanks! I hope I get a chance to see it, but this week is slammed, and I have some promising screener links to upcoming things I want to check out too. Argh.

I was startled tonight to discover that My Brother's Wedding, a film by Charles Burnett (Killer of Sheep), has just been added to Filmstruck's streaming service. Reading about it, I find that it's a hard title to track down. Has anyone here seen it? It sounds like it's worth a look:

My favorite faith-related films aren't about heroes passing tests, but about would-be heroes failing and God remaining sovereign and full of grace. Three Colors: Blue, for example. Or The New World. If I had to pick a story in which a person faces tests and succeeds, under incredible pressure, I'd suggest The Son. If you're interested, I have a whole book about this subject. Regarding your question "Is there a difference between faith based and spiritually based films?" — I don't know. I don't believe in "faith-based films," because all creative work is an act of faith. I don't know what a "spiritually based film" is. All creativity is an incarnational activity and thus involves spirit. I'm not sure what you mean by "overt or subtle themes." The more a work of creativity announces what it thinks it means, the less artful it is — and it usually ends up being wrong about what it means anyway. Art is an invitation to explore what an artist has made out of his or her own encounter with mystery. We do not go to art to get a lesson; we go to experience beauty and consider what we might make of it, which, if the art is good, will be an ongoing and inconclusive journey.

That Variety clip is so cool! Congrats, Ken! And good for you, Darren. Wow. I can't wait to read what you write up from that.

I nominate World of Tomorrow, Episode Two: The Burden of Other People's Thoughts, by Don Herzfeldt. In retrospect, I rate World of Tomorrow as one of my top 5 films 2015. And since I have no reason to disbelieve the reviews, which are hailing this as every bit as spectacular, I'm throwing a "Hail, Mary" pass to the end zone and trusting that this will be well worth our time and consideration. The question is, of course, whether or not it qualifies, being only 22 minutes long. It played festivals, but it's not getting a wide theatrical release. It's on Vimeo today.

Hoo, boy. I've been wondering how long it would take for this idea to take root somewhere... Variety:

I'm going to assume that Twin Peaks: The Return is not eligible. I understand, and yet this just shows how the increasingly cinematic qualities of some television productions are blurring the lines between the art forms. Nothing I've seen this year stays with me, in the way great art films stay with me, like that series.

This film is already on its way out of theaters in Seattle, but with a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a synopsis like this one, it seems like a film this community should consider: Anybody here seen it?

I love it. I'm guessing it's influenced by The Plague Dogs.

This interview is so good, Darren. Thanks so much. I love what they say about not looking down on their characters from above.