The Coen brothers, the ones who brought us Burn Notice, No Country For Old Men, and O Brother, Where Art Thou? Have found inspiration from the Old Testament book of Job for their movie, A Serious Man, released on Oct. 2nd. Roger Ebert gives the black comedy four stars in that linked review.
I love it when Hollywood tackles Biblical texts. That doesn't mean I blindly think they'll do a great job (ha- I just saw the pun). I try to go in with a critical eye. In fact, Hollywood is notorious for not doing Scripture justice, not that it's a surprise. But they tackle it anyways, which suggests they are seeking for Truth and inviting others to join them.
I approach these sorts of movies critically and curiously. I think one complements the other. With a critical eye, I try not read in my own message nor assume there will be great exegetical works coming out of the screen. I let the movie tell its story, then I compare it to what I know of my faith. The curiosity is a sort of hope. Maybe God has something to say in the movie, whatever the size of nugget. I can only learn from the movie. Either there will be something good to say and share with people that will help them in their journey towards/with God. Or there will be nothing and it will still be a good conversation that can still help, just in the opposite way.
As you all see it, let me know what you think! Anything in there worth mentioning?
2 comments:
What I think movies do well is tell stories. Movies understand Scripture as story better than many Christians do. Even if they twist things, they get the tension and the power of stories in a way a lot of theologians miss.
That's really true. The Old Testament is essentially a family album of stories, raw and not self-conscious- I think that's why there is so much power what God says through those Scriptures.
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