Episode 7: "Color and Light"
"Cameras are tools designed to capture images. In truth, they can capture so much more. "
Cameras weave the stories together this week. The theme in this epiosode was only mildly developed, but the writers moved the plot forward with almost all of the characters. And since there isn't much to talk about other than what happened with the ladies on Wysteria Lane, I have a chance to rabbit trail off into another favorite topic of mine: film.
Does anyone know what the original camera was? Before there were actual cameras? Stories. For centuries, stories have enabled people to discover truths about themselves. As we listen to a story about someone else, there is no condemnation, no commitment. We have the freedom to apply what we have seen to ourselves or deny its relevance in our lives. We aren't forced to do anything with the information because no one is accusing or holding us accountable. The trouble is that we usually do feel an obligation to process that information. We hold ourselves accountable of our own volition, and that is why stories are so powerful.
I believe that's why Christ used parables to teach. It is our nature to apply truth as we discover it. When we can see ourselves from the outside (as if we were strangers looking in), we are less threatened and better able to come to terms with what's inside. We are willing to deal with our issues because no one is watching or expecting.
The effect of story is so powerful that I am practically consumed with the idea. It is why I love to write. Presenting truth in a non-threatening way, a way that can be experienced vicariously, will impact people far more effectively than simple, straight talk. That's why I love film so dog-gone much. Dog-gone. Wow. It's late. :) At any rate, I am perpetually surprised at the number of people who shut themselves off from films because they object to immoral content. Immoral content is everywhere: in our homes, at the office, on the street, at the gym, in our e-mail boxes, in our hobbyist clubs...you name it, it's there. That's the nature of life. But a good story that has depth and meaning isn't so readily available.
When a good film comes out, and sometimes when a bad film comes out, conversations abound. Stories affect us on such a subconsicious level, it's amazing. I often see a film and walk away loving something about it, something that I can't put my finger on for several days. The Punisher was like that for me. I loved something about that heinously violent movie, and it wasn't until later that I realized what it was (not enough space to explain it here, check out the review). Many people connect to films on a subconscious level, thinking to themselves, "There was something really great about that film." But then they go to work or school the next day and never give it another thought.
If we were able to bring to consciousness what we loved or hated about those films, my, wouldn't we have something compelling to talk about! Skip the conversations about weather and career, let's talk about movies! Jesus talked about stories his whole life. He told them and then expounded on them. He explained their relevance and the natural application of the principles. I think we should all make a practice of doing that, regardless of what the story is about.
It is a mystery to me that I spent 20 years watching television and film without realizing that every story had a moral, be it good or bad. But a film media class in college changed my world forever. Star Trek changed my world forever. After watching those filmmakers develop a theme in every episode, I was hooked. I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of that world. I knew it was the universal language.
Cameras. Film. Stories. Universal language. Enough said.
Cameras weave the stories together this week. The theme in this epiosode was only mildly developed, but the writers moved the plot forward with almost all of the characters. And since there isn't much to talk about other than what happened with the ladies on Wysteria Lane, I have a chance to rabbit trail off into another favorite topic of mine: film.
Does anyone know what the original camera was? Before there were actual cameras? Stories. For centuries, stories have enabled people to discover truths about themselves. As we listen to a story about someone else, there is no condemnation, no commitment. We have the freedom to apply what we have seen to ourselves or deny its relevance in our lives. We aren't forced to do anything with the information because no one is accusing or holding us accountable. The trouble is that we usually do feel an obligation to process that information. We hold ourselves accountable of our own volition, and that is why stories are so powerful.
I believe that's why Christ used parables to teach. It is our nature to apply truth as we discover it. When we can see ourselves from the outside (as if we were strangers looking in), we are less threatened and better able to come to terms with what's inside. We are willing to deal with our issues because no one is watching or expecting.
The effect of story is so powerful that I am practically consumed with the idea. It is why I love to write. Presenting truth in a non-threatening way, a way that can be experienced vicariously, will impact people far more effectively than simple, straight talk. That's why I love film so dog-gone much. Dog-gone. Wow. It's late. :) At any rate, I am perpetually surprised at the number of people who shut themselves off from films because they object to immoral content. Immoral content is everywhere: in our homes, at the office, on the street, at the gym, in our e-mail boxes, in our hobbyist clubs...you name it, it's there. That's the nature of life. But a good story that has depth and meaning isn't so readily available.
When a good film comes out, and sometimes when a bad film comes out, conversations abound. Stories affect us on such a subconsicious level, it's amazing. I often see a film and walk away loving something about it, something that I can't put my finger on for several days. The Punisher was like that for me. I loved something about that heinously violent movie, and it wasn't until later that I realized what it was (not enough space to explain it here, check out the review). Many people connect to films on a subconscious level, thinking to themselves, "There was something really great about that film." But then they go to work or school the next day and never give it another thought.
If we were able to bring to consciousness what we loved or hated about those films, my, wouldn't we have something compelling to talk about! Skip the conversations about weather and career, let's talk about movies! Jesus talked about stories his whole life. He told them and then expounded on them. He explained their relevance and the natural application of the principles. I think we should all make a practice of doing that, regardless of what the story is about.
It is a mystery to me that I spent 20 years watching television and film without realizing that every story had a moral, be it good or bad. But a film media class in college changed my world forever. Star Trek changed my world forever. After watching those filmmakers develop a theme in every episode, I was hooked. I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of that world. I knew it was the universal language.
Cameras. Film. Stories. Universal language. Enough said.
1 Comments:
Yup. That's definitely a bunny trail. But at least it's a well-crafted one. You'll have to remind me of this blog whenever I can get around to writing a faith & film book. It sure would make a nice forward!
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