My Movies

Religulous the Movie and new blog

2008-10-05T15:28:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

I am migrating my blog to WordPress - if I can!

http://sisterrose.wordpress.com/

AOL is discontinuing its JOURNAL service at the end of this month!

Tags: Religulous the Movie; SisterRose's blog

Fireproof the Movie

2008-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, FIREPROOF opened this past weekend. My review is available at the St. Anthony Messenger website:

http://americancatholic.org/Messenger/Oct2008/Eye_On_Entertainment.asp#F3

Kirk Cameron in FIREPROOF

I have seen several other reviews and the emphasis is on how the film deals with a Christian marriage on the brink of divorce and the causes: lack of communication, selfishness, etc. But the strength of this film is its willingness to look at the impact of pornography on a marriage. No one wants to consider the influence of this social virus on the souls of individuals, marriages, and relationships.

I say "kudos" to the filmmakers for finally talking about the invisible elephant in the living room of "good" families.

Watch how the Cameron character treats his mother and his wife. He has no respect for anyone except his buddies at the fire station. Thank goodness his own father is willing to persevere and work with his son - before it is too late.

The film does preference "message" over "art" but because the theme is such an important issue, I recommend the film to begin a conversation about pornography in the faith community and beyond.

Tags: Pornography and religion; pornography and marriage; divorce and pornography

Burn After Reading the Movie

2008-09-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Here's my theory about the film that opened the Venice International Film Festival in late August (I posted something about this film earlier).

The Coen Brothers were sitting around one day, shooting the breeze, basking in the impending glow of an Oscar after working so hard on NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, thinking of the political landscape and wondering what kind of mischief they might make between the US, its citizens and Russia before the election - with as little money - and effort - as possible. Another Cold War? Remember, the Coens thought of it first.

What they came up with is an ensemble cast of actors making crazy with a very funny convoluted script and a low budget. You can look up the actors on www.imdb.com.

But let me mention a few....

Brad Pitt as a 40-something acting like a 20-something airhead gym trainer is hilarious.

Frances McDormand, as Brad Pitt's co-conspirator, is wry, distsy, and pretty much an idiot along with most of the cast.

Tilda Swinton, the unhappy ice queen, is still the ice queen. Brrr. Scary.

John Malkovich, for once more or less innocent, gets pay back for all the bad guys he ever played. When he is fired from his top level job at the CIA, a disk with his resume and ongoing jobs is lost, McDormand and Pitt find it, and almost like a McGuffin, that misplaced disk gets things rolling.

Richard Jenkins, the well-deserved flavor of the month actor, or year, rather, is very good as the gym manager who loves the McDormand character - and loses.

Alas, she's too busy manufacturing a spy conspiracy, to notice.

George Clooney, back on his most familiar K Street in DC, said this is the third idiot movie he has made for the Coens. OK. Not his best (O BROTHER WHERE ART THOU is, in my opinion), but he'll do.

There is some graphic violence and other distasteful aspects that will make some viewers uncomfortable. But as a funny, improbable film, it'll do.

Does the film make a political statement? Oh yes. Cynicism and metaphorical satire in the hands of the Coen Brothers. Well, you know what they're like.

I hope these guys leavetheir brains to science. Or somebody, take an MRI.

Brilliant.

The Italians loved the movie. And you have to ask 'why'?

Tags: Burn After Reading

MASTER TEACHER IN MEDIA LITERACY CERTIFICATION COURSE SET TO BEGIN

2008-09-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

The 2008 – 2009 MASTER TEACHER IN MEDIA LITERACY certification course is set to begin on September 20th at the Pauline Center for Media Studies, 3908 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA.

Full details and a registration form are available at www.PaulineCMS.org or you can obtain a form at the Pauline Book & Media Center, 3908 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA. 90230.

Since 2007 more than 30 catechists, teachers, and pastoral ministers have been certified. This certification is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and the Dioceses of Orange and San Diego. Please see www.PaulineCMS.org for more information.

The deadline for registration is September 15th.

Please feel free to forward this notice. Thank you!

Tags: Media literacy training; media literacy certification; media literacy course

HURT LOCKER wins Catholic Jury Prize at 65th Venice Film Festival

2008-09-05T07:38:00.000-07:00

The SIGNIS Jury has awarded its Grand Prize to Kathryn Bigelow’s anti-war film THE HURT LOCKER. According to the jury’s statement, the motivation for this choice is the filmmaker’s uncompromising approach to the Iraq war and its consequences seen through the experience of the bomb diffusion specialists for whom war is an addiction rather than a cause. “The film challenges the audience’s view of war in general and the current war in particular because it demonstrates the struggle between violence to the body and psychological alienation.”

The SIGNIS jury also gave one commendation to VEGAS: BASED ON A TRUE STORY, a small budget film that is an allegory about futile obsession and greed of a marginalized family on the periphery of Las Vegas and another commendation to TEZA, a film that highlights the conflict between ideology and the personal life of an Ethiopian intellectual.

This year is the 60th anniversary of the Catholic jury at the Venice Film Festival coordinated by SIGNIS, the world Catholic association for communication based in Brussels. The members of the international jury are Rose Pacatte, president of the jury (United States, researcher and film critic), Sergio Joel Ascencio Casillas (Mexico, researcher and film critic), Raffaella Giancristofaro (Italy, journalist and film critic), Peter Malone (Australia, journalist and film critic), Charles Martig (Switzerland, journalist and film critic), , Federico Pontiggia (Italy, journalist and film critic), Freddy Sartor, Belgium, journalist and film critic).

www.SIGNIS.net

Tags: HURT LOCKER wins Catholic Jury Prize at Venice

WRESTLER and the last day at the festival!

2008-09-05T07:34:00.000-07:00

Last Day at the Venice Film Festival

Well, almost the last day. It is Friday afternoon. There was to have been a screening last night ... The Seed of Disconent ... an Italian sex comedy, but the print didn,t arrive on time for the 7pm screening, so I missed it as there was no way I was going to a 10.30pm screening. The other members of the jury who did go told me the film didn-t meet our criteria anyway. Then this morning we saw THE WRESTLER.

Then our jury met at the Excellsior Hotel in the room provided by a Catholic film group from Rome, and we discerned which film would receive our prize.

The award ceremony is tomorrow afternoon in the Press Conference Room here at the Casino. Then the jury was given some tickets for the awards ceremony and the dinner after. I am not a night person as many of you know so I didn-t volunteer. Alas, as the president of the jury it seems good for me to go, though we are small fish in a very large ocean over here. Will report on this once I get back to LA.

The days here have been warm and last night there was a thunder storm, but other than that, heavenly. Blue sky and sun. OK, some humidity and annoying beatialini ... bugs. Cigarette smoke like you wouldn,t believe, and if there was a visual motif that ran through all the films at the festival, it was cigarette smoking. I took some photos of the cigarette displays in one of the shops. You wouldn,t believe the warnings they have on the packs over here. But do the warnings work... are you kidding ... the punctuation on this keyboard has been re/programmed so please correct as you go along.

So,

THE WRESTLER ... Stars Mickey Rourke as Randy the Ram, a professional wrestler on his last legs. He cannot pay his rent at the trailer park where he lives in New Jersey ... Rahway I think, there is no wife in the picture, but a friendly stripper, and he is alienated from his daughter. He still wrestles on the weekends but works in the back of a supermarket wekedays. He also takes steroids and sells traffics in pills on the side. But he-s got a good heart and he still has his fans.... some anyway. Then he has a heart attack and is told he has to stop wrestling. It is not so easy.... I thought Rourke did an excellent job in this role. It is a very sad film, however, and filled with loneliness.

Mickey Rourke in THE WRESTLER

And this, my friends, is my last film of the festival! Thanks for reading along....

Blessings. I will post photos or a link to Shutterfly as soon as I can.

Tags: Venice Film Festival, The Wrestler

Rachel Getting Married, Nuit de Chien, Hurt Locker, Gabbla (Inland)

2008-09-04T10:57:00.000-07:00

Nuit de chien

This stylistic theatrical (as on the stage) film is a walk on the dark side of politics where everyone must make a choice. And everyone dies, the point is when. The theme is political manipulation in a an imagined fascist state. For me, it was not so easy to watch. But then I had the pleasure of meeting one of the executive producers who came to the ecumenical round-table yesterday on the human and spiritual values of contemporary Chinese film (how’s that for a topic?). We got to talking and found that she is a Catholic and went to a Catholic boarding school growing up. We had breakfast together at the hotel this morning; what a wonderful lady. There is a chance the film may win an award here ….

The Sky Crawlers

For all you anime lovers! Warner Bros. has distribution so I imagine this Japanese film will come to the US. This very long film is for older teens and young adults. Don’t let the animation fool you. The film is a sci-fi fusion of animation styles… and not one computer is to be seen throughout. The story follows a very youthful looking pilot, one of the ‘Kildren’ , a by-product of genetic manipulation that clones people who never grow up…. And can only die if they are killed in war. No problem… the wars are manufactured and continual and carried out by companies who exist to fight wars to give people the illusion of peace. Because you only know what peace is if there is a war going on, right? The film is actually an existential conversation between characters about whether or not living is relevant and if walking along a country road each day with the possibility to notice something new makes life worth living. Although this genre is not my favourite, I must admit that it launched many conversations among us jurors. It took way too long to get into the story (as did many of the films at Venice this year….). If you like thoughtful films, you may want to check this one out. It is based on a best-selling Japanese novel.

Rachel Getting Married

This Jonathan Demme film stars Anne Hathaway as Kym, the sister of Rachel, who gets out of rehab just in time for Rachel’s wedding. This is a film that works the 12-step program through and through, and to good effect, I thought. It’s also done with a hand-held camera (as were several films at Venice this year) and according to Demme, he wanted it to be the best home movie ever. It probably achieved that. I really like cultural inclusivity in film, but I thought this pushed a good thing into pure pastiche. Having said this, I think this is an interesting and even important film about family relations and healing. Also, Anne Hathaway proves she has acting chops … she is not just a pretty face... Screenplay by Jenny Lumet... daughter of Sidney.

Anne Hathaway as Kym and Rosemarie DeWitt as Rachel.

Gabbla (Inland)

An Algerian surveyor must go into the outback to re-map an area in order to bring in electrical lines to remote villages. He is part of a kind of coffee house intelligentsia/anti-intelligensia group as well that is pushing for a revolution. Once he gets to the village, he meets with hostile local officials who don't seem to want government interference. At the same time, Africans from other countries are sneaking into Algeria to escape persecution in their own countries and the main character discovers a woman in his poor trailer one day….

This extremely long film took almost 90 minutes to get to the action. It is a true art house style of filmmaking that invites contemplation rather than the expectation of cause-effect narrative.

The Hurt Locker

This Kathryn Bigelow film will go down in cinema history as part of the Iraqi war film genre. It follows three soldiers through their last month as a team that diffuses roadside bombs. The premise of the film is that war is addictive. It is relentless in its pursuit of getting the audience to experience even a little of what these soldiers, all male, go through and how once one of them gets home, he cannot settle. He has to go back to find meaning on his life. This film will not be commercially viable but in a few years it will be seen as an important investigation into the psyche of soldiering for a war with no reason, and into the banality of the military’s attempt as assuaging the impending tragedy of the lives of these soldiers. Hand-held camera…. Visceral.

Tags: Venice Film Festival Reviews 2008

Teza, Pranza di Ferragosto, Paper Soldier

2008-09-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, September 2

Teza

This is the first film I have ever seen by an Ethiopian filmmaker. It tells the story of a young man, Teza, who is caught up in the Marxist revolution that replaced Haile Selassie around 1970. He is sent to study medicine in East Germany, and then returns in 1980 and finally in 1990. It is a very long film (it could have used a better editor) and for the most part, artfully made. Although the people are Coptic Christians (and religion plays a big, though not very influential part in the film), tribal customs are still strong. Teza’s ideology is severely challenged when he returns to Ethiopia in 1980 to see his mother and family. He takes a job at a research hospital but a friend is killed and he never gets to see his mother. He flees back to East Germany when the revolution turns bad then after the fall of the Berlin Wall, another reversal of ideology that allows racism, sends him home, finally, maimed in body and soul. (The film also focuses son the Italian colonization of Ethiopia as well….) A film that preferences narrative over plot, but interesting.

Paper Soldier (Bumazhny soldat)

In 1961 the Soviets were preparing to send up the first cosmonaut intospace. Paper Soldier follows the angst of a medical doctor who helps train the young men, one of whom is chosen for the flight. His wife, also a doctor, is in Moscow and wants to have a child; he has a mistress back in Kazakhstan. He also has visions of his dead parents, and he and his colleagues all have existential questions about life and death. It was like a Woody Allen film without the humor.

However, Paper Soldier is an interesting film as far as contemporary Russian filmmaking goes. Most of the action takes place in Kazakhstan and the cold landscape is a principle character in the the history the film describes.

Mid-August Lunch (Pranzo di Ferragosto)

Gianni is a good-hearted middle-aged man who lives with his elderly mother in Rome. He shops for them and adds to his accounts in the shops. He is way behind in his maintenance payments to his condo association and way, way behind on his electrical bill. His super arrives for the accounting and then says he will take care of everything if Gianni will look after his own elderly mother for the August holiday. Gianni knows a good thing when he sees it even though he is reluctant. The super arrives later with his elderly mother … and an elderly aunt in tow. Another old lady arrives and this is a set up for a genuinely entertaining 75 minute film. The film is directed by Gianni Di Gregorio, writtenby him and he decided to play the main role …. Because this actually happened tohim. Well, several years ago he was asked to take care of someone’s mother and he said ‘no’. But he got an idea for the film and it stayed with him.What might have happened had he said yes? He admits it is a small film but it is also a quietly brilliant film that I think would do well in the US.

Venice Film Festival Photos

2008-09-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is the official logo or graphic of the festival this year and I couldn't find it on google images (!) so I took a photo of a billboard... :-) They are big on piracy issues this year here. Digital cinema is also a hot topic.

Here are some photos I have taken from the festival so far... No, there aren't any of anyone famous (yet). I haven't been going to the press conferences and the journalists have finally figured out which door the celebs enter and exit from (in 2000 there were only two of us hanging around and that's how we got to meet Ed Harris...)

Anyway, these may or may not be in any order, but here goes!

Freddie Sartor, a SIGNIS (Catholic) Jury member from Belgium on the left and Fr. Peter Malone, MSH, who heads the SIGNIS chair for cinema and is a jury member as well.

This was opening night... waiting for George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Coen Brothers...

The Excellsior Hotel, Lido

Tags: Venice Film Festival photos

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea; Vegas: Based on a True Story; Sut - Milk; The Birdwatchers

2008-09-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Monday at the Venice Film Festival September 1

Today is quite warm and humid – but it’s Venice and there is water, water everywhere! I don’t think I mentioned the mosquito mutants that come out at dusk here. They are like flying chiggers and they attack as a mob. Bring OFF if you ever come to Venice (or any part of Italy for that matter….)

Tomorrow is the presentation of the Prix Bresson, a Catholic prize. I will have more information on it tomorrow or on Wednesday. Then on Wednesday, there will be an ecumenical panel. I am not sure of the theme yet but I know a couple of the folks who will be representing InterFilm, Hans Hoedel and Karsten. More after the event. Both will be held at the Excelsior (Westin) Hotel for those of you who know Venice.

On the steps outside of the Sala Perla (the Casino), a young woman asked me the time and hearing her American accent, asked where she was from: North Carolina. She is studying in Italy and is here to see what the festival is all about. I invited her to the two events this week; I hope she will come.

So here are the recent films:

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea

Gake no ue no Ponyo

Another animated treat from Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away; Howl’s Moving Castle) that will enchant the very young and old alike. A princess goldfish wants to become a human. She is rescued by a five year-old boy, Sosuke. He has a cut on his hand and when she licks it, it is healed. A taste of Sosuke’s blood allows her to turn human. Sosuke and his mother, Lisa, live on an Island. Lisa works at a residence for senior citizens and Sosuke is a favorite with the ladies. Sosuke’s dad is a captain of a ship. When a great storm arises because her mother, the Sea Queen, and her father, who used to be human, want her back. Sosuke and Ponyo have a great adventure ….

Some of the critics present think this is a film for 4 and 5 yeasr-olds, but I think it might be a tad scary for children this young. Seven and eight might be better. The animation is just lovely and the story moves right along. I would not say this has a linear story line, but who cares? It is uncomplicated and totally enjoyable. The music is very good, and the Sea Queen looks like a Disney character…. But since Miyazaki is known as Japan’s Walt Disney, so I guess we can forgive him that. At least none of the characters here are sexualized, unlike many Disney animated female characters. I thought this might be a Japanese version of The Little Mermaid, but thankfully, it is not. It is kind of funny to see human faces on Ponyo’s species of fish, but in an animated world, everything is possible. This is a story where key the girl and boy characters are both heroes. Finally.

Vegas: Based on a True Story

This is the fifth American film from Iranian director Amir Nadiri (Manhattan by Numbers). Here he tells the story of Eddie and Tracy Parker, both recovering alcoholics and gamblers trying to go straight (especially Tracy) and their 12 year-old son Mitch. They live in a double-wide trailor on the outskirts of Vegas. Tracy is a waitress in a diner and Eddie works at a tire repair place. Tracy treasures her garden. One day, a Marine shows up asking to buy their neat little homestead; he says he grew up on this lot and his mother now wants to live there again. He tells the Parkers they can name their price.

Tracy says no, and Eddie discovers that the Marine is really an imposter. When Eddie confronts him, the ‘marine’ tells him the ‘truth’: the Gibson gang buried a million dollars on their property in the 1960’s…. Suddenly, everything Tracy and Eddie have worked for: stability, hard work, a nice, well-kept home, church on Sundays, is all gone as little by little they chip away at their property and dignity to take a chance that the buried money is in their yard.

The wind-blown, dirt-filled, landscape is a metaphor for the way some people fall prey to gambling, and Vegas blows right through everything they own or ever hope to be. (Did you ever hear of Reality Gambling? I had not heard of it until this film, but it is easy to see how people can be taken by it, but very sad to think that human beings would do this to others.)

This is a film every self-help and recovery group will want to see and consider. Vegas is a very strong film, though obviously low budget. It hits home.

Sut

Milk

A Turkish film, this is a kind of cinema poem about a young man in modern, rural Turkey, who wants to be a poet. Hissingle mother keeps three cows, sells milk and makes cheese. There is also a kind of medicine man who writes notes and places them in bowls of milk to extricate snakes from homes … and in the opening scene from a young woman by hanging her upside down over a fire with a pot of milk … and the note … boiling away. She coughs and out comes the snake…. I am still not sure what the notes and the snakes had to do with anything. Very interesting, however. There was little dialogue but it was easy easy enough to follow the narrative. Perhaps the milk/snake was meant to be a metaphor understood best in the Turkish culture. Don’t know….

Below Sea Level

This documentary is about aging baby-boomers, the ‘residentially challenged’ or homeless, who live in a kind of trailor park (trailor is the most beat-up sense of the word) in the desert east of San Diego and about five miles north of the US-Mexican border. They have ended up here because it is illegal to sleep in public in any town or city in the USA but no one seems to care about the desert. These folks have almost no money and are each surviving some kind of personal, health, family, or social tragedy. It reminded me of some of the characters in Into the Wild. Some of these folks are mentally and emotionally challenged as well but they form a kind of community out in the desert, living one day at a time. Interesting that they are all white people…. I wonder what keeps them going? Perhaps it is the music; they make music together. A sad-funny movie about people living at the limits in the USA.

Birdwatchers

La terra degli uomini rossi

A group of modern day Guarani Indians in Brazil live on a federal reserve. The community is plagued by a series of teen suicides because they have nothing to look forward to. One leader decides to begin a movement and moves back to his ancestral land that has been in the hands of a non-Indian family for 60 years. They build a camp just outside the plantation or ranch that caters to tourists who come to watch birds. The Indians cross the fields to get water and aggravate the landowner. More and more Indians join the original group until the inevitabile happens. This is a story about land rights, and the continuing saga of indigineous peoples who still struggle in countries formed by European colonizers. We follow the story of two young boys especially, and the hopelessness and courage that complicates family and tribal relations as well a show ranchers, police, and government treat the Guarani. A very strong film that does not exploit the audience by over-powering or graphic violence. This is a human story and it works well. Directed by Marco Bechis. I belive all the Guarani actors are non-professionals; if so, they are exceptional.

Nelson Consianda as Nhanderu, one of the boys in the film who is becoming a shaman, who dreams about the bad things that will happen.

Tags: Vegas Based on a True Story, Venice Film Festival September 1, 2008, Birdwatchers, Ponyo on the Cliffs by the Sea

L'autrer - The Other; Il Papa di Giovanna - Giovanna's Father

2008-08-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

Today is Sunday, and a bit overcast, hot and humid. Mass is this evening at the parish of Santa Maria Elisabetta right near the hotel. Fr. Dario Vigano, a priest from Rome who works with the Italian Bishops, Conference for communication, just took our jury to lunch at a lovely Italian restaurant on the far end of the Lido island. Neither Peter Malone nor I are fish-eaters so we look in awe over our mounds of prosciutto to the very beautifully arranged antipasto dishes of the others… albino crawfish! And other creatures I am unsure of…. Then they had lasagne al mare (it looked lovely actually; white lasagne with sea food) and we had gnocchi. Also, Brut seems to be the drink of preference here in the Lido… Very nice!

L,autre

The Other

A 47 year old French woman, Anne-Marie has divorced her husband after 18 years of marriage and tells her co-worker, she is finally free. However, she takes up with a handsome black man, several years younger. I suppose in the US she could be called a cougar…. She wants no attachments. She breaks up with him… but cannot let him go. When she finds out he has a new girl friend, her same age, she begins to stalk the young man and tries to track down the woman.

Can you guess where this is going? No where. I think it is the mirror opposite of the Belgian film NOWHERE MAN. A mid-life crisis characterized by self-inflicted loneliness turns the woman into an obsessive quasi- predator.

The film was long and tedious, even if it is possible to have some sympathy for the woman. She has a friend her age named Lars that she calls up for companionship in her misery. To his credit, he offers her faith and grace. He receives bad news about his health a few days later and the prognosis is bleak indeed. But he is ready.

Does Anne-Marie learn anything? Well I cannot tell you that. But this one is not on my favourite film list, though the other jury members seemed to have liked it well enough. At least it was different from formulaic narratives…. I don,t mind ,different, but I do mind boring.

Il Papa di Giovanna

Giovanna,s Father

Silvio Orlando as Giovanna's papa....

It is 1938, Rome. An art teacher counsels his 17 year old daughter, Giovanna, who is socially challenged, about how to notice boys, to make friends. The mother is beautiful and distant. She married for security, not love. She knows Giovanna is different....

Tragedy unfolds when Giovanna’s only friend, the daughter of a senator, goes after a young man, the only young man who has ever paid any attention to Giovanna. In fact, her father has encouraged both Giovanna and the youth, in his quiet though direct way. When Giovanna discovers that the young man and her friend are really together, Giovanna kills the girl.

What ensues is a trial and the determination that Giovanna is criminally insane – and the audience agrees. As World War II breaks out, Giovanna’s father, realizing his part in the tragedy, and recognizing that he did not notice how fragile his daughter really was, moves near the hospital to care for her. The mother gets a job in Rome, and then goes with a former police man friend, Giovanna’s god-father, into the country side to wait out the war. …

This is a family-psychological drama of the first order, told with depth and sympathy. Silvio Orlando as the father is brilliant. Redemption and reconciliation are at hand even amid tragedy; especially amid tragedy. The film is shot is sepia giving it a historical look. I thought the acting was mostly good. The fascist landscape, however, did not impress my co-jurors from Europe. They are tired of this director's continual use of this historical period to tell his stories ( Pupi Avati). One of the jurors did say, however, that the fascists were unforgiving and that Avati must have been making a parallel between human relationships and politics.

Score one for Avati.

Tags: VEnice Film Festival August 31, 2008

PLASTIC CITY, GOODBYE SOLO, A PERFECT DAY UN GIORNO PERFETTO,

2008-08-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

First,

Venice Musings

There is cigarette smoke everywhere.

But you have to give it to the Italians, They will crawl over all kinds of arms and legs to get a seat, talking all the while on a cell phone. No problema!

It is another beautiful day in Venice. Yesterday got a little interesting. I fell in the Pala Lido theater. The steps are uneven and made of rough cement. I should have stayed seated til the lights came up but I dropped my cane and when I took a step to pick it up, I missed and down I went! The good part? The lights were still down. The bad part? I am pretty sure from the angry red swelling of the toe next to my little toe on my right foot, that I fractured it. But as everyone knows, there’s nothing to be done for a broken toe except ice and keeping it elevated and to take lots of motrin. All done. Today I am navigating quite well…. Thank God. Oh, and a giant centipede crawled slowly down my curtain last night, and I got so agitated I couldn,t find the OFF right away and had to hop around on one foot to get it… but when I did I sprayed into the valance, shook the curtain and down he came. Squish. Maybe you had to be there. I don,t know.

So for today’s films... The theme of Don Juan de Marco keeps playing in my head because a version of it was playing all the way through UN GIORNO PERFETTO)

PLASTIC CITY (DANGKO)

This Brazilian-Japanese collaboration is a really ugly watch. It tells the story of a Chinese man who gets smuggled into Brazil in the 1980,s and the small Japanese boy he found in the rain forest and adopted as his son. They went into business (eventually) selling cheap knock off,s, fakes, using a guerrilla sales force in any market place available in the northwest part of Brazil. As the older man grows rich, the market is now global and the face of crime is changing. Instead of cheap knockoff,s, the new crooks want to do overruns on quality merchandise and put on false labels. The Chinese boss, however, doesn,t believe he can make money from doing this, only from fake stuff.

There is a mix of politics and other Asian criminals from New York, violence and betrayals …. As well as the income from the usual vices of the night. The father-son relationship is supposed to drive the film but it was a harsh film, both as story and visually. I can imagine that this is reality for many populations around the world, however. People need to eat, to survive, and economic and power forces make it very hard to lead a virtuous life. This doesn,t excuse crime, or ugly filmmaking, but the truth is out there.

There wasn,t anything socially redeeming about the film that I could find, as film. I don't know who would watch it.

VICINO AL COLOSSEO C,E, MONTI

A short film about life today in a Roman neighborhood by Mario Monicelli, a well-known director. Okay….. but ... why?

PUISQUE NOUS SOMMES NES

Because we were born

A bleak Brazilian film about two young boys coming of age in rural Brazil amidst real hardship. You can feel the heat, the struggle for clean water and the stench of dead farm animals that starve as the people watch. They work for a few reales to buy food for their families while their illiterate mother tries to get them to go to school. This is a cinema verite - existential type of film, and believe me it breaks your heart.

UN GIORNO PERFETTO - A PERFECT DAY

Probably one of the best advertised films of the festival, the critics hooted it to death at the end. The title is truly ironic because no one has a perfect day, not the divorced mother of two, her children, her greatly troubled, mentally ill cop ex-husband (for I while I was thinking this was going to be an Italian version of a Lifetime movie: I should have been so lucky), thepolitician running for office, his young trophy wife or his grown son…. While this was a very well made film and yes, watchable until the end, it is terribly pessimistic. However, given the rates of wife and child abuse in the world, perhaps the ending was to have been expected. The Italians know their cinema, however. At one point, the grown son of the politician, an artist, paints the face of his young step-mother all over a dilapidated wall and lights candles before it. The critics laughed and guffawed and it was downhill from then on…. When the Italian critics don,t like a film, they clap while making this strange booing like sound. I aksed the lady next to me what it meant, and she said, "Oh, I don,t think they liked it very much at all....It is their way to scorn...." Well, as our nuns like to say, Los Angeles audiences are very big hearted and applaud the efforts of our filmmakers. I think it takes a lot of guts to make a film in Italy....

GOODBYE SOLO

Souleymane Sy Savane as Solo (rt) and Red West as William in GOODBYE SOLO, a film by Rahmin Bahrani

Now this small, American-made film was really good and the acting excellent. A taxi drive in Winston-Salem, a man from Senegal, picks up a fare…an older man, William, wants Solo, the driver, to drive himto a mountain in NC, on a certain date. Solo realizes the man wants to kill himself and he spends the next ten days doing everything he can to talk him out of it. Solo is also studying to become a flight attendant, his great dream, but his pregnant wife who is Mexican, wants him to keep the safe job as a taxi driver. Alex, his young step daughter, loves him, and they have a lovely relationship as she teaches him many things. Solo,s wife kicks him out (temporarily) and he moves into a motel room with William.

I won’t give away the ending but I saw William as a kind of alter-ego for Solo, who appeared for a time to act as a father figure and teacher who makes Solo stretch and grow by aggravating him, and then … disappears. One of the best I have seen so far and it is not in competition. Too bad!

Off to an evening screening now….

Later….

Tags: Venice Film Festival Day Four (or Five)

BURNING PLAIN, PUCCINI E LA FANCIULLA, Z32, ROMANCE DE VILA DO CONDE and O VITRAL

2008-08-29T07:48:00.000-07:00

ROMANCE DE VILA DO CONDE and O VITRAL E A SANTA MORTA

By Manuel de Olivera

These two short fims seem to be the fading work of de Olivera .. who is 101 years old and still making movies... because they both lack his usual brilliant photography and though the poems have religious content, Catholic, that is, they were not so inspiring. Narrated montage…

PUCCINI E LA FANCIULLA

In 1909 … if I got the date right … the housemaid of Puccini,s wife at their villa on the lake, killed herself. She caught one of Puccini,s collaborators having it on with someone important … can-t recall who… and she starts a terrible rumor about the poor housemaid to secure her silence. The girl is so good ... and smart enough... that the woman need not have bothered, but she did and hence the tragedy.

The unique aspect of this simple story is that it not only shows the consequences of the work of malicious tongues, but the film is devoid of conversation. Everything is effectively acted or told through letters and telegrams … hence the difficulty of identifying at least one of the characters. Puccini was no saint, and he did try to help the poor girl, but everyone, including Puccini,s wife, her mother, and the local pastor, turned against her. I am not familiar with the details of Puccini,s life, so I am not sure this really happened. But trueor not, it is a sad morality tale, beautifully rendered in film.

Z32 ... edited August 30

This Israeli film was really powerful. A filmmaker tries to find a way to tell the story of a solider who two years previously was sent out to do revenge killings on Palestinian policemen, in this case unarmed and just doing their jobs of manning a road check. Two or four, we aren,t too sure, Israeli soldiers had been killed and several army troops were sent out to do revenge killings. One solider cannot quiet his conscience. The film shows the young man trying to elicit forgiveness from his girlfriend, but though she helps him rationalize the adrenalin filled life of a soldier, she is incapable of walking in his boots. The director sings a narration… about war and inhumanity, not only to the enemy but to the soldiers of the good side.

I haven,t done any background reading on this film so I don,t know if it is in fact a documentary or a fictional film told in documentary style. Either way, it is powerful and thought/provoking, and at the end of the day, deeply sad. Because forgiveness can only come from the one who has been offended, or their wives, children, and parents.

Note today, August 30: This film is called a musical documentary. The director is like Tevye of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. He sings the story as the ex soldier tells his story. The write up in the festival catalogue says that the music was an attempt to tell a story that is essentially unrecountable through art. Though it the film drags somewhat, perhaps the audiences discomfort is a way to share in the pain of the plight of soldiers with a conscience everywhere. R

It just ends.

THE BURNING PLAIN

Charlize Theron in THE BURNING PLAIN

This film, by writer Gulliermo Arriaga … who wrote Amores Perros, 21 Grams, and Babel, is the story of a loner, played by Charlize Theron, who sleeps with anyone, lives an empty life, and how she got to this point. The narrative begins with an old single wide trailer blowing up in the desert in what seems like New Mexico. We find that a woman, played by Kim Basinger, has died in the fire with her lover.

How they got there, and how and why they died, is what the film is about. I cannot tell you any more but these few things…. It will be a challenge for many people to watch because of the usual reasons… violence, sex, nudity, language. However, the film transcends the human flaws of the characters to achieve … perhaps another Oscar nod for the writer and director and Charlize Theron and maybe relative newcomber Jennifer Lawrence … ok, maybe Basinger, too. The negative aspects of the film are not gratuitous but demonstrate only too well the inner realities of the characters. If you liked or appreciated any or all of the above films … Amores, 21, Babel, you will want to put this on your list.

Forgiveness is possible.

NOWHERE MAN, INJU, LA RABBIA DI PASOLINI, COLD LUNCH

2008-08-29T07:09:00.000-07:00

NOWHERE MAN

A Belgian film about a man who takes advantage of his neoghbor,s housefire to fake his death and disappear to a remote island where he has bought what he thought was a nice piece of real estate. He has been living in mid.life fear that his beautiful wife will leave him, and is dispirited, disappointed and depressed. He finds that his island paradise is in ruins because some kind of insect had invaded the island and ruined commerce. Life is extemely hard and after five years he returns home to find his wife, who has remarried.

This is again a watchable film but another downer. The main character never grows up or gets over his maliase. Life is all … nothing.

INJU, LA BETE DANS L,OMBRE

Now, this was an interesting film by Barbet Schroeder … SINGLE WHITE FEMALE… who specializes in difficult films. The last time I was in Venice, in 2000, his OUR LADY OF THE ASSASINS was in competition and it was really hard to watch.

Benoit Magimel is Alex, the crime fiction writer

This new film, however, is about a French crime novelist, Alex, who bases himself on the work of a Japanese crime novelist who has never been seen in public. Alex, however, prides himself on creating a fictional unviverse where good triumphs over evil, the opposite of the Japanese writer.

When Alex goes to Kyoto on a book tour for his first novel published in Japan, his Japanese mentor … so to speak … threatens him on a call in TV show. Then, the publisher treats Alex and his driver, Ken, to an evening at a geisha house.

This is where the dictum or cliche, ... things are not what they seem... really comes into play.

IN JU are the letters for yin and yang in Japanese … acccording to the press material. There is a lot of yin and yang going in and out of balance in the film and the lack of Alex,s ability to negotiate the line between fiction and reality.. or his incredible immaturity or auteurial arrogance turns out to be very costly indeed.

This is a difficult because of the mix of sex and violence, yet an almost brilliant film. Unfortunately, some of us on the jury figured it out before the end so it seemed almost facile. Well filmed, certainly, if not too convoluted anddeliberately over constructed for its own good.

LA RABBIA DI PASOLINI and PADRE SELVEGGIO by Pasolini

There is a track going on here that is like a master class in film. I missed the session on Fellini, but this one on Pasolini made up for it, I think.

In 1962 Pasolini was asked to make a film made up of newsreel footage showing icons of the past, from 1946 through 1963 … and how they can influence the future. He was making the entire thing when the producer decided to add in three other directors. So Pasolini,s first version wasn,t released … from what I can tell. So here filmmaker Giuseppe Bertolucci put together both versions and this is what we saw. Pasolini wrote the script and it is very poetic. In fact, he puts politics and poetry together. He was a Marxist so the ideology is dated, but some of the narration would fit world situations today. He also liked Pope John XXIII and … finishes off giving a very poetic eulogy on beauty to Marilyn Monroe who had recently died. I think film students will love this ,montage,. There is some amazing and memorable commentary on film, power, religion, and art by Pasolini that make it worth seeing.

COLD LUNCH …Lonsj

This ensemble film is the directorial debut of a young Norwegian woman. It brings together several people over a few days in a small town in Norway in the early summer… it begins and ends with car crashes so these jarring events frame the film. It is beautifully filmed … and another downer. The film is not in competition but since I had time I went to this screening because there was a panel after. I didn,t have to ask why she made such a pessimistic film against a beautiful landscape because everyone wanted to know this. She said it was … ironic. Oh how very European this festival is!! Anyway, the message of the film for her was that your life is the pits if you don,tget your act together. The female figures all go against the stereotype of what most consider to be of the strong and independent Scandanavian woman. This was a surprise to the audience, and even to the key actress in the film who was present. She was surprised, when she researched the role, that abuse of women occurs even in her country. There was kindness in the film, but also great cruelty, both subtle and explicit. And there was one young girl whose father had raised her almost as a house captive, who must go out into the world when he dies … all alone, with no money. She only wants to go swimming, and because of the kindness of strangers, she finds the sea. Not so happy for everyone else.

Tags: La rabbia di Pasolinie Venice Film Festival 2008

AKIRES TO KAME

2008-08-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

AKIRES TO KAME

Or ACHILLES AND THE TORTISE

Thursday, August 28th, yesterday, was very interesting!

ACHILLES AND THE TORTISE is a Japanaese film about a young boy who grows up to be an artist, a painter. Although it seems simple, the protagonist is almost devoid of emotion because he is so focused, but he is kindly. He brings an excellent harborscape painting to a gallery owner who kew his father and he gives him all kinds of advice over the years. Why the main character never goes to anyone else is never explained. He goes to art school, gets a job to support himself, marries, has a daughter, lets his wife support him, then his daughter… and so on and so forth. This was an entertaining film, with some humor but it left me with many questions because the man who could see was so blind to the love that was around him….

Takeshi Kitano in the lead role as the artist

Tags: Venice Film Festival 2008

Jerichow

2008-08-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

JERICHOW

Wednesday, August 27th finished off with the German film JERICHOW, the first film in competition of which there are 21 all together plus tons of other films. I will let you check www.imdb.com … the Internet Movie Database for fimmaker details, or you can visit www.labiennale.org the Venice film Festival,s official site.

JERICHOW is a German film about a dishonorably discharged soldier who had served in Afghanistan, a Turkish man who owns a chain of snack shops and his German wife. The soldier, Thomas, has just buried his mother when the man who had lent him a lot of money comes for it, beating him in the process. Penniless, the Turkish man, Ali, who has lived in Germany since he was two years old, almost runs him off the road when he loses control of his car because he is drunk … as usual. Ali hires Tomas to be his driver because he has already lost his license. In fact, Thomas plays a good samaratin to Ali and takes the blame for the accident when the cops show up.

Benno Furmann as Thomas

Laura, Ali,s wife, and Thomas are attracted to one another, but Tomas tries to be honorable. Ali is jealous and follows his wife. Thus the scene is set for a tragedy that will reveal who among them, if any, has a good heart. Add to it the theme of identity, both human and national.

JERICHOW is the town where all this takes place. The story is a tragedy and though well filmed and very watchable, is a downer at the end of the day.

Tags: Jerichow Venice

Burn after Reading Opens 65th Venice Film Festival

2008-08-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

BURN AFTER READING is opening the festival tonight, but as I mentioned, jury members and the press were able to see it this afternoon.

BURN AFTER READING is very funny. It is a convoluted caper that combines marriage, politics, and everyday people who get caught up in a fabricated conspiracy. I think the Coen Bros. were sitting around one rainy day with nothing to do and they let their imaginations go into ,free range, mode. They get a little lazy with the overuse of the ,f, word, but the 40 something Brad Pitt playing a 20 year old trainer at a gym … is hilarious. Everyone, obviously, just takes themselves too seriously, especially the CIA ... but a scary commentary on governmental incompetence.

The short film from Manoel de Oliveira, Do Visivel ao Invisivel ... From the Visible to the Invisible... that came first was a kindly satire on the influence of cell phones on human communication. This is one all media literacy education teachers will want to have in their collections!

Tags: Burn after Reading, media literacy education and cinema,

Venice Film Festival 2008 Day 1

2008-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

65th Venice Film Festival Journal

65 Mostra Internazionale d-arte Cinematografica

August 27, 2008

Greetings one and all from Venice, Italy. It is about 90f and the sky is as blue as blue can be. The Adriatic Ocean is right across the street and the few peeks I got of it today show it reflecting the dome above beautifully.

Ear Plugs

I arrived yesterday at the Marco Polo Airport right on time at 9.30am, Tuesday, August 25, from Boston through JFK … pardon all typo-s please… this is a euro keyboard and since I am on the clock in the press room… I will do the best I can and improvise as needed with punctuation! I took the water taxi … the big one… to the Lido Island … the barrier island to Venice, the last glimpse of land that Marco Polo had when he left on his big voyage. The Catholic Jury, that is, SIGNIS jury, is billeted at the Hotel Riviera which is located right across from the boat landing.

But about the flight over. The man across the aisle from me started snoring before the dinner service was finished. I thought to myself, mama mia. This all night… So for the first time in my many flights over the last 40 years, I used the ear plugs that Delta handed out. I slept for FIVE HOURS. Please do try the ear plugs on your next long flight! However, this was an old Delta plane so they only showed one movie in 8 hours and it was Prince Caspian which I had already seen, so sleep became an easy option. Cannot believe I never tried those ear plugs before!

After I check in at the hotel I took the bus to the festival site and got my credentials, then back to the hotel for a nice snooze. I was so glad I was here when the flight computers in the USA went down, though I am sorry for everyone who got stuck on their journeys….

Day One August 27, 2008

The festival really begins tonight with the screening of the Coen Brothers new film, BURN AFTER READING and a short film by the 100 year old filmmaker, Manoel de Oliveira, Do Visivel ao Invisivel, FROM THE VISIBLE TO THE INVISIBLE. However, our jury was not ninvited to this red carpet event, so we were able to see the films earlier with the rest of the press corps and independent jury members.

There really is a feeling of festival here in Venice as the Italians love their cinema. American films are also popular, though it often depends on who stars, or directs. The streets are getting more and morecrowded as the evening,s events draw near. I think the best time to come to the press room, however, is inthe evening. I tried before and it was always full of people using the 80 computer stations available.

The cast of BURN AFTER READING and the COEN BROTHERS

We had our first meeting as a jury this afternoon at the Excelsior Hotel … a historic monument but now a Westin. I was asked to serve as president, and am very honored, only the third female since 1993 to do so. It is not a difficult job, however, as everyone is on the same page regarding criteria (human and Gospel values in art and story, etc.). We will meet next week and then again on Sept 5th to vote for the SIGNIS prize winner.

The jury members … some of you will know some of us… are PETER MALONE, MSH, who heads the SIGNIS film desk, the co author of the Lights, Camera, Faith series, and a film reviewer for over 40 years…RAFFAELLA GIANCRISTOFARO, a journalist and film critic with ROLLINGSTONE magazine Italy and who once worked with Maria Grazia Alberione, the niece of the founder of the Daughters of St. Paul, Blessed James Alberione, SSP, SERGIO JOEL ASCENSIO CASILLAS, a priest of the archdiocese of Guadalajara, Mexico, who is studying at the Pont. Salesian University, a film journalist who runs a major film festival in Guadalajara, FED|ERICO PONTIGGIO, a film journalist, for both print and online outlets, FREDDIE SATOR, a film journalist for two magazines from Belgium, CHARLES MARTIG, a Swiss film journalist and educator, and director of the Catholic Film Office for the Swiss German Bishops, Conference out of Zurich and me.

This evening,s film is JERICHOW. I will report tomorrow!

I am taking photos and some video with my digital camera… I will see what I can do to post something as these 12 days go by! Blessings to all

Tags: Venice Film Festival, 65th Venice Film Festival, Catholic jury, \signis jury Venice Film Festival

Pastoral and Evangelizing Communication Online Course to begin

2008-08-20T09:48:00.000-07:00

Pastoral and Evangelizing Communication
Five Week Online Course

If you are interested in taking an interesting course, please contact Richard Drabik at the University of Dayton. I think there are only a few days left for registration. Or you can go to http://vlc.udayton.edu to register. This course integrates pastoral communications with ministry and life so very well.

Richard R. Drabik
University of Dayton
Institute for Pastoral Initiatives
Internet and Technology Team
937-229-3874
Toll-Free 1-888-300-8436

Tags: Online Course ministry; online course communications and ministry

Historia de un Letrero The Story of a Sign Cannes 2008

2008-08-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

This short film epitomizes the ability of the language of film to communicate on its own terms. People do get metaphor if communicators (of all kinds) believe in our human capacity to tell, integrate, and understand stories.

Remember, film (and television) are the only two art forms that take place completely inside your head and heart.

Beautiful.

Enjoy.

R

Tags: Film Studies, film as art, Cannes 2008

Sex and the City

2008-07-29T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here are two reviews of the film "Sex and the City".

The first is the one I wrote for St. Anthony Messenger, July 2008:

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Aug2008/Eye_On_Entertainment.asp#F3

This one is by Sr. Bernadette Mary Reis, FSP. She wrote it for Busted Halo and surveyed many women for their response to the film.

http://www.bustedhalo.com/features/SexandtheCityandSisterBernadette.htm

Tags: Sex and the City film; Sex and the city women

Media Literacy Course Releases YouTube Video!

2008-07-16T18:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Nick Pernisco of Santa Monica College, our Master Teacher in Media Literacy Certificate Course participants made a video and posted it today on YouTube!

We hope this is the first of many!

Tags: Media literacy, media literacy education, catechist certification, catechist specialization

St. Paul goes to the Movies in the Pauline Year 2008-2009

2008-07-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

Painting of St. Paul by El Greco

I recently received two inquiries about major motion pictures that correlate with St. Paul's life, ministry, letters. Folks want to use the films to explore the theology and spirituality of St. Paul during this Pauline Year June 2008 -June 2009, commemorating the birth of St. Paul. I think this is a great idea! In fact, we may choose Pauline theological themes as the framework of the National Film Retreat in 2009.

Here are some suggestions for now, but I hope to amplify this list over the next few months. The first thing to do, is of course, is to identify the key theological themes in St. Paul's life and writings.

BOOKS

These two books explore some films from a Pauline perspective.

St. Paul at the Movies: The Apostles Dialogue with American Culture

by Robert Jewett; paperback, 1993

St. Paul Returns to the Movies: Triumph Over Shame

by Robert Jewett; paperback, 1998

CD's

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM offers many themes in his amazing CD series, The Great Themes of Paul: Life as Participation, from St. Anthony Messenger Press: http://catalog.americancatholic.org/product.aspx?prodid=A8340

I have already listened to this series twice (and some of the CD's even more). It is accessible and explains so very much about Paul.

ONLINE NEWSLETTER

You might also subscribe to www.zenit.org so you can received the Pope’s weekly talk from his Wednesday general audience). Pope Benedict XVI has already started what will be an amazing catechesis/exegesis collection of St. Paul.

THEOLOGICAL THEMES AND FILMS

Right off I can offer these four themes and if you order Richard Rohr's series and take notes while listening, which I warmly recommend, you can find so many more.

- Experience of God (Paul’s Encounter with Christ on the Road to Damascus; his mystical experiences; his understanding of redemption)

o Millions; The Third Miracle; Brideshead Revisited (on DVD but a new film version is coming out this summer); Cry the Beloved Country; The Mission

- Transformation (Paul’s Transformation – he never speaks of conversion but of transformation in Christ)

o The Lives of Others – a Stasi agent is transformed by art, and the goodness of others

- Participation (Body of Christ; love for one another; Agape, Filia, Eros)

o Mostly Martha, Big Night, Babette’s Feast; What’s Cooking; Simply Irresistible, Pieces of April; Soul Food; Eat, Drink, Man, Woman: any of the food movies that speak to family, food/meals, community

- New Creation (The cosmos; the new heaven and the new earth; care for the earth)

o Contact; An Inconvenient Truth; The Burning Season; WALL-E

METHODOLOGY FOR MOVIE-BIBLE EVENTS

Cinema Divina

I suggest using the Cinema Divina approach (based on the ancient practice of lectio divina.) For an article, Cinema Divina for Teachers: Spiritual Development through Contemporary Film (Today's Catholic Teacher, Jan-Feb, 2008) explaining this method, please visit http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/cinemadivinafeature.pdf

Theological Reflection

Another approach is that of Theological Reflection (which interfaces well with a media mindfulness approach). For an article, Preaching Goes to the Movies: the Gospel meets popular culture when homilies dare to engage film (National Catholic Reporter, 2004) explaining how to use theological reflection for film viewing, visit : http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/preachinggoestothemovies.html

Pastoral Planning and Preparation

Most of these films are for mature believers who understand that the film is a story about something rather considering it in its parts, which, when taken by themselves, may seem inappropriate to some viewers. Only one or two films above are suitable for adolescents; the rest are for young adults and adults. I strongly recommend that you screen the films ahead of time so that you will know the story, context and content, and be able to connect Pauline and cinematic themes (and decide ifthis is really the best film for your group.)

It is a good idea to create a handout for your event(s) with the name of the film, a brief synopsis of the film (essential information about each film canbe found at www.imdb.com - the Internet Movie Database), select quotes from Scriptures that provide a way to have a dialogue about the film and Pauline themes. It is also good to have 3-4 questions to guide the reflection and conversation.

Some words to the wise:

- Don't give in to the temptation to tell the story of the film ahead of time; if anything, read the Scripture quotes before the screening. The vast majoroty of people dislike having the story told to them in advance. Just watch the film... Let it tell the story.

- You MUST have a license to show films in any other setting than a normal school day and within the curriculum of the school: see www.cvli.org Christian Video Licensing International is the name of the company. This is a fine company that can keep us all legal. Retreats and after school programs require a license. RCIA does not count as school curriculum, for example.

- Be sure to have a break after the screening. Provide refreshments.

- Move the chairs into a circle for the conversation; this provides for a respectful and fair conversation

- Avoid doing all the talking; the role of the leader is to facilitate and draw out the participants.

- To prevent someone from hogging the time and dominating the conversation, be sure to ask everyone to keep their comments to two minutes at a time - and that you have the stop watch and will use it.

- Let the participants know that there are no right or wrong ways to interpret the film (this doesn't mean there is no right or wrong), therefore, everyone's opinion is valid and deserves respect. The facilitator may want to ask questions to clarify the comments, but respect is paramount.

Tags: St. Paul and Movies; St. Paul goes to the movies; activities for Pauline year

National Film Retreat 2008 Melting Pots: Food and Family

2008-07-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

The 9th annual National Film Retreat took place this past weekend. All together, 19 people took part at one point or another. Reflecting on the spirituality and theology of food and family in the movies was enriching and inspiring. The theme was "Melting Pots: Food and Family."

What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, Eat, Drink, Man, Woman, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, The Global Banquet (a documentary on the politics of food), and finally, What's Cooking? yielded much"food for thought", conversation, and prayer.

Here are some photos from our weekend:

Some of the participants.... from Los Angeles, Boston, Ohio, Singapore and San Clemente, San Diego.... Sister Lynette Constance (4th from left)is a newly professed sister of the Daughters of St. Paul. Congratulations, Sr. Lynette!

During Mass, Fr. Greg used a clip from Mostly Martha.

After we saw Ang Lee's Eat, Drink, Man Woman, we went out to dinner at the newly renovated Fuji Wok Restaurant on Sepulveda Blvd., across the street from the Pauline Center in culver City.

Sr. Frances, Carol Anne and Sr. M. Joseph at the Fuji Wok!

The retreat concluded with lunch with the community of the Daughters of St. Paul in our convent dining room. Sr. Madonna Janet cooked Italian and Sr. Frances decorated....

For anyone who would like to join us for a repeat of this retreat, please see the entry below about the Catholic Cruise Retreat. I think there is still room! But act now!

(Two of the films will be replaced with Big Night and My Big Fat Greek Wedding because of the selection available to the cruise lines.)

If you would like to be notified of the 10th annual film retreat in 2009, please send an email to pcms@paulinemedia.com

Blessings to all!

Tags: National Film Retreat; film retreat; film and spirituality

Into Great Silence Office of Readings Soundtrack

2008-07-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

Although I have not yet heard this new release yet, if it is anything like the sound track for INTO GREAT SILENCE, it should be good!

	\| spotlight
	available now

	Only in complete silence does one begin to hear. Only in the absence of language does one begin to see. After the incredible critical acclaim and commercial success of the documentary film Into Great Silence, Jade Music is proud to release the follow-up album to the soundtrack: Into Great Silence - Office of the Night. This is the first time that any recording of the Office of the Night at the Grande Chartreuse has been made available in its entirety. The two-CD album is a collection of chants, readings, prayers, and sounds of silence recorded by film director Philip Gröning during his six-month stay at the monastery. It includes an extensive 50-page booklet with liner notes, lyrics, and prayers. "This Office of the Night appeared to me to be the core of the Monks' life and spirituality, the heartbeat of the Order for more than 1000 years. I wanted to share my experience with an audience." - Philip Gröning *Available July 15th*
	into great silence \| movie soundtrack In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. The soundtrack to Into Great Silence includes the touching and amazing chants from the Monks that make up the Grande Chartreuse Choir. Available Now Visit Milan's Into Great Silence page About the film

Iron Man and The Iraq War Movie

2008-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Iron Man, based on the popular comic book character, is a thoroughly entertaining film. Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) runs a weapons development corporation. After he is captured by the Taliban while delivering the latest weaponry, a doctor/scientist/engineer, also a captive, gives him a new heart to replace the one that is damaged during his capture. He witnesses civilians being killed during attacks by his company's weapons used by the enemy. He then resolves to develop target-sensitive weapons and to find out how his company's weapons are getting into enemy hands. To escape, Stark and his new friend invent an Iron Man suit that allows Tony to fly. He returns to LA to find out who is selling his weapons to the enemy, make the target-sensitive weapons, and finesse his Iron Man suit.

Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark in Iron Man.

I knew Iron Man had to have had military backing because the only entity in the film without a moral crisis is the military liaison played by Terrence Howard. Now it's really obvious. The thing is, knowing that the military was involved in the film is a real let-down. How moral dilemmas have changed, how the moral premise of stories have changed. The article in today's LA Times (see link below) really deflates Tony Stark's hero status.

Take this and the way the latest version of The Incredible Hulk ends (this means you have to stay until the last credit rolls to find out) affirms that maybe super-hero movies aren't what they used to be. They are no longer about character (although I thought The Incredible Hulk was very good until that ending...) but propaganda pieces.

Marshall McLuhan was right: the medium is the message and media massage us into ... what?

Lots to think about.

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-armyfilms7-2008jul07,0,2815991.story

Tags: Iron man, military influence in Hollywood, media literacy, comic book movies

Catechists Certified in Media Literacy

2008-07-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Tidings

July 4, 2008

Page 14

Six catechists representing three dioceses were certified June 22 as Master Teachers in Media Literacy at the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City.

Three of the catechists were from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, two from the Diocese of Orange, and one, Judy McMillan, is a Catholic school teacher from San Diego. The certificate is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles’ Department of Catholic Schools and Office of Religious Education for continuing education and recertification.

“For me,” said Carmen Maldonado, the Director of Religious Education for St. Anthony’s Parish in El Segundo, “the curriculum was the most positive aspect of the course. The information was very useful and practical. The fact that we had the opportunity to put what we learned into practice forced me to focus more on the media I choose to watch.”

In addition to classes on popular culture, advertising, the Internet, and the history of film, “we spend an ample amount of time on the theory and practice of media literacy as an essential set of life skills for believers today,” explained Sister Rose Pacatte, a Daughter of St. Paul and director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies. “Media literacy, or media mindfulness as we like to call it in the faith community, is an educational imperative for citizens in the 21st century.”

Relgious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Gretchen Hailer, a program instructor, said she is “heartened to see the increase in interest in media literacy and the capacity of our catechists to integrate it into their ministry.” Sisters Hailer and Pacatte co-authored the award-winning resource guide, Media Mindfulness: Educating Teens about Faith and Media (St. Mary’s Press, 2007) and recently submitted Our Media World: Teaching Kids K-8 about Faith and Media to Pauline Books & Media for a 2009 release.

The 2008-2009 Master Teacher in Media Literacy Certificate course will begin on Saturday, September 20, 2008. The complete syllabus and registration form is online at www.PaulineCMS.org. Tuition is $310.00 and covers all materials. The deadline for registration is September 10. An identical course in Spanish, for Spanish-speaking catechists and teachers, is in development. For more information, contact Sister Pacatte at pcms@paulinemedia.com.

Tags: Media literacy certificate; media literacy education; media literacy faith community; Pauline Center

HERO AWARDS on July 4th

2008-06-30T09:57:00.000-07:00

Here is an article that was published in The Tidings this week (www.the-tidings.com) about The Hero Awards. It's true, it will be up against the Boston Pops on July 4th, but if you have TiVo, or a way to record one and watch the other, this show is excellent. The stories, vignettes, really speak to conversations about character. Blessings! Sr. Rose 'Heroes' honors ordinary who do the extraordinary

By Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP

A new awards show has been born in Hollywood. I was privileged to be present at the Universal Hilton June 13 for the taping of an inspiring evening honoring ordinary people who have done --- and continue to do --- extraordinary things. On July 4, the 2008 Hero Awards --- sponsored as a fundraiser for Feed the Children (www.feedthechildren.org) --- will air in Los Angeles on Channel 13, 8-10 p.m. This new awards show, hosted by actor Dean Cain, star of "Lois and Clark: the New Adventures of Superman" --- features numerous stories, often in re-enactments and interviews. Among them: ---Corben Whitney, an off-duty CHP officer from Fresno, was recognized for pulling a family out of a burning car, especially the youngest child who was caught in the strap of his car seat. Facing intense heat, Whitney succeeded in saving the child who sustained second and third degree burns but is recovering. ---Dr. Sean Boutros is a Houston plastic surgeon who chose his field because, as he told me, "I first wanted to be a heart surgeon. But I discovered that heart surgery is quite repetitive. Plastic reconstructive cranial and facial surgery lets me apply principles over techniques to give children a new start in life." In one case Boutros worked with a Houston hospital to give Daniel, a four year-old Kenyan boy who had been attacked by a dog, a new face and ear. Dr. Boutros also travels nationally and internationally to offer his services free of charge and to train other doctors in this field. ---When Leana Beasley had a grand mal seizure in 2007, "Faith" Beasley, her Rottweiler service dog, pushed a special 911 button on the phone and barked into it. Faith then rolled Leana into a recovery position and waited near her owner until help arrived. When I asked Leana what she would like to tell readers of The Tidings, she replied that faith saved her life. "Even when you lose everything," Leana said, "don't give up faith because you can get everything back again." Other inspirational stories include a teen musical prodigy who uses music to encourage young cancer patients, and a train-loving fifth grader created a foundation funded by recyclables to take sick and underprivileged children and adults on the train ride of a lifetime. A parade of average people --- kids helping kids, a man dedicated to healing and caring for endangered grizzly bears, doctors offering life-changing procedures to cancer patients, community activists and educators --- are recognized for amazing acts of heroism, uncommon generosity and humble service. These stories and more are linked by the reflections of such celebrities as Bryant Gumbel, Joan Lunden and Iron Man's Faran Tahir. Musical performances --- "The Rainbow Connection" by composer Paul Williams, songs by American Idol contestants Bo Bice and Ace Young, and the title song "Heroes" by the Greater Los Angeles Gospel Choir --- round out the show. Youth preparing for confirmation, as well as catechists, volunteers, teachers and anyone who enjoys true inspiring stories will want to tune in to this unique awards show. The 2008 Hero Awards is a meaningful way to commemorate the July 4 holiday. (This show has a BK rating --- "Bring Kleenex.") Daughter of St. Paul Sister Rose Pacatte is director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City.

Tags: Heroes; stories; inspiration;

Media Literacy Master Teacher Certification Course 2008-2009

2008-06-22T14:50:00.000-07:00

Registration is now open!

Master Teacher in Media Literacy Education Certificate Program
and
Specialization in Media Literacy Education Certificate Program

The 3rd Saturday of each month
10:00am – 4:00pm
September 2008 – June 2009

(The first class is on Saturday, September 20, 2008)

The aim of the Master Teacher Program in Media Literacy Education is to “train the trainers” to teach others media literacy skills for home, school, and the parish through various ministries.

The certificate is recognized by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Department of Catholic Schools and the Department of Religious Education for continuing education and recertification

The Diocese of Orange recognizes the Certificate for r e-certification of the Basic Catechist Certificate and fifty-one hours towards the sixty hours required in advanced methodology for the Master Catechist Certificate.

The Diocese of San Diego recognizes the Media Literacy Course as a Catechist Specialization

The syllabus, calendar, course requirements, tuition, and registration form are detailed at:

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/masterteachercertificate.html

www.PaulineCMS.org

The deadline for registration is September 10, 2008.

Tags: Media literacy certification; media mindfulness certification; media literacy

Tribute to Tim Russert:Sunday Morning Tim Russert Academy of Public Affairs

2008-06-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tim Russert (1950 - 2008)

I haven’t missed Meet the Press in 12 years. After Mass it is an essential part of my Sunday morning ritual. I am listening to MSNBC’s ongoing coverage of Tim Russert’s sudden death today, June 13, as I am working. I have this great sense of loss, as if a family member has suddenly gone to heaven without warning.

Tim Russert’s passing has touched me deeply. As a Daughter of St. Paul, with our mission of evangelization with communications media, I have had an enduring interest in discovering integrity in journalism, and civility. Tim Russert lived these values.

The 1971 Vatican document Communio et progressio spoke about the necessity for people to have access to information so that they can take an active part in democracy:

“If public opinion is to be formed in a proper manner, it is necessary that, right from the start, the public be given free access both to the sources and channels of information and be allowed freely to express its own views. Freedom of opinion and the right to be informed go hand in hand.” (para. 33) http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_23051971_communio_en.html)

Tim’s journalistic style seemed to have been framed by this teaching because he went after truth, transparency, and accountability in those in public service and/or the public forum.

As Andrea Mitchell said today, on MSNBC’c coverage of Tim Russert’s death, “Tim set the gold standard” for political journalism and analysis as the moderator of Meet the Press and NBC’s Washington Bureau Chief. Peggy Noonan, and others, commented beautifully on how Tim was a Catholic in the public forum with obvious joy – and without apology. I think it was Howard Feinman of Newsweek that said that if he ever thought of becoming a Catholic, Tim Russert would be the one he would follow into the Church. Cardinal John Foley, with whom Tim and his family had lunch a few days ago in Rome, concurred with the above and more.

Someone just called Tim “the great explanator.” Senator Joe Libermann called him “The explainer-in-chief.” With so much facility, and with dogged persistence, he got the facts and got at them for our information. He respected his guests but to the viewer’s benefit, he did not tolerate fools; he questioned them. What I most appreciated about Tim Russert’s style was that his show was not about him; he was not about his own celebrity. He let his guests speak and he drew them out. He challenged them with their own words but never “talked over” them like so many radio and television commentators do - to my great annoyance.

As a media education specialist I know that the news industry has agendas and perspectives, that ideology and ratings drive the business. So over my years at the Sunday Morning Tim Russert Academy of Public Affairs I tried out other Sunday morning news shows to compare them with Meet the Press, to make sure I was getting as complete a picture of our political reality as possible. But none reached the level of objectivity that Tim achieved. Even though Tim’s persistence or insistence that his guests pronounce on a hypothetical situation could sometimes push the limit, I think Tim’s integrity and professionalism ultimately won the day because he made people think. His technique of meaningful and civil inquiry taught me to think beyond the limits of information status quo. For Tim Russert there never was a status quo he couldn’t disturb.

A nun friend of mine sent me an email today saying, “Tim Russert was the best. Such an interviewer; a good man; a good Catholic.”

A few years ago the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals honored Tim Russert with a Gabriel Award for Personal Achievement. You can see Tim’s acceptance speech in streaming video on www.CatholicAcademy.org where he talks about being a Catholic, meeting Pope John Paul II, and bringing The Today Show to the Vatican.

Tim Russert loved his family, his home town of Buffalo, New York, the Buffalo Bills, the nuns who taught him and his Catholic Jesuit education. How proud the Catholic community can be of this magnificent son. He has set the bar for people of good will everywhere who want to be political journalists. He was a mentor to his colleagues, a gentleman journalist who loved and lived his job with grace. A role model for Catholics who want to make a difference and contribute to the common good. Information is power and Tim empowered us, the regular people out there, by pursuing truth. Above all, he was who he said he was. May it be the same for all of us.

Someone once said that a person doesn't die until they have nothing left to learn.

We offer our prayers for the repose of Tim's soul, and that the Lord may console his loved ones at this sad time.

Tags: Tim Russert; Tim Russert tribute; Tim Russert media education

Theology of Communication of John Paul II

2008-06-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

John Paul II's Theology of Communication

Interview With Theologian Christine Anne Mugridge

By Carrie Gress

ROME, JUNE 3, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The theology of communication is not merely Christianizing media-technology or scientific techniques, but rather an encounter with the living Christ, says theologian Christine Anne Mugridge.

Mugridge, a lay member of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity, is an author of "John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communication." Salesian Sister Marie Gannon, professor at the Pontifical Salesian University and the Faculty of the Sciences of Education "Auxilium," provided research for the book.

The text was published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana in honor of the third anniversary of the death of Pope John Paul II.

In this interview with ZENIT, Mugridge discusses the seminal work of a theology of communication found in John Paul II's pontificate.

Q: In your book, you focused on teasing out John Paul II's theology of communication. Did he speak of this theology explicitly, or is this something you were able to discover among his many homilies, letters, audiences, etc?

Mugridge: John Paul II spoke in terms that were explicitly theological in nature regarding the topic of human-social communications and the media of communications, offering us through his almost 27-year-long pontificate a great wealth of commentary and texts addressing the topic.

While he himself did not state the goal to develop a specific theology, from a compilation of John Paul II's theological work it became evident from both the organic development and strategic employment of a theology of communication that a new theology has emerged -- that is, formulated, actuated and lived -- through his efforts.

This advancement is the focus of the curriculum text wherein we site these findings and highlight the theological touchstones that reveal a working theology of communication.

Q: Is a theology of communication merely using social communication techniques to spread the Christian message, or is there more to it?

Mugridge: There is quite a bit more to experience that is provided through the understanding and application of John Paul II's theology of communication; this is not a mere Christianizing of the media-technology or scientific technique.

First, John Paul recognized that the ethical conscience of people today is disoriented. The theology of communication recovers social communications, if you will, precisely at the point where the understanding and activity of communications is linked with the moral life of believers.

John Paul II teaches us through a theology of communication that we must first encounter the living Jesus Christ in order to enter into the mission of Christ. God revealed himself through communicative terminology -- "the Living Word" -- to not only describe what he is doing in his Revelation, but more importantly who he, God is.

As we encounter Jesus Christ -- we are illumined in our understanding of not only what we are doing, but who we are as communicating persons, that is, as human persons in communication with one another and with our Triune God. The foundational structure of this theology of communication begins with the gift of the presence of Jesus Christ, and "The Encounter with the Incarnate Word." This encounter is most personally fulfilled in the Eucharistic Presence.

As a result, the theology of communication is a tool formulated in a truly interdisciplinary manner that will assist the Church/Christian communicator in dialogue with the culture of the media and the mediated cultures of the world today. Likewise, it is not strictly an academic study; but rather according to the method in theology evidenced, we may experience it as an organic theological instrument to better understand both interpersonal and social communications specifically in relationship to the communication of Christ both inside and outside the Christian community.

This important development allows for the technological use of the media to be enhanced as well as provide for a key link/bridge to be strengthened between the moral and ethical perspectives of social communications from both the theological and secular sciences; thus granting the Church the opportunity to communicate her message in a more meaningful manner in her mission.

All of us in the Church by virtue of our baptism are called to live the mission of the communication of the Gospel; that is the mission to communicate Christ. Truthfully, this is not a matter of application of technique so much as it is a matter of first contemplating God's Revelation in the Incarnate Word.

Q: You cite "Ecclesia in America" as a significant document to understand this new theology. What was John Paul II trying to teach the world, and in particular, America, meaning a united South and North America, through this particular apostolic exhortation?

Mugridge: "Ecclesia in America" is cited as a sample text for its demonstration of the presence of a working theology of communication that is a hallmark of the pontificate of John Paul II.

"Ecclesia in America" is likewise exciting because in it John Paul both expands and concretizes our understanding of how all can live more deeply the Church's nature and mission through his communicative strategy for the New Evangelization defined as "The Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ."

John Paul II is trying to teach the world that in its nature, we may see the Church as the lived communion of man with the Most Holy Trinity, and in its mission, we see this communion being brought to the whole of humanity in and through the Church.

This missionary mandate is given a new impetus in our age through the Holy Father's teaching on the mission to communicate Christ as expressed in the New Evangelization. In particular, John Paul speaks of all America as being one united people both North and South. He places this people under the patronage of Our Lady of Guadalupe as the Star of the New Evangelization, Mother of Hope.

Finally, in "Ecclesia in America," John Paul II asks the people of America to embrace the call to the New Evangelization with open hearts. Pope Benedict providentially inspired America to live more profoundly this reality in his recent apostolic voyage wherein he encouraged Catholics to live their faith in union with one another in and through "Christ Our Hope."

Q: How should understanding the theology of communication change the way those involved with social media think about their work and/or themselves with regard to Christ and the Church's mission?

Mugridge: The understanding a theology of communication offers the transformative gift like any applied theological study. Specifically, it more fully reveals to man his providentially ordained communicative potential and the profound truth and nature of man's communicative reality.

The simple key of "The Encounter with the Living Jesus Christ" that John Paul developed in his communicative strategy for this mission of the Church is a gift that is easily comprehended and applied to personal and social, secular and ecclesial communication experiences -- thus transforming the members of the Church personally and corporately.

Understanding this theology gives both those involved with social media and those involved in the Church's mission the opportunity to experience personal, ongoing conversion wherein Christ becomes the living presence who reveals a model par excellence for all human communication activities.

The knowledge and application of this theological perspective of being necessarily impacts our daily lives. This theological awareness provides the foundational platform into which we then incorporate excellence in communications science principles, methodology, theory and management in all our communicative activities.

Q: Practically speaking, how can the "theology of communication" be applied to diocesan communication offices, seminaries, media outlets, etc.?

Mugridge: The Church, as noted, has a keen interest in the science of communication. So crucial is the role of public relations and communications that the Church requested formally that an office be established in each diocese for such an operation as well as the development of a diocesan plan of communications and for the development of a theology of communication.

From this interdisciplinary study, there emerge new horizons of convergent platforms for personal formation, interdisciplinary dialogue and pastoral initiatives providing for a meeting ground between the Church and the media, what Pope Benedict has urged -- a new type of "info-ethics."

The practical applications of a theology of communication within the Church are numerous and rich; in the formation of priests for their own personal/pastoral growth, for use in all diocesan offices regarding the development of communications planning, in media outlets for ongoing maturing of personnel to obtain a more profound and integrated understanding of their own communicative potential and so on. We offer ongoing education seminars to assist leaders in the Church to understand this theological development and to better use the textbook in their own particular milieu.

Q: Finally, why do you think this new theology is coming now, at the beginning of the third millennium?

Mugridge: In actuality, the foundational structure of this theology is not new, but is integral to the existing patrimony within the Church.

What is occurring now is the new awareness of both the need for and the presence of this theology of communication as well as the integral role that the media plays as a fundamental piece of the answer to the "anthropological question that is emerging as part of the key challenge of the third millennium" which Pope Benedict refers to in his World Communications Day message of 2008.

"Humanity today," Benedict explained, "is at a crossroads. [...] [S]o too in the sector of social communications there are essential dimensions of the human person and the truth concerning the human person coming into play. [...] For this reason it is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person and fully respect human dignity. […] The new media […] are changing the very face of communication; perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to reshape it, to make more visible, as my venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II said, the essential and indispensable elements of the truth about the human person."

According to John Paul II, the means of social communications must become a way of communicating the fullness of the truth of man as revealed in Christ, for this is the only authentic foundation for solidarity and the realization of the integral development of all humanity according to the divinely ordained potential and dignity of the human person.

The application of this theology as a communicative strategy for the Mission of the Church is a crucial bridge to the "info-ethics" so needed in our day.

--- --- ---

On the Net:

"John Paul II: Development of a Theology of Communication": www.sacredartscommunications.org

For information on how to obtain a copy of this book, visit the publishing house of the Vatican at: www.libreriaeditricevaticana.com or

PaxBook.Com (distributing house for the Vatican)

HOME

Tags: Theology of Communication;

National Film Retreat - Register Today!

2008-05-29T20:43:00.000-07:00

Date: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6, 2008
(The deadline for registration is June 28, 2008)

Location: Pauline Center for Media Studies
3908 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City , CA 90230
pcms@paulinemedia.com
Web site: www.NationalFilmRetreat.org

“No motion picture subgenre has had so perplexing a success as the food movie. Generally defined as an arty romance centered around elegant cuisine, the food movie jumped to success with 1987's Babette's Feast, and kept its audience through such acclaimed sleepers as Like Water For Chocolate (the 1992 adaptation of Laura Esquivel's novel) and 1996's Big Night (a tale of two restaurant-owning Italians whose brotherhood is united through their culinary art). More recently, big studios have tackled the food movie's commercial prospects, leaving us with the Oscar-nominated Chocolat (2000) and Simply Irresistible (1999), in which Sarah Michelle Gellar is transformed into a brilliant chef through the help of her magical pet crab. Where these films thrive is in their ability to make audiences wish they could be eating that which they're confined to looking at….” Mark Palermo, The Odd Success of the Food Movie

Film Slate

Friday evening
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?

Saturday morning
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman

Saturday Afternoon
Optional Film or a contemplative walk along Venice Beach

Saturday Evening
Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Sunday Morning
What’s Cooking?

“THE MAGIC OF MOVIES AND THE SACRAMENTS . THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALED IN CHALLENGING , SURPRISING AND DELIGHTFUL WAYS . CREATIVE INTERCHANGE . MUTUAL SUPPORT . IMAGINATIONS ON FIRE ! NOT BAD FOR A RETREAT . W HAT A GREAT EXPERIENCE !”
--REV . BOB BONNOT , DEEPER DIMENSIONS

For more information and to download the registration form, visit

www.nationalfilmretreat.org

Tags: Retreats; Catholic retreats; ecumenical retreats; film lovers;

Cruise Film Retreat Memo!

2008-05-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Cruise Film Retreat

Join us for the very first

Cathlic Film Retreat At Sea!

Theme:

Melting Pots: Food & Family

Film Slate:

My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Big Night,

The Grapes of Wrath,

What’s Cooking?

Date: Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13, 2008

Long Beach, CA – Ensenada, Mexico – Long Beach, CA

Columbus Day weekend Prices:

Inside Quad cabins 3-4 people: $234.44 total

Inside double Cabins: $448.44 total

Oceanview Double Cabins: $488.44 total

includes donation to Daughters of St. Paul/Open Call/National Film Retreat; to be matched by Carnival,

film screenings & materials,

all port charges, taxes, and tips!

(no envelopes needed on last day!)

Optional Insurance: $39.00 per adult; $19.00 per child

Reserve your cabin at www.ShareitTravel.com click on the group link in the upper right, then scroll down for Catholic Film Retreat, click the book it link at bottom

Or contact Ann-Marie Blaney by e-mail: blaneys@ShareitTravel.com

phone: 949-632-7155

direct link: http://www.yourtravelbiz.com/grouptravel/7W98L6.htm)

Passengers must have a valid passport.

Film Directors:

Rev. Ron Schmidt, SJ, Hope Productions, Los Angeles

Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP, Pauline Center for Media Studies, Los Angeles

Frank Frost, Frank Frost Productions, Washington, DC

Please call if you have any questions at all!

Retreat questions call: Nanciann Horvath 714-394-4989

Tags: National Film Retreat, Cruise Film Retreat, Catholic Retreats, Inter-faith Retreats

Pope encourages media skepticism not cynicism

2008-05-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

POPE-COMMUNICATIONS May-23-2008 (600 words) xxxi

Pope encourages media professors to teach skepticism, not cynicism

By Cindy Wooden
Catholic News Service
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0802814.htm

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Students preparing for a career in communications must learn to be skeptical, especially when the public good is at stake, but they also must be helped to avoid becoming cynical, Pope Benedict XVI told communications professors.

"Nourish and reward that passion for truth and goodness that is always strong in the young. Help them give themselves fully to the search for truth," the pope said in a May 23 address to participants in a meeting sponsored by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications.

The meeting brought together professors and staff members from communications departments at Catholic universities and institutes from around the world to discuss the specifically Catholic mission of their educational programs, the best ways to respond to rapid changes in the field of communications and how to educate future media professionals in ethical values.

Pope Benedict told the professors that every form of communication -- from teaching to prayer -- using every means from the human voice to a computer is a reflection of the fact that human beings were created to communicate, to create relationships and to grow "in knowledge, wisdom and love."

Obviously, he said, if communication is to be effective it must be based on truth.

"A communicator can attempt to inform, to educate, to entertain, to convince, to comfort; but the final worth of any communication lies in its truthfulness," he said.

The "passion for truth" that communications students and professionals must have and develop "can be well served by a certain methodological skepticism, particularly in matters affecting the public interest," Pope Benedict said.

However, the pope said, students need guidance to ensure their questioning is not so distorted that it becomes "a relativistic cynicism in which all claims to truth and beauty are routinely rejected or ignored."

As mediabecome more and more important in people's daily lives, he said, helping people learn how to judge the ethical content they are accessing and teaching future professionals the necessity of always upholding the truth take on even greater urgency.

"It also is necessary to promote justice, solidarity and respect in every circumstance for the value and dignity of each person, who has a right not to be harmed in that which concerns his private life," the pope said.

Pope Benedict offered particular praise to the religious orders and bishops' conferences that have established Catholic universities in developing countries.

He said more attention must be paid to the fact that as new means of communications enable people to share information more quickly, millions of poor people have no access and are being left further and further behind the rest of the world economically and socially.

In addition, he said, communicators must be on guard against a form of global communications that "weakens or eliminates traditional customs and local cultures, especially those that have fortified family and social values, love, solidarity and respect for life."

In looking at the Catholic identity of the universities, Pope Benedict said that the percentage of Catholic students is not the point.

"It is most of all a question of conviction," he said. "Catholic identity lies first of all in the decision to entrust oneself -- intellect and will, mind and heart -- to God."

Those who study and teach communications are in a privileged place to help not only their students, but also their local churches to find more effective ways to proclaim the truth and "make known to all people the good news of the love of God," Pope Benedict said.

Tags: Catholic Church and media; Catholic Church attitude toward media

Preaching the Media: Exploring Media, Faith & Values in Faith Communities

2008-05-24T13:32:00.000-07:00

Preaching the Media: Exploring Media, Faith, and Values in Faith Communities (2008)

  People in faith communities are exposed to messages that may not agree with their own
    ideologies. How do these families reconcile the values in modern media with the religious
    values they believe in? This program provides a discussion with faith-based media
    educators about the impact of media, and how to educate children about the media at
    home and in the classroom.

    Includes interviews with Sister Rose Pacatte of the Pauline Center for Media Studies,
    Father Peter Malone of SIGNIS, and religious media scholars Maria Elena de las Carreras and Andrew Tinker.

    2008, 32 minutes, NTSC DVD

    This title is available for purchase.

http://carmelinafilms.com/preachingthemedia.htm

Tags: Media literacy; media literacy faith communities; media literacy Rose Pacatte; media literacy SIGNIS

Prince Caspian Review and Family Guide

2008-05-15T06:54:00.000-07:00

The Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian

A Family Film Guide

1,300 years have passed in Narnia, though only one year has passed for the Pevensie children in Walden Media and Walt Disney Pictures latest production The Chronicle of Narnia: Prince Caspian. This interpretation of the fourth chronological volume of C. S. Lewis classic series (written 1950-1956) is literally roaring into theaters this week.

The film opens with the birth of a child. This event causes Prince Caspian’s tutor, Professor Cornelius (Vincent Grass) to urge the teenaged Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes; Stardust), a Tamarine and heir to the throne, to flee the kingdom’s castle. His uncle, the usurper King Miraz (Sergio Castellito; Mostly Martha), wants to kill Caspian so his new-born son will one day reign. Cornelius gives Caspian the horn that had once belonged to Susan Pevensie (Anna Popplewell) and warns him to use it only in extreme necessity.

Caspian is injured and taken in by a kindly badger, Trufflehunter (Ken Scott; Charlie Wilson’s War) and the dark-spirited dwarf Nikabrik (Warwick David; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix). With Miraz’s soldiers bearing down, Caspian blows the horn. It summons the Pevensie children from war-time London (1941) and lands them on a lush island in Narnia. They discover that since the children were last in Narnia, human Tamarines had invaded and exterminated most of the citizens. With the help of the good but grumpy dwarf Trumpkin (Peter Dinklage; The Station Agent) they journey to Aslan’s How where the Narnians have built a garrison at the broken Stone Table. Caspian meets them there. To help the oppressed Narnians and Caspian, the High King Peter (William Moseley) drafts a challenge to Miraz. The young people make decisions about war with dire consequences. Lucy (Georgie Henley) who thinks she has seen Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson; Batman Begins), seeks his help, only to discover that he has been there all the while.

The Film

Director and co-writer Andrew Anderson has interpreted Prince Caspian through sweeping cinematography that is warm and beautiful. He has restructured the storyline while keeping the essence and key events of C.S. Lewis’ story in tact. By taking the time to develop the new characters in varying levels of complexity, this adaptation is non- linear, interesting and compelling. To their credit the writers have not reduced the moral dilemmas the characters face into simple black and white categories. Instead they show how difficult it is to know and choose what is right and good. The special effects are bold and magical. All the actors give solid, credible performances. The humor derives from the book and is well-placed, timed, and delivered.

Key differences between the film and the book are that the handsome Caspian becomes more of a central figure in the and there are too many prolonged chases and/or battle scenes. This has resulted in the film’s clocking in at almost 2 ½ hours – an hour too long for me.

Yet Anderson has, in fact, turned Prince Caspian into a rather awesome, magical epic that is well worth experiencing. Aslan continues to be strong and gentle; Lucy’s relationship with him is genuinely affectionate, trusting, and confident. Lewis’ themes are subtly woven into the narrative and offer families and religious educators (and English teachers) much to talk about.

I think Prince Caspian is appropriate for children aged about nine and up because of the intensity of the fighting and violence (though completely bloodless).

c. Disney Enterprises Inc. and Walden Media LLC.
Photo Credit: Murray Close

Key Themes for Conversation

Faith, Hope & Love – The children discover a garden filled with apples. Lucy eats one of them. As the children and Trumpkin journey toward Aslan’s How, Lucy thinks she sees Aslan signaling them to take another route. The others don’t really believe her, and she doubts herself. Instead of following Aslan, she keeps going with the group. (What test of faith in the Bible do the fruit and the garden remind you of? See Genesis 2, 3). Talk about Lucy’s test and journey of faith, as well as that of the other characters. How did you feel when Lucy talks to Aslan about believing in what we cannot see? How did you feel about Aslan’s response to her? How did you feel when Nikabrik called upon the White Witch? What saved Peter from the temptation to trust her instead of Aslan’s promise?

What does hope mean to you? How did the Narnians, in particular, show hope in the film? Did they ever sound discouraged in having to wait so long for deliverance? What changed their sadness to hope? When Lucy asks Aslan why things cannot be as they were, what does Aslan tell her? What does he mean? How is Aslan the fulfillment of Lucy’s hope?

How many different kinds of love are shown in the film? Even though the Pevensie children don’t always agree with one another, do you think they love one another? How do you know? What kind of love does Caspian show for the professor? And the professor for him? What kind of love does Trufflehunter show? Who does King Miraz love? How do you know this? How did you feel when the heroic Narnians die at the castle? Why did they follow King Peter and Prince Caspian into battle? Why did the contents of Lucy’s bottle have the power to heal? Why is healing or helping others a sign of love?

Imagination -

What do you think is the difference between “seeing” and “looking”? Why do you think the characters talk about having “an imagination”? Why didn’t they all see Aslan when Lucy could? Aslan is often interpreted as a God-figure (as well as a Christ-figure) in C. S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. How do you imagine God to be? What does God look like to you? How do you talk to God in your heart? Is it like the way that Lucy talks to Aslan? (Would you like to try it? Close your eyes for a moment and pretend ...)

Choosing Peace – In the film Lucy offers a challenge to Peter and the others as they try to decide whether to pitch the battle at the castle or at Aslan’s How. She says that they are only considering two options: if they will die at the castle or at the How. What is the third option Lucy suggests to them? Do you think Lucy’s option would work in the world today? Why or why not? How does your imagination tell you the story would change if the children had taken Lucy’s suggestion?

Character or moral fiber – To have a good character means that a person makes right choices when alone or with others. Some of the funniest and most memorable moments in the film are when the characters make remarks about the personalities of the others. What qualities or virtues (habits of doing good), or negative traits did you notice in the film? (Courage, courtesy, chivalry, kindness, hospitality. love; lying, complaining, stubbornness, misuse of power.) What did Reepicheep mean when he talked about his “huge humility”? Why do you think some people would think this was a funny thing to say? What did Aslan say about this? Do you think Prince Caspian was humble? What about Lucy and the other children and characters? Why? (Make a list of your favorite and another of your least favorite characters. Write one word beside each name that describes their character, that is, their virtues or character weaknesses.) What was the difference between Lord Sopespian and General Glozelle? Who said that no one can hate like humans can? Why did he say this? What is power? Why do some of the characters in the film want to be powerful over others and get rid of them? Is it ever right to want to bein power over others? Why or why not?

Decision making – Good character often is shown when people (or characters ina story) have to make choices between one, two or more things that may seem to have thesame importance. Upon reflection, however, a person will hopefully make the best choice for the common good of family, school, community, church and society based on what he or she knows to be right or wrong. If the person doesn’t know, he/she can ask for advice. Talk about when this happens in the film especially as it relates to resolving conflicts or arguments. Then, what decision(s) proves that Prince Caspian has a good, even great, character? What traits will make him a good leader? What would you have done in Caspian’s place when he has a chance to take revenge on King Miraz for his father’s death? What did Miraz do that was wrong? Why did he do that? Why is vengeance never a Christ-like option? (Do you think Azlan would have ever taken vengeance when he was slain in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe? Why? What about the Pevensie siblings reacted when they find out who will be returning to Narnia and who will not? What character strengths did they show?

The Environment – Why are the trees dead in the film? What brings them back to life? What parts of nature are shown to be healthy in the film? What parts seem unhealthy? Do you think there is a message in the film about taking care of the earth? If you do, talk about what you noticed. (Why is it a good thing to care for the earth?)

Other themes in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian: Myth; the hero’s journey; moral issues such as murder and the existential/spiritual and physical effects of such unnatural acts; gender roles; multiculturalism; growing up; spiritual maturity; racism and genocide; freedom from oppression; key themes of Catholic social teaching as reflected in the film (http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/socialteaching/excerpt.shtml); symbolism: light, water, etc.; sacramental signs and their meaning.

__________

Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP, is a Daughter of St. Paul and the Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City. She is the film/TV columnist for St. Anthony Messenger and a contributor to The Tidings. Sr. Rose is also a media literacy education specialist. www.PaulineCMS.org

Tags: Chronicles of Narnia Prince Caspian; film guides; questions; Prince Caspian

So You Think You Can Dance?

2008-05-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

When the 4th season of "So you thing You Can Dance" begins on May 22 (Fox), I will be watching. I watched it for the first time last year and was blown away by many of the dances as the weeks went on, especially "The Hummingbird Dance." It's the one dance I remember. I watched it again this morning and felt the same way. I was also impressed by how serious and sincere these young people are about dance, and how talented they are. For the most part, I really admired how well they created and gave so much credibility to their art.

I took tap dancing lessons when I was in 2nd grade. I begged and badgered until my grandmother enrolled me and paid the $2 per lesson at the nearest Totten Dance Studio in San Diego. After the first "recital", well, I came out late and so they gave me a plastic trophy and said I didn't need to come back anymore. I got over it. It was a lot of physical work that included tumbling. I wasn't a very good tumbler! Well, we all have our gifts.

All the best to the dancers and choreographers. I hope this season will be even more inspiring than last time.

Tags: Dance, Art, So You Think You Can Dance

American Idol

2008-05-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Are you a fan? I am and have been since the show debuted.

I do tire of the audition process because it's always the same. I feel badly for the contestants whose feelings are hurt, but I hope that people who want a career in entertainment will realize how difficult television is and learn a good lesson. I want them to disern long and hard before they take the step to audition. As I have said before, I wish parents would be more truthful with their kids in the first place. On the other hand, the families of many of the contestants are on hand to support their daughter, son, cousin, friend and this is always good to see.

So it is manipulation and exploitation on the part of American Idol - its deemed "good" television and this makes it profitable for Fox. At this stage of the game, from the final 25 on, no contestant goes into the process without knowing they could be made fun of, painfully, or launch a career.

Having said this, I am still a fan of American Idol because I love to see these artists do well; what an occasion to celebrate how God has blessed them and us. The final three, David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado, are all good, but my vote goes for David Cook. Though he is the favored, and has a fine voice, I think David A. might need to mature (life-experience) as an artist and that Syesha is so outstanding that she will have a career no matter what. Her rendition of "A Change is Gonna Come" was genuine and beautiful.

I also want to say that I voted for Chris Daughtry (and the only one in our community who did) and always said he was the best of that season, and look how well he is doing. And I am not a fan of rock. David Cook, like Daughtry, sounds wonderful, rock or not.

Finally, I love Brook White - what a talented young woman and my community (the other three fans!) really like Carly Smithson.

In the scheme of things, does American Idol matter? It matters tosome people, and it entertains millions. It provides a way for us (nuns) to talk together about things that don't matter and things that do. The show helps us build community because we are communicating and reminded to respect the opinions of others.

When American Idol seems to wander from respect for the people on the show, judges, contestants, whoever, it can let us down. But when it upholds the dignity of the people and the arts, including the audience, it entertains, and uplifts us, and succeeds wildly.

Tags: American Idol, media literacy, inspiration, manipulation,

Tyler's Ride Webisode Update

2008-05-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Tyler's Ride Update

It's Tuesday and time for an all new Tyler's Ride! See Episode 6 today!

This week, find-out what happens when Tyler and Vinnie push Samantha too far. Then, how does a neighbor's dog help? What happens to Tyler in the park that sets him into a new direction? It's a new day on Tyler's Ride!

You can watch Episodes 1 - 6 in Fullscreen HD TV on blinkx! Go to www.blinkx.com and send your favorite episodes to friends!

Be sure to also check-out new, behind-the-scenes photos now and video blogs later this week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! See what Lauren, Tyler and Charles are really thinking!

Go to www.blinkx.com and www.tylersride.com now! Tell a friend!

I am posting this so that you can check out the great possibilities of the web for innovative story-telling that matters. Kudos to Paulist Productions for "putting out into the deep" with this initiative.

Cheers!

Sr Rose

Tags: Webisodes; Tylers Ride; Tyler's Ride

Catholic Media Conferences 2008

2008-04-23T15:17:00.000-07:00

Just letting you know about these events.

Please visit websites for more information. And please feel free to forward this to anyone you think may be interested.

1) Catholic Media Convention

Toronto, Canada

May 28-20, 2008

Catholic Press Association (USA & Canada) & the Catholic Academy for Communication Arts Professionals (SIGNIS- USA and Canada)

http://www.catholicmediaconvention.org/

2) Catholic New Media Celebration Atlanta, GA June 22, 2008

http://celebration.sqpn.com/about/

Tags: Catholic Media; Catholic Media Conferences;

Henry Winkler Interview: A Plumm Summer

2008-04-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Days are Here Again in A Plumm Summer

A conversation with Henry Winkler

In 1966 the F.B.I. was called in to investigate, of all things, a puppet-napping of the star of a children’s television show in Great Falls, MT.

David Brinkley is said to have reported at the time, “Justas coast-to-coast networks threaten to make local children's programming a thing of the past, we get this report from Billings, Montana. Froggy Doo has been kidnapped. That's right folks, Froggy Doo, local TV legend and certified puppet, disappeared during a live show in front of hundreds of young fans. And if that's not strange enough, J. Edgar Hoover himself has sent two agents to Montana to investigate the disappearance of Billing's favorite frog. I kid you not".

On April 25 Froggy Doo’s story is coming to theaters in A Plumm Summer directed and co-written by newcomer Caroline Zelder. A Plumm Summer is a low-budget independent film about family relationships with a surprisingly strong cast.

A Plumm Summer

As the heat of the summer bears down on the Montana landscape, the father of a small family, Mick Plumm (Daniel Baldwin; Backdraft; The Squid and the Whale) must face the impact of his alcoholism and failure to hold a job on his marriage (his wife is played by Lisa Guererro, Sunset Beach) and family.

His 5-year old son Rocky (Owen Pearce) has a sunny disposition, but his 13-year old son, Elliott (Chris J. Kelly) is convinced that his dad doesn’t even know he exists. Just when the summer seems too long and boring, the news that Froggy Doo is stolen hits the news. The boys and their friends join together to investigate the mystery of his disappearance.

One of America’s favorite stars, Henry Winkler (Happy Days; An American Christmas Carol; Holes; Click) plays Happy Herb, the host of the children’s show. In addition to finding Froggy Doo, Herb must heal a relationship of his own. A Plumm Summer is all about family members seeing each other, recognizing the gift of each person and being open to reconciliation and grace.

A Conversation with Henry Winkler

I had the opportunity to interview Henry Winkler last week via phone; me from my office in Culver City, CA and Henry on his cell phone driving to work. Henry was born in New York in 1945 and is a Golden Globe Award-winning American actor, director, producer, and author. Henry is perhaps best known for his role as “The Fonz” on Happy Days (1974 – 1984).

RP: What did you like best about making A Plumm Summer?

HW: Working with children; telling a children’s story. Ever since I was in high school I have worked with children; I was a counselor in an after school program in Manhattan. I realized then that I got along better with children than adults – and this was a film about the world of children. Then there was the fly-fishing for trout in Montana.

RP: From your voice it sounds as though you consider fly-fishing almost a spiritual experience.

HW: It is completely zen; a washing machine for your brain. You cannot concentrate on anything else. It’s just you the fish and the running stream. You are literally drained of yourself. I was dreaming of bringing the entire Middle East to go fly fishing. It creates so much peace.

RP: If it is not too personal, can you describe your inner, spiritual life?

HW: I like my religion: I am Jewish. I like the tenacity shown in Jewish history. And I have often thought that since we are created in God’s image when we talk to God and ask him for something we are talking to the highest and best parts of ourselves as well. They say that God only helps those who help themselves. Then there is a saying that inspires me: “If you will it, it is not a dream.” This phrase is the grease for the axel that turns the earth around; this is one of the cornerstones of being alive on this earth, in this universe. It is a truth as opposed to a good thought.

When I was younger I went to Synagogue to have my one on one chats with God. I used to knock on the wood of the chair in front of me because I thought there were so many people talking to him at the same that I needed to knock to get his attention. And you know what? My life is blessed. All of the complaining that I do? In actuality I have no complaints.

RP: What one quality do you think is necessary for young people who want to become part of the entertainment industry?

HW: What’s that one quality? I would reduce the entire journey, and it is a journey, to two words they would be preparation and tenacity. If you completely integrate these two words they will get you where you want to go. One out of five children has a learning challenge but no one way, shape, or form correlates to how brilliant that child, that person is, if they prepare well for what they want to do and are tenacious about achieving their goals.

RP: How important is character in the entertainment industry and in life?

HW: This is a great question. I think that character is one of the main ingredients in the choices that a person makes in life. There is an acting axiom that you write in your notebook on the first day of acting class: in your choice is your talent. What you choose to do with your life in this industry will give you either a short term view of your life and career or longevity.

RP: Where are you now in the arc of your career?

No matter what I have done in my particular industry, I am always at the beginning. I never kid myself that what I have done matters to the powers that be. It always feels like I am at the beginning. I feel energy and excitement, but it takes a lot of that energy to push that rock [of a new project] up the mountain one more time.

RP: How would you describe the relationship between the entertainment industry and the family?

HW: In general, I don’t think the media understands the family. The real truth is that if the media trusted the family with the truth instead of moving away from the emotionality of living they would connect better with the audience. The industry always seems to want to dumb down productions but I have seen that children want to be taken on an inner journey. There are exceptions. Take a crazy film like Super Bad – there was an inner truth and a journey and this softens the film’s [distasteful] language. At their heart the characters were real, identifiable people and we cared about them; they grew as people and changed.

RP: You seem to get children.

HW: We underestimate the child. We are afraid that the child won’t get it, the truth of the story, and will become what he sees. But I know from my own children that they do imitate what they see in the culture but their souls do not become that. My son didn’t become a gangster because he put on the accoutrement of rap - the baggy pants, and all. His soul is in tact. You have to trust that your child is listening to the best of you. Underneath the baggy clothing is the best of that child.

RP: I have read that you are dyslexic and that school was hard for you. How did you get the idea to write a series of books about a character that has learning challenges?

HW: I grew up thinking I was stupid so I turned down the idea of writing the Hank Zipzer books the first time by my agent mentioned it. But the second time he brought up the idea of writing [with Lin Oliver] about the adventures and trials of Hank Zipzer many months later, I told myself: I knew this kid, this character; I was this character.

RP: What are the books about?

HW: They are about this kid at school and they tell about the frustration and the comedy of what Hank faces. They are for grades 3-6. But above all, the books are funny before anything else.

RP: What has been the response to the books?

HW: The reaction to the books has been more than I ever imagined. I get letters form parents, librarians, teachers, and children from all over the world (the books have been translated into three languages since Niagara Falls, or Does It? in 2003.) I got one letter from a kid that said, “I laughed so hard I almost fell out of my body.” Another: “How did you know me so well?” And another: “Not one word, chapter, or paragraph is boring.” Then parents tell me that “My child is a reluctant reader but has now read five of your books”, well, what could be greater than that?

RP: Some people say that peace will be achieved through the arts. Do you agree with this?

HW: The arts in school should never be an after-thought. The only way that you can unlock the child is through the arts. The arts present the only way children will know how to unlock themselves. The U.S. is the only country that completely diminishes art in education. The arts are an essential part of education.

RP: Why should families see A Plumm Summer?

HW: Entertainment is the most magnetic when it is the most humane. There are no special effects in this little movie; instead it is all about the effect of the heart. There are no explosions except the explosion ofthe heart. The relationships between the dad and the eldest son; between the mom and the dad; the bond between the two brothers; the children growing up and learning and having responsibility that summer – and the relationship of my character with his wife is repaired. No matter who you are in the family, there is something for you in this film.

RP: What words of wisdom do you have for the faith audience?

HW: To be aware of whom you are and to be open to others, to move outside of yourself; this will give you the gift of the world.

________

Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP is the Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Culver City, CA, the TV/film columnist for St. Anthony Messenger, a contributor to The Tidings and a media literacy education specialist.

Tags: A Plumm Summer; Henry Winker; Interview with Henry Winkler; Children and Learning Challenges; Hank Zipzer books; Henry Winkler Dyslexia

Expelled the Movie

2008-04-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

You can find my review at St. Anthony Messenger's website:

http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Apr2008/Eye_On_Entertainment.asp

While I often will write two reviews for a film, I decided that this was about all I can say about "Expelled."

If my column length had permitted it, I would have added links to what a Vatican scientist said about "intelligent design" in 2005: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10101394/

And I would really have wished the filmmakers would have included a Catholic perspective (they mention "Catholic" only once in the film), including a reference to St. Thomas Aquinas' philosophical arguments/proofs from natural reason for the existence of God:

"The fifth proof arises from the ordering of things for we see that some things which lack reason, such as natural bodies, are operated in accordance with a plan. It appears from this that they are operated always or the more frequently in this same way the closer they follow what is the Highest; whence it is clear that they do not arrive at the result by chance but because of a purpose. The things, moreover, that do not have intelligence do not tend toward a result unless directed by some one knowing and intelligent; just as an arrow is sent by an archer. Therefore there is something intelligent by which all natural things are arranged in accordance with a plan---and this we call God."
Visit http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/aquinas3.html for all five proofs.

The Catholic Church (notably in the 20th century especially) has a rich body of teaching on Scripture, science, and evolution. Here is an excellent article from Catholic Answers that addresses Catholic beliefs and the issues about evolution:

http://www.catholic.com/library/adam_eve_and_evolution.asp

The filmmakers might say that "Expelled" is not about evolution or intelligent design but about academic freedom. Perhaps this is true. It is interesting that evolution/intelligent design is the only area of academic intolerance the film addresses (if I recall well.)

Science, reason/philosophy, and theology are not incompatible. However, one is not the other. They can support each other (St. Thomas Aquinas also taught that philosophy is the handmaiden of philosophy - but he doesn't seem to have addressed the science that his teacher and mentor, St. Albert the Great is known for.)

At the end of the day, I don't think the film adds great clarity to any aspect of the evolution/intelligent design debate - though it may raise some temperatures.

To be fair, the film says that the debate they (the filmmakers) have framed will be settled by the evidence - that no one seems to have systematically presented to date. (They might argue that academia doesn't permit it; but since when do limitations hold back the search for truth?)

Bring it on.

(Some questions comes to mind: were all those academics really fired for only the reasons noted in the film? What information was left out? Did we get the whole story? What's motivated the filmmakers? Injustice? And what else?)

Tags: Expelled the Movie; Catholic church intelligent design

Meeting Jesus at the Movies at LMU June 15-17

2008-04-20T16:23:00.000-07:00

Summer Theology 2008

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY

Center for Religion & Spirituality

www.lmu.edu/extension/religion (click on Summer Theology)

Meeting Jesus at the Movies

Sister Rose Pacatte, F.S.P., MEd in Media Studies

RELX 855.01

Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday evenings, June 15 - 17. Sunday class to meet at Blessed Sacrament Parish, 6657 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028; 7:00-8:30 PM. Monday - Tuesday classes 7:00- 8:45 PM at LMU. Sunday night's lecture at Blessed Sacrament is both the first night of the course and also a stand-alone, free-and-open-to-the-public event. (Sunday co-presented with Sr. Gretchen Hailer, RSHM),

http://www.lmu.edu/Page43261.aspx

Cinema can provide marvelous opportunities to help ourselves and others meet Jesus in daily life. These very visual and practical presenations will look at a variety of film clips from major motion pictures through the lens of the Gospels and offer suggestions for an authentic experience of cinema divina.

Sunday: Meeting Jesus at the Movies (stand alone)

Monday: Meeting Jesus at the Movies II

Tuesday: Cinema Divina

Tags: Cinema and spirituality course; cinema divina

Desperate Housewives

2008-04-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

If you missed last Sunday's new episode of Desperate Hosuewives (picking up where the Writers' Strike left off), be sure to catch the re-run this Friday night, ABC, 8pm.

Why?

Here's the write-up from the website:

"Katherine is unable to keep some of her secrets; Susan's young, attractive cousin reveals more than expected; a surprise wedding ceremony has its share of secrets. "

But the reason to watch (and if you are in any kind of ministry, to record) is because this episode is all about what faith and worship mean in practice. Lynette, battling cancer, sees Bree and family on their way to church on a Sunday morning, and decides that her family needs to go. Of itself, this may seem trite. But the dialogue, the conversations between the characters, is priceless. Lynette and family go to the Presbyterian church with Bree (though Lynette's husband was raised Catholic; wait til you hear one of their son's description of who Jesus us...) but Lynette has questions that the sermon doesn't answer so she stands up and queries the minister. Bree's embarrassment makes her dis-invite Lynette so the next week they go to the Catholic Church.... but what has suffered is the friendship between Lynette and Bree - and how this is resolved is what faith in life is all about.

At the end (this is television, so I get to give away the ending), when Lynette and Bree are laughing and talking again, with a Bible in front of them, they are not reading the Word, they are being the Word. This is not extreme drama; it is ordinary, filled with light, and fine.

If you are engaged in evangelization in any way, this thread of the show will launch many conversations; it will show what any number of lectures and homilies won't be able to do.

Now, Gaby, the token Catholic who stays Catholic for all the wrong - and right - reasons, is surprisingly well-informed about the canonical status of her marriage ... again, the dialogue offers lots to talk about. Her very ineptitude at living her faith evokes conversation about what it means to be who she loudly professes herself to be. (The priest's knowledge about ritual and canon law seems flawed, but I think Gaby so exasperates him that he goes along. This says as much about his faith as Gaby's.

The women of Wysteria Lane are not perfect, they are greatly flawed - and seemingly criminal. But they have hearts and souls and it looks like the writers are back on track with the heart and humanity, truth and consequences apsects, of the show.

This episode is about asking questions and asking and asking, even when it makes others socially uncomfortable. Lynette may not be seeking next week, but this week she is. In their own ways, all the characters on DH are.

If the tornado episodes re-run, be sure to get them. Again, humanity and heart can emerge even from shows with a bottom drawer reputation in the faith community.

If you have access to the first season of DH, check out the Valentine's Day episode. The thread about Lynette and Mrs. McCloskey is the epitome of what living faith is all about.

Be surprised.

(And remember that the only consistent thing about television is that it is inconsistent. Not every show delivers, but many do.)

Tags: Desperate Housewives and faith; Desperate Housewives and Christianity; Desperate Housewives offers lots to talk about

Young@Heart the Movie

2008-04-13T20:32:00.000-07:00

Just by chance I got to see this film on Saturday with my sister Libby, visiting from Sacramento. Enchanting, life-affirming, foot-stomping, inspiring, and fun.

The film follows the Young@Heart Chorus from Northampton, MA - median age: 80 - for about seven weeks before they are to go on tour with a new program. Led by Bob Climan for 25 years, the group learns several new songs and deals with life in a way that transcends the sickness and limitations that come to us all as life goes on.

This synopsis may sound as bland as white bread, but both my sister and I laughed and cried - and so did most of the audience at the Landmark on Pico - more than we have in a long, long, time.

This is a documentary that I will watch over and over.

For all those who think Hollywood doesn't have good things in the pipeline, see this film and bless the Lord and the wonderful people in the film, and all those who made it possible. Young@Heart attests to the universal language of music - and how it can rock your world, filling it with hope, faith, and love.

This is a story for the ages.

Check out a couple of short videos on YouTube.com:

Themes to talk about:

Live

Death

Dying well

Hope

The presence of God

Human dignity

Community

The common good

The Last Rites (Anointing of the Sick)

Life-affirming

Optimism

Suffering

Joy

The power of music to bring faith and life together

Praise

Marriage; fidelity

Generosity

The Spirit who gives life

Heart

and so much more....

Tags: Sr. Rose Young at Heart; Sr. Rose Movies; Young@Heart the Movie

Eli Stone Best TV Show You May Not Be Watching

2008-04-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

The more I watch ABC's mid-season dramedy Eli Stone, the more I like it. (Thursdays, 10pm - but airing a new episode this Sunday as well.)

Eli Stone (Johnny Lee Miller, Hackers) is a San Francisco lawyer with an inoperable brain aneurism that causes very disruptive hallucinations that lead him to do unexpected - and generous - things. His accupuncterist suggests that his visions might be of divine origin and Eli begins to think that God is asking him to be a prophet and do things that make a difference.

Eli Stone is full of humanity and heart yet tackles some controversial issues such as sex education and gay-unions (through the improbable story of two chimps that suffer when zoo officials separate them.)

To be continued

Tags: Best TV Shows, Eli Stone and spirituality; Eli Stone and media literacy

Cruise Film Retreat

2008-04-11T09:27:00.000-07:00

Join us for the very first

Cathlic Film Retreat At Sea!

Theme:

Melting Pots: Food & Family

Film Slate:

My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Big Night,

The Grapes of Wrath,

What’s Cooking?

Date: Friday, October 10 – Monday, October 13, 2008

Long Beach, CA – Ensenada, Mexico – Long Beach, CA

(The first deposit of $25 due 4/08

All deposits totally refundable until June, 2008)

Columbus Day weekend Prices:

Inside Quad cabins 3-4 people: $234.44 total

Inside double Cabins: $448.44 total

Oceanview Double Cabins: $488.44 total

includes donation to Daughters of St. Paul/Open Call/National Film Retreat; to be matched by Carnival,

film screenings & materials,

all port charges, taxes, and tips!

(no envelopes needed on last day!)

Optional Insurance: $39.00 per adult; $19.00 per child

Reserve your cabin at www.ShareitTravel.com click on the group link in the upper right, then scroll down for Catholic Film Retreat, click the book it link at bottom

Or contact Ann-Marie Blaney by e-mail: blaneys@ShareitTravel.com

phone: 949-632-7155

direct link: http://www.yourtravelbiz.com/grouptravel/7W98L6.htm)

Passengers must have a valid passport.

Film Directors:

Rev. Ron Schmidt, SJ, Hope Productions, Los Angeles

Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP, Pauline Center for Media Studies, Los Angeles

Frank Frost, Frank Frost Productions, Washington, DC

Please call if you have any questions at all!

Retreat questions call: Nanciann Horvath 714-394-4989

Tags: National Film Retreat, Cruise Film Retreat, Catholic Retreats, Inter-faith Retreats

Horton Hears a Who Film Study Guide

2008-03-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

Film Study Themes for Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who

By Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP

Pauline Center for Media Studies

Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who, based on the book published in 1954, is an anthropomorphic tale; that is, it is written in a literary form in which human qualities are attributed to animals or non-humans. Having said this, we can then imagine these creatures as persons and make applications accordingly (as does the great Dr. Seuss himself in the story).

Dr. Seuss was born Theodor Robert Geisel (1904 – 1991) and many of his books have been made into films or made-for-television specials. My favorite is the 1966 animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and my least favorite is the live action 2003 version of The Cat in the Hat.) We probably all have our favorite books or film/TV versions. Oh The Places You’ll Go! is probably my all-time favorite of the Dr. Seuss books. (What’s yours?)

The Story

Horton (voice of Jim Carrey) is an elephant who one day hears a voice from a speck of dust drifting through the air near his big ears. He realizes that there must be someone on that speck of dust and hurries to bring it to safety because “A person’s a person no matter how small.” He places thespeck on a clover, begins a conversation with the Mayor of Whoville (Steve Carell) who asks Horton to really find a safe place for Whoville – and his 96 daughters and one son named Jo-Jo – or Whoville might be destroyed. The Kangaroo (Carol Burnett) scoffs at Horton and enlists Vlad (Will Arnett) the eagle (buzzard?) to destroy the speck on the clover because “If you can’t see it, it’s not there.” Vlad fails, so The Kangaroo hires the Wickersham monkey Brothers to thwart Horton on his odyssey. They cage him so they can kill him. Horton escapes, finds the clover with Whoville on it, and saves the day. While all this is going on, the Mayor has to convince the townspeople to listen to him, and get Jo-Jo, who is silent, to speak because he, his dad, believes in him. If the people yell loud enough, then The Kangaroo and all the other animals will believe that Whoville and its citizens does exist and deserve protection. The people raise their voices and make such a noise that the animals hear them and agree to protect Whoville and its people.

Themes

Horton as a Christ-figure: How are Horton and Jesus similar? (Horton wants to save the people of Whoville who are so very small. He is captured and beaten for his beliefs, and because he wants to save the people of Whoville, he lays down his life for them.)

Horton and the Christian or spiritual journey: How is Horton’s journey a metaphor for the Christian/spiritual life? Everything is going along fine, and then he is asked to disrupt his comfortable life on order to help those who are weak and in danger. He sacrifices his comfort and is even persecuted for his beliefs; he perseveres even when the journey is hard. Why? Because he believes.

Transformation: Which of the characters in the story change and grow as “persons” and spiritually? The Kangaroo? Her joey (in the film he seems to believe in Horton but in the book he actually changes from anon-believer to a believer); Jo-Jo, the people of Whoville, the Mayor’s wife? Why are Vlad and the Wickersham Brothers strong in one way and weak in others? Why do they agree to do what The Kangaroo wants?

Image of the Human Person: What do you think Horton means when he says, “A person’s a person no matter how small?” Think of all the ways people can be small (the unborn, babies, children who are growing up, people who are short.) Are there ways we can make people feel small? Like when we don’t respect them, or we make fun of them, or even bully them (do you think that The Kangaroo, Vlad and the Wickersham Brothers are bullies?) What would you do or say when bullies are making fun of people or being mean? (Know your school/religious education program’s policy on bullying so you can affirm it here.)

Life-affirming: In what ways would you say that Horton Hears a Who is a life-affirming story? Which characters does Horton think have value? Why? Do you think Horton loves everyone, even those who try to hurt him and stop him from his mission?

Faith: What do you think The Kangaroo meant when she said, ““If you can’t see it, it’s not there.” Is that true? What made The Kangaroo a believer? (How does the evidence we see around us in nature point to the existence of God? How can we “see” and “hear” God in nature and in others? (Depending on how old your students are you may want to bring in – or adapt - St. Thomas Aquinas’ philosophical proofs for the existence of God, especially the fifth proof “from the order of things”: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/aquinas3.html). How does the Mayor’s faith grow in the story?

Peace-making: How does Horton make peace between the characters in the book? Is Horton ever violent? How does he react to thosewho are violent to him? (He educates the animals about the people of Whoville; he continually communicates and never gives up; he brings people together – both those who doubt and the citizens of Whoville – and helps them get to know one another.)

Virtues and values: What ideals and characteristics do you find in Horton Hears a Who? Make a list and then explain how each of these is apparent in the story. (Faith, hope, love/charity, perseverance, constancy, self-sacrifice, patience, peace, goodness, sharing, communication, working for the common good and community)

Tags: Film Study Guide; Film Study Guide for Catholics; Horton Hears a Who Film Study Guide for Faith Community

2008-03-12T14:55:00.000-07:00

Date: Friday, July 4 – Sunday, July 6, 2008
(The deadline for registration is June 28, 2008)

Location: Pauline Center for Media Studies
3908 Sepulveda Blvd
Culver City , CA 90230
pcms@paulinemedia.com
Web site: www.NationalFilmRetreat.org

Film Slate

Friday evening
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?

Saturday morning
Eat, Drink, Man, Woman

Saturday Afternoon
Optional Film or a contemplative walk along Venice Beach

Saturday Evening
Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Sunday Morning
What’s Cooking?

Visit

www.nationalfilmretreat.org

Tags: Retreat; spiritual retreat; film retreat; film and spirituality;

Beliefnet Film Awards 2008 WINNERS!

2008-02-21T18:21:00.000-08:00

Beliefnet 2008 Film Awards

Check out the results!

Congratulations to the winners!

http://www.beliefnet.com/bfa/

Best Spiritual Film

Amazing Grace

Best Spiritual Performance

Emile Hirsch

Best Spiritual Documentary

Into Great Silence

(Notice that all the winning films are about men? Interesting....)

Film Festival Religious Ed Congress Anaheim

2008-02-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

For anyone attending the Religious Education Congress in Anaheim, please consider attending the second annual film festival:

ANAHIEM HILTON PACIFIC BALLROOM ~ FRIDAY, FEB. 29th, 8PM & SATURDAY, MAR 1st, 8PM

New Films and Documentaries will be screened and clips shown from established producers as well as new and emerging Film Makers. Don’t miss this entertaining event! Admittance Free . . . Join Us!

FRIDAY NIGHT ~ 8PM

THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE – Grassroots Films

IN SPITE OF DARKNESS: A SPIRITUAL ENCOUNTER WITH AUSCHWITZ

by Loyola Productions Munich and Hope Media Productions

THE FRAGRANT SPIRIT OF LIFE – San Damiano Foundation

DOROTHY DAY: DON’T CALL ME A SAINT – one lucky dog productions

MISSION – Maryknoll Productions

CHAMPIONS OF FAITH: BASEBALL EDITION (featured full length screening)

by Catholic Exchange

SATURDAY NIGHT ~ 8PM

THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN – Walt Disney Productions

and Walden Media

MANIFEST MYSTERIES – Family Theatre Productions

TYLER’S RIDE – Paulist Productions

FATHER G AND THE HOMEBOYS – Great Wave Productions

THE INVISIBLE CHAPEL – Gatekeeper Productions

THE SISTERS O’MALLEY – Mud Puddle Films

UNCONDITIONAL COMPANION – Fleenor Films

FAITH WORKS: ACROSS THE USA – U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Tags: LA Religious Education Congress; Religious Education Congress; Religious Education Congress 2008 Film Festival

The Big Question Movie

2008-02-18T18:21:00.000-08:00

This new film from Paulist Productions (www.PaulistProductions.org) will be screening at the DC Independent Film Festival on Sunday, March 9th at 1:30 p.m at Georgetown University. I find this film inspiring, moving, informative and filled with powerful stories (the screening we had at a theater in Westwood a couple of months ago was filled to capacity and people were impressed and touched.) If you live in the DC area, or know someone who does, I hope you will make a pilgrimage and experience forgiveness on the big screen.

The Big Question: A Film About Forgiveness premieres at the D.C. International Film Festival. Please plan on joining me for this one time showing on Sunday March 9th at 1:30 p.m. at the Jack Morton Auditorium on the campus of GW University.

You can get information and buy tickets here:

http://dciff.bside.com/?_view=_filmdetails&filmId=49217170

FILMSYNOPSIS

USA 2007 | Run time: 63 min. | Director: Vince DiPersio

A troubled man bursts into your child's schoolhouse. Without warning, he chases out all the boys and lines the girls up. Then he begins to shoot them one by one. For decades your people's backs have been broken by the oppressive yoke of Apartheid. Suddenly, the tables are turned and you and your friends are in power. Your own mother is brutally raped and slain by a random burglar. What would you do? Could you forgive? Should you forgive? In this remarkable new film the filmmakers explore The Big Question through astonishing acts of forgiveness, courage and will.

CAST & CREW

DIRECTOR: Vince DiPersio

PRODUCER: Kaluska Poventud

CINEMATOGRAPHER: Will Hooke

COMPOSER: Cato

Tags: Documentary on forgiveness; forgiveness and film; inter-religious; spirituality;

Tyler's Ride Webisode Series from Paulist Productions

2008-02-18T17:28:00.000-08:00

Check out the trailer for Paulist Productions newest initiative: WEBISODES. These will go live in March.

"Tyler's Ride," The Trailer: http://www.tylersride.com

Tags: Webisode; webisodes; Catholic webisodes

Oscars 2008: Thoughtful, Life-Affirming, Artistic

2008-02-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

I think 2007 will go down as the all-round best year for cinema in decades - though I think the main Academy Award categories could have had several more films added to them if rules and practicality would have allowed. On the other hand, Academy voters got the nominations right; they chose the best. The films, acting, and filmmaking are so good that it is extremely hard to predict who or which film will win. I have seen thirty-three of the forty-six films in the main categories.

Before selecting my winning nominees, I would like to mention what many reviewers and critics have already noticed: that many 2007 films are life-affirming from conception to old age, to the search for life’s meaning, and the celebration of family and friends. Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up was a surprise (despite the yuck factor). Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson give us an experience of deeply felt life in Rob Reiner’s The Bucket List. Jindabyne from Australian director Ray Lawrence, illustrated the connection between humanity, morality and nature. Then there are the nominees of course, from the sleeper indie hit Juno to Sean Penn’s journey film Into the Wild to one of my favorites, Lars and the Real Girl. As the Jesuit Anthony de Mello (1931-1987) once said, “You have yet to understand, my friends, that the shortest distance between a human being and truth is a story.” I think de Mello would have enjoyed 2007 at the movies.

Best Actor in a Leading Role – This is such a hard call because Daniel Day-Lewis’ performance in There Will Be Blood is so outstanding. I would not be surprised if this dark study of a man who turns America’s virtues into vices, sweeps the Awards. The Oscar may go to Johnny Depp as Sweeny Todd, but my vote goes to Tommy Lee Jones as the heart-broken retired soldier who searches for his son who disappears after returning from Iraq in Paul Haggis’ In the Valley of Elah.

Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Hands down, Hal Holbrook deserves this award as the elderly widower who befriends a young man on his quest for truth and humanity in Sean Penn’s Into the Wild. Holbrook’s authentic and poignant performance touched my heart. Casey Affleck, in the dark historical drama The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and the other nominees, are deserving as well (I missed Charlie Wilson’s War however.)

Best Actress in a Leading Role – Cate Blanchette is always marvelous, and Julie Christie in Away from Her is getting all the buzz, but I would love to see the Oscar go to either Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose or to Ellen Page in Juno. Marion Cotillard plays Edith Piaf to perfection but a win for newcomer Ellen Page’s fresh persona as the young, super-smart pregnant teen in the biggest dilemma of her life, exudes life and promise for the future of the cinema arts.

Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Watch Cate Blanchette win for I’m Not There where she plays Bob Dylan, but the real contest is between Tilda Swinton as the ambitious lawyer on the wrong side in Michael Clayton and the young Saoirse Ronan in Atonement. This young actress literally stole the show, giving depth and credence to an act of betrayal with life-long consequences.

Animated Features – Persepolis could win for its artistic originality that told a bleak story with realism, but my hunch is that Ratatouille will win for its heart and accessibility for young and old alike.

Art Direction – I am going with There Will Be Blood, although the artistic achievement of The Golden Compass is noteworthy.

Cinematography – All five nominees could win here, but my favorite is Julian Schnabel’s The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. This is a film that proved the sacramental quality of filmmaking: it was able to bring the audience into an experience of the inner reality of a man’s life and soul through the external realities of sight and sound.

Costume Design – Elizabeth, the Golden Age seems like the obvious choice (some have said the costumes areall the film had going for it), but what made La Vie En Rose was the historical realism of the decades of her life shown through many factors, including costumes.

Best Director - I think all these directors are brilliant. The Coen Brothers deserve it for No Country for Old Men, but I think Paul Thomas Anderson for There Will Be Blood may win it.

Documentary Feature – I wish The Price of Sugar would have been nominated, but in lieu of that, my vote is for Michael Moore’s assessment of universal health care in Sicko.

Film Editing – No contest: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly that created an inner world of memory and imagination for the screen, and a reason to choose life over death.

Original Score – Thisis a very hard call. I think Dario Marianelli will get the Oscar for Atonement but I would like Alberto Iglesias receive it for The Kite Runner, one of my top ten films for 2007.

Original Song – “Falling Slowly” in Once, the small musical that could, is my choice, though “Raise It Up” in August Rush is deserving. I did enjoy Enchanted, but it was very mainstream. The small films seemed to capture more of the magic of sight and sound.

Best Picture – I want Juno to win, but any of these films could win and it would be right and just. Michael Clayton is a film about conscience in contemporary life, the struggle between immoral and illegal; No Country for Old Men is about a sheriff walking in a nightmare of criminal activity he could never have imagined. Atonement is a fine, subtle film about truth and consequences, and There Will be Blood, it’s exact opposite. My guess is that There Will be Blood may very well win.

Best Visual Effects – I have to say that my nephews and I thoroughly enjoyed The Transformers, so I am going with this because it was so extreme – and funny.

Best Adapted Screenplay – No Country for Old Men would be my hunch because it seems to stay closer to the book, although The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a strong contender.

Best Original Screenplay – All deserving, it has to come down to Juno or Lars and the Real Girl. Both films are filled with life, humanity, family, community, tenderness, great kindness, and are completely original in their approach. These kinds of films make you want to go to the movies.

The best movies that were not nominated: The Namesake, Amazing Grace, A Mighty Heart.

Tags: Sr. Rose's Oscar Picks 2008

Cinema Divina for Teachers: Spiritual Development through Contemporary Film etc.

2008-02-06T15:01:00.000-08:00

Here are links to four articles that I wrote and were published this month on film, a book review, and media literacy. Feel free to click!
1)

Cinema Divina for Teachers: Spiritual Development through Contemporary Film

Today’s Catholic Teacher January/February 2008

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/cinemadivinafeature.pdf

2)
Meeting Jesus at the Movies
The Bible Today, Liturgical Press, Jan/Feb 2008

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/mediacatechesis/meetingjesusatthemovie.pdf

Faith guidance from Hollywood? Book Review

HORIZON Jan/Feb 2008

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/reviews/gospelaccordingtohollywood.pdf

The Media Smart Family

Life&Soul, Winter 2008, Pauline Books & Media

http://www.daughtersofstpaul.com/mediastudies/articles/mediasmartfamily.pdf

Tags: cinema divina; cinema divina for teachers; meeting Jesus at the movies; media literacy families; media smart family

Theology and Film: Challenging the Sacred/Secular Divide

2008-02-05T22:23:00.000-08:00

I didn't write this review but want to share this information with you; I know Dr. Gaye Ortiz very well and admire her work in theology and film. I ordered my copy already...

___

Book Review
Ortiz co-authors textbook

Gaye Ortiz, communications and professional writing, has co-authored a textbook Theology and Film: Challenging the Sacred/Secular Divide, which discusses the conflict between theology and contemporary culture by examining such movies as Unforgiven, The Passion of the Christ, Something’s Gotta Give, Vanilla Sky, and Jarhead.

The textbook, released last month, addresses such themes as religion and the sacred, human dignity, eschatology, war and peace, violence, justice, feminism, and the environment. The book also has online resources available at www.blackwellpublishing.com/theologyandfilm.

"Ortiz and Deacy offer a singularly rich analysis of the ways that theology and film interlace. Using Niebuhr's Christ and Culture as an interpretive model, they put their fingers on the theological pulse of thousands of contemporary and classic, pop and art films with stunningly insightful success. Their command of both film language and divergent currents in contemporary theology allows them to respect each film as an artistic work in its own right, which illuminates issues such as violence, women's rights, the environment, and apocalyptic discourse. I highly recommend this thoughtful book for classroom use and just plain reading pleasure," says Sara Anson Vaux of Northwestern University, in a review of the book on Amazon.com.

Dr. Ortiz received bachelor degrees in theology and public media from the University of Leeds, a master’s degree in theology and ethics of communication from Edinburgh University, and a doctoral degree from the University of Leeds. Dr. Ortiz, a lifetime honorary fellow of St. John University, York, England, joined the Augusta State faculty in 2002 and currently teaches communication studies.

Tags: theology and film

2008 Beliefnet Film Awards

2008-01-31T22:42:00.000-08:00

Click and vote for the

Best Spiritual Film

Best Spiritual Performance

Best Spiritual Documentary

http://www.beliefnet.com/bfa

(I wrote the "pro" piece nominating Ellen Page in Juno for best "Spiritual Performance")

Tags: Best spiritual film 2008; spirituality and film

Technology Tools for Your Ministry: No Mousing Around Book Review

2008-01-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

Technology Tools for Your Ministry:

No Mousing Around!

by Tim Welch

23rd Publications

2008

114 pages

ISBN 9781585956760

$16.95

This small handbook is brilliant - beginning with the size of the book, font style and size, white space on the pages, the cover (and the quality of the cover paper and the colors). Add these to the content that runs from attitudes toward technology (and attitudes toward those with whom we share faith about the use of technology in our parishes and schools - like patience), tips for conquering those aspects that challenge us (like reading the manual - yes, you can read the manual!), to how to connect a computer to an LCD projector, to creating media (iPodcasts) and much more. The book's layout and content are in perfect harmony.

Tim's approach is almost underwhelming; he has managed to approach his subject - and us - in such a way as to engage and empower us and not turn us off to technology.

One of the call outs (on page 4) attracted me immediately:

"Our primary vocation is to minister to one another in the gentlest, most life-giving way."

This reminded me of when Anna Scally of Cornerstonemedia.org advised a group of religious communicators: to "honor our students" and all those with whom we share faith.

Tags: Technology and church; book review technology and church