I've had something of a busy weekend. Let me start off by saying last week was incredibly mind-numbing. A jam-packed shmorgishborg of blah-blahs and hoo-ha's... then Pastoral Counseling (9am-12pm, 1-4pm for a week straight). Then there were the little things, but Monday I set up a local /open meeting for people to check out Not For Sale and our work against human trafficking. I spent the rest of last week trying to get the minutes for that meeting together to email everyone back, and didn't send that email until this morning. Goodness!
Anyway, feel free to check us out! http://www.notforsalecampaign.org/
This week, now that the Bruins have won, and class ended, I'm feeling a little more relaxed. Monday, that is this morning, has had a lovely start. But what's most on my mind right now is the fact that I've seen two very well done films this weekend. The first was "The Green Lantern." Some of you know I rather enjoy the colour green, but I really didn't know a whole lot about the DC Comics hero. I think it was really great to see a hero admit that they're afraid. When questioned about a near fatal jet accident, Hal Jordan responds by tuning people out or walking away. So his internal struggle is something that he works out throughout the entirety of the film. This isn't news, but the issue of fear is dealt with differently. Villains "feeding on" fear and heroes combating fear is done not with simple courage speeches (though yes, there is one) but overall, it's the power of will. I've heard a pastor once say that the opposite of fear is not courage, but it's love. Does this mean a boxer has to love his opponent in order to win? Unlikely. Rather, it's finding what you love and why you do what you do that helps us to fight our fears. The challenge to fear in this film was not courage (per se) but it was will. Go see it and enjoy it.
I suppose this is why my next review is a little more appreciative. Someone had recently discussed the Graduate with me and me being me, I didn't bother to check in to see it until... well... LAST NIGHT after spending 3 hours failing to make a work-out schedule. (I love life, I really do!) What an interesting film. Now, if anyone hates spoilers, it's me. I don't even like previews because I like going in to a film with a fresh slate. I don't recall where I read this, but a recent review I read stated that the film's ending was a demonstration of the hopelessness of our society and the distrust of institutions and authority. (Thereby, my instincts tell me this opinion might have come from a Christian magazine or review). Since I felt the film had been given away as the review describes Benjamin as carrying his true love off, making a mock of the church, and looking completely clueless as to what the future holds.
My opinion is quite different. I don't have to state my views on sex or even adultery, but I will say that Benjamin's character is truly a result of this fallen world. He's not to blame for his actions, but I almost felt encouraged by his literal 'taking up the cross' for what he believed in. (Again, to revisit the Green Lantern, will vs. fear). Benjamin spends the majority of this film dealing with fear. In the Gospel of Matthew, we have this passage: "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matt. 16:24, New International Version). This makes me think that whatever we choose to do in life, we will have battles to face - and if our fears aren't challenged or wrestled with, are we really living? Are we trying? Are we giving life our best? Is Benjamin a fighter? By the ending, something in him has ticked - and it's really exciting to watch.
Benjamin is no hero for committing adultery, but once he finds out he's in love with Elaine, his character develops, and everything that would have appeared to be wrong (not only in the sight of Holy Mother Church, but according to the rules of the film itself), is attempted by Benjamin to be made right. Strangely enough, (and I'm sure there's been a world of film critics to discuss this), the use of the golden cross to bar the doors of the church is not altogether a mockery. It is not the correct use, for certain, but what would you do if you were being chased by an angry mob in a church? The film would have had "Godfather"esque sentiments regarding the "bad guys" getting away with murder (literally) and evil reigning at the end if Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson weren't discovered. I would also add that I don't think Benjamin would have really grown up if he wasn't caught.
Is our generation hopeless? Do we not trust authority? Do we like to break rules? That would have to depend on the circumstances, now wouldn't it? I found the movie very compelling and the ending was not as bleak as others may think. If we don't find transformation and purpose, we allow the world to remain bleak. Don't do it. Surround yourself with people who will genuinely encourage you to grow! Do it, dude.
~ And now, for something completely different:
for all you hockey-Boston fans...
BRUIN PRIDE!
| Victory! |
No comments:
Post a Comment