Thank you for joining our discussion!
To prepare, please consider how you might answer the following “springboard” questions.
We obviously won’t be able to cover them all in our discussion, however, it will probably help to consider them in advance, so we’re on the same page if we do.
PART 1: First Responses
(SPOILER FRee)
What aspect of the film did you most engage with?
What resonates with you?
What will you remember most?
Why?
To what extent did it fit with your expectations, or did it subvert them in some ways?
Rating:
On a scale from 1-5 stars, how would you rate this film?
Noteworthy Qualities:
Did the filmmakers accomplish anything noteworthy or unique in terms of craft?
Strengths and weaknesses:
What aspects worked well, and which didn’t work well?
All right. Now it’s time for Part 2, so let’s change gears and dive into the details.
(Also, that means spoilers are now fair game.)
PART 2: TRUTH & SIGNIFICANCE
(SPOILERS Allowed)
SIGNIFICANCE:
What might the significance of this film be?
“The significance of a story is determined by the power of its comment on the human condition.“
What good insights into life are there in the film?
Is the film sensitive to the difficulties, dilemmas and tensions of life?
THEME:
The theme of a story is a universal and meaningful concept that emerges from the characters’ actions and from the outcomes of conflicts described in the story. Usually, a theme expresses a general idea or central insight about life which can be expressed in a single sentence.
What is the primary or central theme of this story?
What truth claims are being made in this film?
Some viewers may object to the notion that most films have the capacity to effectively propose claims about what is true.
Indeed, many regard films as “neutral entertainment” which lacks any persuasive potential unless a truth claim is explicitly stated by a character. If such an explicit statement ever does occur, they are unconcerned as they anticipate the persuasive impact of such an on-screen proclamation would be negligible. And, in most cases, they are correct.
This view, however, overlooks some of the most powerful persuasive dynamics at work in a story.
Stories, and particularly visual stories, such as films, can make a case for a particular notion, without explicitly stating it.
EVIDENTIAL ARGUMENTS
In a practical sense what “works” or is “successful” in the narrative world of the film is what the film represents as being “evidently” true.
What “doesn’t work” or is “unsuccessful” in the narrative world of the film is what it represents as “evidently” false.
(For example: If a character lies repeatedly in order to accomplish their goals and then repeatedly succeeds with no negative consequences, this demonstrates that lying is ‘evidently’ a useful and beneficial method for achieving success.)
These “unstated” claims can be more persuasive than those explicitly stated because they can “fly in” under the audience’s “mental radar” and take root without anyone noticing.
These “unstated” claims can be more effective than explicit claims because they provide the the impression that the audience has come to these conclusions on their own.
Much like in a crime drama where the villain often manipulates evidence to control conclusions the detectives arrive at, these stories provide only details which support the conclusion they intend the audience to draw.
Many stories offer numerous specific “small picture” details to illustrate or propose fundamental “big picture” ideas about life.
This fundamental commentary is often overlooked and automatically absorbed by an audience focusing on the numerous captivating details of the plot.
It can be worthwhile to pause in order to (A) recognize these fundamental proposals and (B) reflect on whether they agree or disagree with what we find in scripture.
What commentary (if any) is being made in this movie about:
Reality?
What is the view of ultimate reality?
For instance, is the physical world all there is, or is there a spiritual dimension as well?
Which is more important?
In the Christian worldview God is the ultimate reality as He both originates all things and all things exist to serve His purposes.
What substitutes for God are there in the film?
Does this story offer a replacement notion of “ultimate” reality that provides an alternate original meaning and purpose?
Is there any evidence of the longing for God (a longing for peace, meaning or purpose)?
Humanity?
What does this story present as ultimately being most successfully or authentically human?
Do characters show any evidence of spirituality?
How is the image of God within human beings seen in this film, if at all?
How is individual human rebellion against God expressed?
How is collective human rebellion against God expressed?
Who is portrayed as worthy of honor, dignity and respect?
Who is portrayed as unworthy of honor, dignity and respect?
(Who is the butt of any humour? Why?)
Meaning?
What is the source of meaning? Where does it come from?
What does the film portray as the point of life?
What do humans need in order to flourish?
What does it portray as the good life?
Morals?
What is the view of morality?
What does “goodness” mean?
How do we know that the hero is a “good” character.
What qualities do the hero (or heroes) exhibit which establish them as a “good” character(s)?
How do the characters successfully make moral decisions?
What standard do they use to identify which choices are good or bad?
What are the obstacles to their moral decisions and how do they overcome them?
Evil?
What is the view of evil?
How do we know the villain is an “evil” character.
What qualities do the villain(s) exhibit which establish them as “evil”?
How is human rebellion against God expressed?
Does the film demonstrate or highlight any universal problems confronting all human beings?
What does it show as the solution?
Knowledge?
What is the view of knowledge?
How do the characters successfully make decisions?
Where do they find wisdom?
What means do they use to apprehend an accurate view of reality?
COHERENCE:
Will the expressed ideas work in the real world?
Of course these ideas work in a fictional world, but what happens if you push them a little further?
If you tried to live them out in the real world, what kinds of tensions and difficulties would you run into?
If there is a flaw, where would we see it first in the real world? Where might it all come crashing down?
POTENTIAL IMPACT:
How might this film affect viewers as they “return” from the narrative to their everyday activity?
How will it change their perspective on the struggles in their daily lives?
Will it inspire more hope, faith and love, or more despair, distrust and disconnection?
Will it encourage viewers to have courage, or will it enflame their fears?
Will it inspire responsibility or recklessness?’
What potential does this have to reinforce, redirect or challenge the way people think about meaningful topics in real life?
Are there any “echoes of Christ” in this story?
Are there any parallels to truths found in scripture?
If so, how are they dealt with?
We look forward to joining forces with you to make this event a reality!