True Stories and Tall Tales: a summer film series
Oy, this blog's been dormant for too long... Don't know 'bout anyone else, but this summer's film series has been getting under my skin big-time (in a good way :-). This week's the mid-point; a good time to step back and think about the series. Here's the schedule we're following:
- June 23: Hotel Rwanda
- July 7: About a Boy
- July 21: Signs
- August 4: Dead Man Walking
- August 18: Saved!
- Sept. 1: Big Fish
BIG thanks to Mark and Marta for hosting the Saturday afternoon screenings to date. The 2 Sundays after each film viewing, we've been talking about these films, using (loosely!) a set of detailed discussion guides.
In crafting the series, Mauricio and I were seeking fresh, challenging angles on important themes. We considered several more "churchy" films (some of which are excellent -- "Chariots of Fire," "The Mission," etc.) but decided to keep things a bit more metaphorical, more allusive, to give our minds and hearts a bit more of a workout. After a long and arduous process (sorry Mauricio!) we finally chose these six; but still, we didn't know what we were doing; weren't sure what to expect; it was a bit of a flying leap. Well, so far the films, and our discussions of them, have exceeded my expectations. I've especially enjoyed "About a Boy," which (despite? thanks to? Hugh Grant's starring role) held up very well to scrutiny and reflection, has nudged me to new lines of thinking and living, and continues even now to challenge me towards more intentional, more generous friendships.
Hopefully the next few films will be just as rewarding / challenging / disturbing / refreshing.
