Such an interesting question, and intensely personal. I have always been very sensitive to movies. There are quite a few I watched in my teens and 20’s that I really wish I had not seen — images I can’t get rid of. Particularly anything paranormal, demonic, witchy, etc. In fact, if I’m going to see a movie in the theaters that’s classified as a thriller, I usually try to arrive after the previews because I find them so upsetting. Even non-horror movies can get under my skin, and I finally had to quit watching Oscar contenders (generally a fun hobby) after more than one disturbing experience with a nihilistic dud.
So I’m with you on “follow your conscience / ask a trusted mentor for advice.” You were the one who encouraged me to go see Emily Rose all those years ago, and I found it super scary, but powerful and ultimately beautifully redemptive. I’m glad I saw it (but I also don’t want to see it again!)
I am also normally not a fan of horror movies, but thanks to Rod’s write-up, I and my 19-year-old daughter went and saw “Nosferatu” on Sunday night. I found the cinematography highly compelling…Like Dreher said, the landscapes and lighting are a gothic wonder. But it is more explicit than I would feel comfortable with, on a regular basis.
All that to say this: My sweet and funny 19-year-old had, I felt, a worthy comment: “Take away the sexuality and it’s the same story as ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose.’”
I developed a strong prejudice against tv and movies and video from reading Amusing Ourselves to Death and Jacques Ellul’s Humiliation of the Word when I was young. I still ended up seeing more than my share of onscreen programming while despising it and myself for indulging.
So it’s a topic I’ve been wanting to discuss for decades but haven’t found anyone interested - what do you think about the literal meaning of the 2nd commandment? Why is Christ never the solution to the problems people face in the stories we observe?
Politics is too broad a word. We are both third party voters, but he felt he could vote for Trump in this election. I did not, even though I understood his position. We both enthusiastically support old school First Amendment liberalism. We both embrace the moral theology of ancient Christianity.
Such an interesting question, and intensely personal. I have always been very sensitive to movies. There are quite a few I watched in my teens and 20’s that I really wish I had not seen — images I can’t get rid of. Particularly anything paranormal, demonic, witchy, etc. In fact, if I’m going to see a movie in the theaters that’s classified as a thriller, I usually try to arrive after the previews because I find them so upsetting. Even non-horror movies can get under my skin, and I finally had to quit watching Oscar contenders (generally a fun hobby) after more than one disturbing experience with a nihilistic dud.
So I’m with you on “follow your conscience / ask a trusted mentor for advice.” You were the one who encouraged me to go see Emily Rose all those years ago, and I found it super scary, but powerful and ultimately beautifully redemptive. I’m glad I saw it (but I also don’t want to see it again!)
I am also normally not a fan of horror movies, but thanks to Rod’s write-up, I and my 19-year-old daughter went and saw “Nosferatu” on Sunday night. I found the cinematography highly compelling…Like Dreher said, the landscapes and lighting are a gothic wonder. But it is more explicit than I would feel comfortable with, on a regular basis.
All that to say this: My sweet and funny 19-year-old had, I felt, a worthy comment: “Take away the sexuality and it’s the same story as ‘The Exorcism of Emily Rose.’”
I couldn’t find much to argue with, there.
I developed a strong prejudice against tv and movies and video from reading Amusing Ourselves to Death and Jacques Ellul’s Humiliation of the Word when I was young. I still ended up seeing more than my share of onscreen programming while despising it and myself for indulging.
So it’s a topic I’ve been wanting to discuss for decades but haven’t found anyone interested - what do you think about the literal meaning of the 2nd commandment? Why is Christ never the solution to the problems people face in the stories we observe?
You still comfy with Dreher's politics?
Politics is too broad a word. We are both third party voters, but he felt he could vote for Trump in this election. I did not, even though I understood his position. We both enthusiastically support old school First Amendment liberalism. We both embrace the moral theology of ancient Christianity.
Well he does work for Orban..
You know that’s not true, right?