Two totally conflicting stories out of Hollywood today that explain absolutely everything you need to know about how out of touch Hollyweird is with the American mainstream.
From the Associated Press...
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) - The gay cowboy romance "Brokeback Mountain" positioned itself as a key Oscar competitor Tuesday, roping in seven Golden Globe nominations, including best dramatic picture and honors for actor Heath Ledger and director Ang Lee.
Click to read the entire absurd story
And now this from the AFP...
Even a much-hyped giant gorilla, a geisha and a schoolboy magician won't be able to create a happy ending at the US box office, as Hollywood ends its most disappointing year in nearly two decades. Plunging movie ticket sales, after a string of uninspiring remakes and movie sequels coupled with an explosion of the DVD and video game markets, are keeping audiences at home and have sent Hollywood into a deep existential crisis.
Click to commiserate with the leftist elite
The leftist filmmakers are totally full of themselves. They continue to make films about what most people consider abnormal behavior. The anti-hero is the new hero. So much for healthy role models. There are those who are doing everything they can to make their abnormal lifestyle choices mainstream through a continued propoganda campaign.
Before anyone starts called me a bigot, racist, homophobe, allow me first to state that I have nothing personal against gay people. I know several people who have made this lifestyle choice. I also know that every single one of them is a confused, hurting individual in need of healing. I do not condemn these people. I feel bad for them. They are attempting to meet a need in their lives and going about it the wrong way. However, there are those who seek to rationalize their behavior by politicizing it and attempting to make it mainstream. A rose by any other name is still a rose. And if 99% of the population choose to do the wrong thing, they would still be wrong. In the same way that adultery, lying, stealing and every other immoral behavior is wrong. It's not up for debate. It just is.
On the other hand, Hollywood is in a tizzy wondering what to do about declining box office sales.
Here's an idea. Stop making CRAP! Stop with all the ridiculous sequels and remakes! Stop making movies that elevate immorality to virtue status! Make GREAT movies!
I saw Narnia a couple days ago. It was a FANTASTIC film, based on C.S. Lewis' classic allegory of Christ. For those who know the gospel story, Narnia retells the story of Christ's sacrifice and the redemption of mankind beautifully.
The movie has grossed over $110 million in just four days of release.
Hello Hollywood.. are you listening?
The irony is that Hollywood has been frightened of associating themselves with a wholesome film based on Judeo-Christian values while embracing movies about cowboys that are riding more than horses.
It is a world upside down. As usual, the champions of "free speech" will have a hissy that I expressed myself freely.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
December 18, 2005 01:32 AM
We agree with your comments on Hollywood, but your constant negativity beguiles the name of Jesus. From what others have said about your columns, you also dislike many Christian filmmakers because the quality of their films are not up to par.
We see nothing from your behavior or writiings that resembles Jesus Christ in any way, shape or form. We wish you would just call yourself a 'right-winger' and keep it that.
We've noticed your name pops up everywhere. You're a terrific self-promoter and marketeer and we commend you for it. But when you use those same talents to slander other brothers in Christ, you need to be called on it. We all have to stand before God someday and give an account. The Apostle Paul said we must show even more love and grace to the body of Christ.
A true Christian hears rebuke from another Believer and repents and makes amend.
1 Corinthians, 13:7 says 'Love is patient and kind. It is not jealous or conceited, it is not selfish or proud.' And Galatians says those who continue in slander, rage, and hate will not inherit the kingdom of God.
A lot of people will be surprised at who didn't make it into heaven.
Love,
Your brothers in Christ.
December 18, 2005 05:27 PM
To my obviously concerned brother in Christ,
I never slandered another brother in Christ in my writings. I DID speak to the quality of their work, which is something totally different. I believe most films made by Christians that are attempting to deliver a Christian message ARE subpar, especially concerning scripting and acting. There is nothing wrong or sinful about speaking forth an opinion on the artistic merit of a work, or its value as an evangelistic tool.
Yes, I believe that God can use absolutely anything, including a talking donkey. But that doesn't mean we should settle for low-quality productions. Some films made in the name of Christ are far more embarassing to the cause of Christ than anything I've written on my blog.
I'm sorry you feel it necessary to rebuke me publicly and anonymously. If I offended you personally in any way, I am truly sorry.
Joel
December 20, 2005 04:26 AM
I find it interesting that this rebuke came anonymously. I really believe that if a person is not going to put their name to their convictions and/or criticisms then the statements made are of discounted value. From the content of this poor soul's commentary it would appear that they are ill-informed when it comes to J. Comm. -- Steve
July 7, 2008 10:01 AM
"A lot of people will be surprised at who didn't make it into heaven", quite a big statement I must say.. in the end of the day, nobody knows 100% where they will go. What i do know it that I enjoy Joel's site more than anybody others. He has balls to write what is on his mind, well done!