Just a quick thought this morning: Walking out of a theater can be a liberating experience. When you’re sitting through a movie that increasingly assaults your soul with violent images and other questionable content, even if so many of your friends have told you how good the movie is, guess what? You don’t have to stay there and watch it. Once you realize you’ve made a bad choice based on unreliable guidance from others, you don’t have to sit there and watch dozens more people get blown up or tortured. It’s OK to say, “This is disgusting. I’m out of here.”
I’m puzzled why so many devout Christians spend so much of their time and money voluntarily absorbing the hideous or often lascivious imagery that the denizens of Hollywood’s cesspools wish to dump into their brains.
From our 13th Article of Faith: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” Not many modern movies fit that bill, IMHO. We need to be more vigilant about what we allow into our skulls.
Perhaps we search so long and hard for redeeming qualities in movies because they cost an arm and a leg to view in theaters. Walking out is throwing money away.
But then again, so is going to the theater to see things that harm our spirituality. It’s important to keep our perspective. The money’s already spent, but it does more harm to keep absorbing such filth.
Amen!! It’s so hard to find a good movie these days. Even many PG and G movies contain unnecessary filth or suggestive humor. Movies are such a powerful medium, that I would like to see more movies that uplift and inspire us to be better people, and to think more intelligebly, rather than simply entertain, or worse – degrade and desensitize.
I no longer go to movies in the theater. If it’s something I really want to see, I’ll get it free from the library in a few months so I’m not spending any money. And can then skip scenes or turn the whole show off with the push of a remote control button.
check out some of the online movie reviews for parents they will give you an idea if a movie has stuff you don’t want to see so you don’t have to blow 8 or 9 bucks walking out.
I’ve walked out of a bunch lately. “PG13” is the new “R”. I’ve pretty much stopped going without the endorsement of someone I trust.
I think I would have a hard time walking out because normally Id be with someone else and Id feel guilty for ruining it for them. Instead, though, I am really carefuly on the front end. I never go see movies on opening day…I wait to hear reviews from others, and I check Christian/parenting sites for reviews. If its something I wouldnt let my 11 year old see, I dont want to see it either in 90% of cases (a few exceptions exist, such as documentaries that deal with mature themes but in a responsible way).
Unfortunately, my husband has a much higher tolerance than I do for movie misdeeds and there’s always a tension between his desire to see something and my unwillingness to be exposed to it. We even sometimes have a dispute about whether its appropriate for the kids. He usually defers to me in this and will go with someone else if I say the kids shouldnt see it.
Why go to the movies at all? Reading a book. you dont even have to buy the book, you can get one at the local library.
Don’t just walk out, ask for your money back. I’ve never had them refuse to refund us. Like any defective product, it can be “returned”, specially if you walk out in the first 15 minutes or so.
Carlos U.
“Why go to the movies at all? Reading a book. you dont even have to buy the book, you can get one at the local library.”
Just a quick thought this morning: Putting down a book can be a liberating experience. When you’re reading through a novel that increaingly assaults your soul with violent imagery and other questionable content, even if so many of your friends have told you how good the book is, guess what? You don’t have to sit there and read it. Once you realize you’ve made a bad choice based on unreliable guidance from others, you don’t have to sit there and imagine dozens more people get blown up or tortured. It’s OK to say, “This is disgusting. I’m putting this down.”
I’m puzzled why so many devout Christians spend so much of their time and eyesight voluntarily absorbing the hideous or often lascivious imagery that the denizens of book world’s cesspools wish to dump into their brains.
From our 13th Article of Faith: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” Not many modern novels, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, etc. fit that bill, IMHO. We need to be more vigilant about what we allow into our skulls.
Sorry for the hubris, but I have to wonder if this post might have been inspired by the debate I started over at BCC: http://www.bycommonconsent.com/2008/07/you-cant-fight-darkness-with-darkness/ I even referenced that Article of Faith in my post, too!
Incidentally, “Spandex King” wasn’t just being figurative when he said “PG-13 is the new R.” Harvard studied it and agreed: http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/press-releases/archives/2004-releases/press07132004.html
There’s a great essay at Waters of Mormon about “ratings creep,” also: http://watersofmormon.org/archive/2008/07/17/at-the-movies-ratings-creep–the-reign-of-the.aspx
No wonder the current “For The Strength Of Youth” doesn’t limit it’s counsel to R-rated movies: it has a blanket warning against all inappropriate media.
jeppster, that is exactly my point, a book on loan from the library costs you nothing to put it down.
My wife and I have walked out of quite a few in the theater.
Lately, we have found two websites very helpful in determining beforehand whether a movie, we want to watch, contains objectionable material:
1) http://christiananswers.net/spotlight/home.html
This site is nice, since lists explicitely what the movie contains, which is morally objectionable to Christians.
2) http://www.kids-in-mind.com/
This gives ratings from 0-10 in categories such as violence and sexual contents for movies, and all objectionable instances are listed in detail.
We use these websites every time a new movie come out we want to watch. We are surprised sometimes that what we otherwise thought looked decent actually aren’t.
My husband and I have made a commitment to “put up the big bucks” for good movies (G, some PG, etc.) We wait for the cheap theater or DVD for other stuff, if we even watch it at all. It’s pretty much the only thing we do have control over. If we all banded together…
Agree completely, Jeff! And I second the motion about asking for your money back. Different theatres have different ways they handle it. Some will give you the cash back– some will give you a gift certificate in your purchase amount to use at a different time.
Out of curiosity– I’d love to know what prompted your post, Jeff.
Did you recently have to walk out of a show?
If the answer is yes, I’m curious to know what show it was.
Gentlyhewstone, no, I didn’t notice the post at By Common Consent until you called attention to it. Wow – a good reminder about how easy it is to misjudge apparent plagiarism. Two authors both expressing similar points of view and even citing the same LDS scripture, Article 13.
What is even more interesting is that the very same movie, Dark Knight, triggered my response. And like yours, my post was going to be something of a review, but, like you, I switched gears and wrote something a little more general.
I saw the movie last night, feeling a wee bit of pressure to go. My concerns were overridden by the praise other LDS people in my family’s circle had heaped upon this movie. They are welcome to their opinions, but it was simply hideous and revolting. Finally, as I watched the Joker cheerfully shuffle down the street as he was blowing up a huge hospital, I reflected on the absolute amorality of the show and its message that evil can be compelling and witty, and that fighting evil requires taking moral shortcuts like brutality and torture. I turned to my wife and whispered, “I wonder if Homeland Security subsidized some of this movie. It’s just appalling, and I’ve had enough.” That’s when I walked out. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t walk out earlier. I’m embarrassed that I went. Very sorry about that!
Ratings creep for sure. This was a dark and vile R-rated movie with a PG-13 label (“it’s OK – it’s not R or anything!”), artfully done by people whose agenda is utterly opposed to the Lord’s. Why are we giving these enemies of our society our money?
“Calm down – it’s just a moview” – that’s what I expect some people who are past feeling and reason to say. Ideas have consequences, grotesque and violent ideas glorified for the masses have consequences, and we need people with real ideas to speak out against the cultural sewage that fills our streets and minds.
Different strokes for different folks people. I myself don’t care for violence, most R rated movies, even some PG-13 is disturbing. But please keep in mind that we are all different and have various tolerances.
I am an adult and will turn off/walk out on any movie I don’t enjoy. Must we turn yet another enjoyment into a judgement?
Here I sit feeling so righteous amongst this bunch. Too funny, and if you knew me… you’d giggle too! HA!
Good post, Jeff
from the Baptist preacher in Ammon, Idaho
@gentlyhewstone, thank you for the Harvard link even though you probably already posted it at BCC. I expected a focus on the PG-13 & R levels, but–obvious after reading it–the same happens with violence and crudeness in "kids" movies.
In watching the 'Madagascar 2' trailer before Wall-E I was surprised that the cross-dressing lemur got such prominent billing in the trailer: that's the highlight to make kids/parents consume?
Thanks all for the reminder that I can say no. Kids may have to discover books after they outgrow PBS.
I walked out of Dodgeball, the movie with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn.
But I didn’t see it until it was in the cheap 2nd run theater anyway.
Not a commentary or judgment on personal standards, but what is the biggest objection? Is it content or the director’s interpretation of the story? Take Michaelangelo’s David, I’ve heard some good men call it porn while others, I’d consider just as good, consider it one of the most beautiful works of art ever created.
As far as movies go, where would you place Lawrence of Arabia with it’s masochistic and sadistic elements and homosexual overtones. While some might find the content objectionable, it clearly is one of the most aclaimed movies ever made…..and what of Citizen Kane? The main character has little or no regard for his fellow man.
Just curious where the line is drawn and why.
Jeff, don’t sweat it, no accusation of plagiarism was intended.
Great post; keep up the good work!
–Huston
Jeff,
Lighten up, it is just a movie. And no, I’m not past feeling and reason. I just recognize that movies are not real life, and are meant only for entertainment purposes. Nothing more. We need to be educating our children on this as well.
Catholic Defender
Catholic Defender said Lighten up, it is just a movie. And no, I’m not past feeling and reason. I just recognize that movies are not real life, and are meant only for entertainment purposes. Nothing more. We need to be educating our children on this as well.”
I’d like to refer you to an article in Milwaukee Journal Sentinal about an 18-year-old who strangled his girlfried to death after watching “Natural Born Killers.” Perhaps that may help change your opinion a bit.
Gran
HI Gran,
Yes, I’m aware of that, just as I am aware of the lawsuit Ozzy Osborne faced over his song “Suicide Solution” after a child committed suicide while listening to it. Or maybe you’re familiar with Charles Manson’s link to “Helter Skelter” from the Beatles and its impact upon the Sharon Tate murders. Songs and Movies don’t cause kids to kill. Poor parenting skills, improper or poor parental supervision…over sensationalized media attention that makes these things glamourous, these are things that teach kids to kill. Movies are just movies. Basically it comes down to parental irresponsibility in not properly socializing their own children that leds to killings. All blaming the movie, or the songs does is shift the responsiblity to someone else. But hey, that’s the American Way… its always someone else’s fault here.
Catholic Defender
iCatholic Defender,
Let me ask you a question. Have you ever questionded the fact that you find such things entretaining? Take a few minutes, and think about that.
I think it's one of the signs of how depraved we have become as a society that we find wanton destruction and lust entretaining. Flipping trough the channels on most nights, you (we don't have cable)you would conclude two things are entretaining on TV: Murder and lust. Lust. Murder. Murder with lust. Is there not much more to life? Is there not much more to the human experiance? Is a representation of violations of God's most important commandments what floats our boats? Do we not remember how wholesome and different TV shows were 15, 20, 30 years ago in comparasion? Are we not supposed to become holy? How do we become holy? Ask yourself, if a religious leader or person you respect came to visit you, would you sit them down and put in some of these programs? Why not?
I hope you don't feel picked on, I'm just trying to get you to think. I mildly chastized my sister for giving as a gift the "Mr & Ms. Smith" (I think that's what the name was) with Brad Pitt and Anj. Jolie. Why would you bring into someone's home a movie where the entretaintment is based on murder and lust?
Carlos U.
I’m also of the opinion that there is too much “bad stuff” in movies, and that it’s bad to watch bad stuff.
But just to be a contrarian, I’ll also point out that there are plenty of examples of murder and lust in the Bible.
Well, the movie was dark, hence the title. That’s for sure. And violent, that too. Profanity…I didn’t hear much, though having been raised by a Navy dad, I am used to tuning it out. Portraying people, even supposed “super” heroes, as well…human…true too. It’s not too difficult to point fingers at movies and say “that’s a load of garbage” or “this should be a rated “R” movie”. Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, heck a Man Called Horse, True Grit, Fist Full of Dollars,etc etc. could be thrown into the bunch. Movies have pretty much always portrayed a humanity that is slightly out of touch with the real deal. Yes, as Jeff has stated, you can walk out. And you should if it offends you. You will feel better. But let’s not forget that most movies are an escape from reality, sometimes beyond reality and if we wanted to be really fanatic, wasted idle time. If we wanted to point fingers at bad movies or bad shows, there are plenty to pick and choose from. I think though that we need to just focus on what’s important. If not than we will point out the flaws of such harmless movies, like Star Trek and their Utopian/socialistic world government. Star Wars with their “force” instead of God ideology or is it theology? I mean we could go on and on about this, until we become fanatics, or as was put, “we end up becoming the villain.” Let’s not get too fanatic.
Jeff, I was just lamenting that I don’t have the opportunity to watch more movies (rentals and first-run-movies in the theater). Well, I’ve changed my mind! I’m GLAD I don’t watch more movies than I now do.
Great post!
I saw the Dark Knight last Night and Jeff this is one of the few times where I disagree with you and it is from the same stand point a moral one. The Book of Mormon doesn’t make hold back on the violence and some parts are even more graphic then even the worse part of The Dark Knight. You just did a post on Ammon and the waters of Mormon, where someone took the law into their own hand, and in a very violent manner. This even becomes more disturbing when you consider that Ammons life wasn’t in danger particularly at the time that the flocks were being spread. Yet here we have a man of God cutting off arms left and right to defend the lives of the servants from someone other then the peoples who’s arms he’s cutting off. We have one of Captain Moroni’s men scalping someone holding and holding it on the end of his weapon as a warning for the literal slaughter which takes place if the evil men will not cease their war making. We then have Captain Moroni who leads those men to slaughter them until they give up. So in other words Batman has a leg up on our very own superhero’s of the Book of Mormon in the fact that he will not kill and tries not to maime. The Joker is even less of a villain then the whole of “Lamanite” society at the end of the scripture, and they were sane where as the joker of Batman’s world has always been a lunatic who gets let loose on a sane society. You are right you don’t have to watch it yet you picked a very poor time to walk out as many of the lessons aren’t learned until near the end of this installment of the series. And unlike the real group of people known as the Nephites who at the end were no less villains then those they were fighting, the people of Gotham maintain hope and let it overcome their urge for violence even though they think it’s for self preservation. Was the movie violent? Yes. Was it an assault on the senses? Yes. Does it teach a higher moral standard? While this point can be debated I and most people who did watch the movie to the end will probably say Yes. I do not believe the film is glorifying violence while it portrays it realistically and it is the Heroes means to an end, it also shows that it should be avoided when necessary. Now for some more questions Do the scriptures contain graphic depictions of real violence? Yes. Are there many parts that are an assault on the senses? Unless you are truly desensitized Yes. Do the lessons learned from reading about such degradation and having the those visuals planted into your mind justify their inclusion in scripture. I’d argue yes. When you take this film in context with it’s predecessor as well as in those that will come I think you will find that it’s message about violence is the same as the scriptures. To like you and others quote the thirteenth article of faith. “If there is “anything” virtuous, lovely or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” That would include R movies that are rated such because of their subject matter. That would include video games,or books the may contain violence but at the same time condemn it (much like the recent batman films, and the Scriptures). Maybe I am desensitized but I doubt it considering I found the violence abhorrent and thought that the film did a wonderful job and showing it for what it is, much like the sad lessons learned from Mormon in his letter to his son Moroni. I know this has been a long rant and I’m almost done. I do not want to insinuate that you were in any way wrong for walking out, that was your personal choice and if you felt it was necessary then it was. I personally (and I know this is going to sound cliche) felt the spirit at many times during the film. At the same time if you are sensitive to violence chances are you try to avoid even the more violent passages in scripture. My problem was with the use of the Article of Faith to imply that the film didn’t fit into any of those categories when I viewed it as being, Virtuous, Praiseworthy, and of Good Report. It was certainly even lovely at some parts, though those parts were definitely kept to a minimum. I hope I haven’t offended you as you really are one of my heroes, and even though I disagree with you about the film, I think that you made a very courageous decision. I just strongly feel the need to stand up for what I believe to be one of the few mainstream Hollywood films as of late that actually is willing to teach a moral lesson. For you it’s a lesson you have already learned and through the proper channels of scripture study and prayer. For most though this movie can teach very valuable lessons to those unfamiliar and unwilling to become acquainted with scriptures and the spirit. I hope I have been able to at least show that the film was far from filth. Remember that “evil will be called good, and good will be called evil”. I have always believe that those calling good evil would be those who are trying to stand on a higher moral ground and in doing so let many of God tools for teaching be discredited as “filth” in some way or another. Those who say good is evil have no morality so they would not say good is evil as they will not acknowledge that evil exists. Only someone with high standards and morals would call something that is good evil, as only someone with morals will acknowledge that evil exists. Let’s all myself included be wary. of what we call and preach to be good or evil. “The Passion of the Christ” converted thousand to various Christian religions even some to our own faith included yet it was a “R rated movie”. I personally found it lacking because I already had a testimony and the film did little to strengthen mine. I would never call it filth though and depending on the persons level of light and knowledge I have and would suggest it as a introduction to Christ’s sacrifice and atonement. I would not recommend the Dark Knight to everyone that is for certain, but considering one of the Friends I saw it with and myself spent the rest of the evening talking about how it related to the Gospel and both of us were edified and uplifted by the film and our discussion, I can also say that I would recommend it to many. different people learn and absorb things in different ways, and if this movie can help change someones views for the better even a little when they would not have otherwise then the ends do justify the means. Just my thoughts and feelings on the matter, and I still maintain the utmost respect for you and your views, I just think we should be careful with what we label as filth. Equally with what we label as good.
One LDS perspective from someone who did enjoy the movie:
Was it violent? Yes. Would I let my children see it? No.
To me, I guess in order to have a hero film, you have to have a villain and some major conflict. If that includes moral choices on the part of the hero, it can be uncomfortable if the hero does not make choices that we feel we would make. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the film is condoning the violence or the choices made (especially when there are consequences even within the film of those choices).
Granted, I do concede that violence in film is certainly escalating, especially when you consider the extreme examples of graphic horror/slasher films that comes out once a month or so.
But I’m not one to think that all film/media is bad, even if it isn’t all perfect. Certainly there are better things I could be doing with my time (reading scriptures, service, things that I do), but sometimes I just want to watch a movie.
Am I opposed to violence? In general, yes. In the real world, yes. On film, to an extent. In books, also to a certain extent. However, I’m sure the 1,000 stipling warriors caused more bloodshed than was in this movie. Even if the Book of Mormon doesn’t have a Joker.
sorry for the wall I always forget to separate the paragraphs
I thought the whole message of the film was that evil can be irrational, chaotic and seemingly unbeatable, but good can still stand up to it and overcome it.
Jeff, when you walked out, you missed a crucial part of the film when the public and prisoners are faced with a moral choice and make the right one. You can hardly criticize a film when you don’t watch the entire thing as it’s meant to be viewed.
While the assault on the senses was indeed dramatic, the whole extended family was in attendance. Yet none would take the lead and walk out. Had it been overly sexual in content perhaps it would have been different. Are we becoming more desensitized to violence and evil? When family members were asked about it afterward, all reported that they were disappointed and didn’t like it. Some reported dreaming about it as in nightmares. It was certainly not something for the very young.
Regardless of which movie has offended you and why (I’m just not going to go there… to each his own) it is important to remember that your voice of objection is only heard if you do walk out AND demand a refund. As a previous comment mentioned, they will give you a refund within the first 15 minutes. I think I remember from a film class (years and years ago) that if you leave within the first 15 minutes of a film that the theatre is required to refund your ticket price (sorry, not the popcorn) and report that refund to the higher ups in the industry (the movie makers).
Of course… knowing this, it isn’t uncommon that offensive scenes will be saved for 16+ minutes in… but even if they won’t do it, ask for the cash anyway – send the message as far as it will go!
They will give you your money back so long as you really disliked the film actually it has nothing to do with how much of it you watched.