Seeking Cultural Truths
Since Starz announced this production, I have waffled between anticipation and dread. The former because I appreciate new costume dramas centered on the lesser-known Tudors; and the latter, because I’ve read Philippa Gregory’s book series. She’s a talented enough writer that her “historical slander” passes for the truth – and she maligns reputations, turning decent …
Continue reading "Fact & Fiction: The White Princess, Episode 1"
I have much to say about the new Beauty & the Beast, but the thing that most struck me was a conversation between Belle and Mrs. Potts, where Belle implies the curse “isn’t fair,” because the servants in the castle “didn’t do anything” to deserve punishment. Mrs. Potts implies they do deserve punishment, for “we …
Continue reading "The Christian Mythology of Beauty & the Beast"
One of the most poignant moments in Anne of Green Gables is when crusty Marilla Cuthbert tells her brother they haven’t any use for a boy and he replies, “But maybe we’ll be of some use to her.” Since Matthew has spent the last hour driving her back from the train station, listening to a …
Continue reading "Lessons from Anne Shirley: Jesus and the Undesirables"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhVc_cjrJmg I'm glad the Canadians get it first, since it's their story (America gets it May 12 on Netflix), but... I think my little ole heart just broke into a thousand butterflies of sheer delight. I love the original 80's films, but I'm so excited for a new adaptation I can hardly stand it. I …
I’ve never bothered to look up the inspiration behind Pride & Prejudice & Zombies, since I prefer to believe the author walked out of the Keira Knightley flick with his significant other and said, “You know what would make that story better? ZOMBIES!” I admit, the first time I saw a “monster mash-up” book, I …
My first introduction to Jane Austen was through Emma (1996). As a teenage Anglophile, I was always on the hunt for clean new costume dramas (still am) and managed to convince my mother to let us rent it on pay-per-view. I fell in love with the costumes, actors, storyline, witticisms, and lessons, and for five …
Jesus was a strange dude. He wasn’t what anyone expected or even wanted at the time. He arrived in a turbulent time in history, when the Judean nation was under Roman occupation. The Jews expected a savior like King David, a sword in hand, to liberate them from their enemies. What they got instead was …
Continue reading "Ben-Hur: A Metaphor of the Christian Life"
I read a viewer comment after seeing Alice Through the Looking Glass that stuck with me; the person was upset that the message in the film implied that Alice had to leave the past behind. This perception is limited; it is both a truth, and not the truth. On the surface, the film is an …
Continue reading "Nonsensical Truths: Alice Through the Looking Glass"
Incurable romantics walk the earth, a wellspring from which forms poetry, idealistic sensationalism, and the re-interpretation of literary and symbolic themes. Frank Langella is one such actor, who approaches each role with natural sensuality and emotional nuance. From his flirtatious, emotional Diego de la Vega, to the tortured anti-hero of Sphinx, to his Sherlock Holmes …
Watching Anna Karenina (the 2000 miniseries) is always a mistake. I get caught up in over-thinking Anna’s husband and ponder nothing else for days. I could run in all directions with it, but I'll cut you a break and choose one. Nothing kills godliness more than religion. One is a transforming heart experience that brings …
