In trying to get at the heart of the art of film, I have mentioned before that the resources to assist in getting there are very thin at best. There are plenty of books out there on film criticism, film art theory, and the psychology aspects of film on the audience. Some of these have been helpful in bits here and there, and anything coming from a distinctly Christian perspective has been worthless.
The one thing that I did get while reading the introduction to the latest book that I'm reading on the matter was some agreement on this point. That is progress.
"'I have been on this pitch for quite a long time, and now I should like to inquire why we as the nation that produces the movies should never have developed any sound school of movie criticism. That we haven't is obvious; read your papers.' - Otis Ferguson
During the last quarter-century, movie criticism has flourished in books and periodicals, on radio and TV. Film reviewers dot the bookstands, and the rigid, gray faces of critics wedge themselves between the weather and sports on local and network television. But critical attitudes, apparatuses, and methodologies for the evaluation and analysis of popular movies are just as chaotic today as they were in 1942 when Otis Ferguson, film critic for New Republic, made the above inquiry. The nation that makes the movies has yet to develop a solid school of movie criticism."
(Movies as Artifacts, pg. 1)
The introduction also goes on to explain that the methodology that falls behind the unsophisticated American film critic is quite simple: "I just like what I like." This subjectivity does not separate any American movie watcher from any self proclaimed critic. Interviewing folks pouring out of a theater will get you just as far as reading a book by a film critic.
Perhaps this is so because virtually all (there are exceptions) of American film to date has been produced to fill a need. This I have learned more from reading the history of film, as opposed to reading about film theory. Once the moving picture sophisticated into watchable format in theaters, in the height of the Industrial Revolution, people had more leisure time. Going to see a movie was relatively inexpensive, and these two factors made it possible for the typical joe to indulge in the amusement.
In fact, early on in film history, high-brow folks disciplined in the high arts considered the movies as the "plaything for children of all ages", the "cheap show for cheap people," and the "flimsy amusement for the mob." Maybe they were right to a large extent.
When any art finds that its use is to market to the audience, for the purpose of emptying the audience's pockets, then you have an artistic degradation. Perhaps the reason that America finds no legit film criticism is because we really don't simply make good or bad films. We make popular films, good or bad. But we make popular films, and if they're at least that, then the film producer has won. From there, each of us just either likes a movie or not. And if not, Blockbuster and Netflix have plenty more to choose from.
Friday, April 11, 2008
More Local Food & Wine
Need an idea of something to do on the weekends? Looking for things to do with your friends and family that come to town? How about showing them some Idaho agriculture? A new company has launched an Idaho wine and food tour and does a fabulous job promoting Idaho products. Here is the info:
Join Snake River Cuisine Tours for educational, informative and fun guided tours of the wineries and culinary highlights of the Snake River region. Tours depart from the Fraser Vineyards Tasting Room at 1104 LaPointe Street in Boise on the following Saturdays: April 19th, May 3rd, May 10th, May 31st, June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and July 26th (Additional tour dates to be announced--Custom tours are available).
Consult their website www.SRCTours or call 208-321-2550 for additional information and to make tour reservations. Tours depart at 10:30am and return at 3:30pm, cost $75.00 per person and include the following:
o Three Boutique Winery Stops with wine tasting in the Sunnyslope area of Idaho (includes customary tasting fees).
o Culinary stop at the Market Limone, Nampa or Blue Ribbon Artisans in Meridian
o Fully guided tour with educational program about the food and wine Region of the Snake River Valley
o Gourmet box lunch prepared by Chef Bill Green and including foods of the Snake River Region.
o Keepsake wine glass that can be used for tastings during the tour
o Deluxe transportation accomodations
o Special VIP treatment provided by our partners found only through Snake River Cuisine Tours
o An experience that will last a lifetime!
Contact: Patty Johnson
Snake River Cuisine Tours
PO Box 5221 Boise ID 83705
patty@srctours.com
www.SRCTours.com
208-321-2550
Join Snake River Cuisine Tours for educational, informative and fun guided tours of the wineries and culinary highlights of the Snake River region. Tours depart from the Fraser Vineyards Tasting Room at 1104 LaPointe Street in Boise on the following Saturdays: April 19th, May 3rd, May 10th, May 31st, June 14th, June 28th, July 12th, and July 26th (Additional tour dates to be announced--Custom tours are available).
Consult their website www.SRCTours or call 208-321-2550 for additional information and to make tour reservations. Tours depart at 10:30am and return at 3:30pm, cost $75.00 per person and include the following:
o Three Boutique Winery Stops with wine tasting in the Sunnyslope area of Idaho (includes customary tasting fees).
o Culinary stop at the Market Limone, Nampa or Blue Ribbon Artisans in Meridian
o Fully guided tour with educational program about the food and wine Region of the Snake River Valley
o Gourmet box lunch prepared by Chef Bill Green and including foods of the Snake River Region.
o Keepsake wine glass that can be used for tastings during the tour
o Deluxe transportation accomodations
o Special VIP treatment provided by our partners found only through Snake River Cuisine Tours
o An experience that will last a lifetime!
Contact: Patty Johnson
Snake River Cuisine Tours
PO Box 5221 Boise ID 83705
patty@srctours.com
www.SRCTours.com
208-321-2550
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
More On Idaho Food
Caleb F. pointed out to me that there is also a great U-pick directory for Idaho's orchards and gardens on the Idaho Dept. of Ag website. Click on the "Marketing & Development" link.
There is also an excellent resource at the Idaho Preferred website. Here you will find more info on local fruits and veggies, but also on fresh meat markets, which is something I will definitely take advantage of.
Your tax dollars... hard at work.
There is also an excellent resource at the Idaho Preferred website. Here you will find more info on local fruits and veggies, but also on fresh meat markets, which is something I will definitely take advantage of.
Your tax dollars... hard at work.
Hellenism and Hollywood
I posted yesterday:
"I would certainly prefer Hellenism to Hollywood, I would prefer the Hellenistic concept of the "whole man" be the prevailing frame of mind rather than the Pop Culture of today."
Sheesh, I said that, I used the word "certainly", and then as I read the post again I wondered if I had really thought that through. I don't know if there are any redeeming qualities of Greece that beat out Hollywood's, and I don't know if Hollywood's sins are more numerous than Greece's.
I guess it is thought provoking to compare the two, but the heart of the two religions that are represented by both is a heart of stone. On the surface, Greece seems a little more moral, intelligent, and hard working. But I certainly think... certainly... that once layers are peeled away, it is not hard to find in both that man is left to himself, and the fruit thereof is despair and death.
"I would certainly prefer Hellenism to Hollywood, I would prefer the Hellenistic concept of the "whole man" be the prevailing frame of mind rather than the Pop Culture of today."
Sheesh, I said that, I used the word "certainly", and then as I read the post again I wondered if I had really thought that through. I don't know if there are any redeeming qualities of Greece that beat out Hollywood's, and I don't know if Hollywood's sins are more numerous than Greece's.
I guess it is thought provoking to compare the two, but the heart of the two religions that are represented by both is a heart of stone. On the surface, Greece seems a little more moral, intelligent, and hard working. But I certainly think... certainly... that once layers are peeled away, it is not hard to find in both that man is left to himself, and the fruit thereof is despair and death.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Humanization and the Arts
I've finished reading Bernard Berenson's Aesthetics and History, and while I found some interesting points, the whole of it was too time consuming to indulge in for this novice in Art History. Berenson continually refers to numerous pieces of artwork as examples while explaining his thoughts, and though one could have a Google tool bar right in front of him, it would take hours to look up the art that he's referring to. So someone like me can have a lot of this sort of stuff just fly right over the head. I just did not have enough time to engage with Berenson as I'd like, although if one did have the time, this could be a very valuable learning tool both for Art History and Art Theory.
But Berenson's conclusions are not hard to miss. First he notes the artistic decline of our own time:
"Nowadays we are in the midst of a decline which, like all cultural declines, ignores its symptoms and euphorically imagines that it is revolutionizing the world when it is merely playing the infant, kicking, screaming, and smashing, or daubing and kneading with paint and clay. Each admires his own products ecstatically, and each believes that he is initiating a new epoch." (pg.270)
This is certainly evident. So what direction then does Berenson point us to? Well, his high view of the arts, combined with his entrenched humanism lead him to the paradise of ol' Greece:
"Hellenism is not a fixed state of things but a path, a way, a reaching out towards a humanity that is as remote from chaos as it can succeed in soaring above and beyond 'nature'. It will never rebel against 'nature' through nihilism or despair, as ascetic religions have preached, setting up unrealizable ideals and unpractical standards. Hellenism does not deny or even decry the animal in man. It would humanize him."
The solution is not to go back in time and replicate the art of the Greeks. For Berenson, it is to return to the Hellenistic "way". It is to return to the enlightened thinking of the ten centuries when the world was dominated by Greece. I would certainly prefer Hellenism to Hollywood, I would prefer the Hellenistic concept of the "whole man" be the prevailing frame of mind rather than the Pop Culture of today. And Berenson's idea of art being that which humanizes man, is a provoking thought for me inside of a Christian context. But Berenson is every bit the man-worshiper that the Greeks were, which tells the wrong story in the wrong way. The most powerful art, I believe, is that art which tells the truth, the true story, in a way that the Good Story was told. When that is done, it truly humanizes its audience.
But Berenson's conclusions are not hard to miss. First he notes the artistic decline of our own time:
"Nowadays we are in the midst of a decline which, like all cultural declines, ignores its symptoms and euphorically imagines that it is revolutionizing the world when it is merely playing the infant, kicking, screaming, and smashing, or daubing and kneading with paint and clay. Each admires his own products ecstatically, and each believes that he is initiating a new epoch." (pg.270)
This is certainly evident. So what direction then does Berenson point us to? Well, his high view of the arts, combined with his entrenched humanism lead him to the paradise of ol' Greece:
"Hellenism is not a fixed state of things but a path, a way, a reaching out towards a humanity that is as remote from chaos as it can succeed in soaring above and beyond 'nature'. It will never rebel against 'nature' through nihilism or despair, as ascetic religions have preached, setting up unrealizable ideals and unpractical standards. Hellenism does not deny or even decry the animal in man. It would humanize him."
The solution is not to go back in time and replicate the art of the Greeks. For Berenson, it is to return to the Hellenistic "way". It is to return to the enlightened thinking of the ten centuries when the world was dominated by Greece. I would certainly prefer Hellenism to Hollywood, I would prefer the Hellenistic concept of the "whole man" be the prevailing frame of mind rather than the Pop Culture of today. And Berenson's idea of art being that which humanizes man, is a provoking thought for me inside of a Christian context. But Berenson is every bit the man-worshiper that the Greeks were, which tells the wrong story in the wrong way. The most powerful art, I believe, is that art which tells the truth, the true story, in a way that the Good Story was told. When that is done, it truly humanizes its audience.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Breaking Bread
The Trinitarian unity and diversity together has an over-arching unity about it. Perhaps "wholeness", "completeness" are the right words, or perhaps "holiness" captures the idea. There is unity and diversity, but there is perfect balance, perfect harmony which creates the perfect melody, and the whole of it all is the perfect song and dance.
The implications of this truth reach out into every area of life, and it is important to grasp that fact. If you're not convinced of it, I hope that I can provide an example in this rambling opinion piece, which is really more a theory to throw out and let you pick apart.
So let's consider the kind of food we eat.
"Eating Locally" is a particular trend out there right now that I think is a good one on the whole. With things like this there is always the misguided motives of liberal haters of one sort or another. But Christians are to approach things at a level that rises above such intellectual fodder. Evaluation of this happens looking through Biblical lenses, not capitalist, communist, democrat, republican, American or Philistine lenses.
The Triune God has created one Earth with many climates, and this diversity is something He intended, I think. My reasoning here may be misguided, and I'm open to correction, but I don't think that the entire Earth, pre-Fall, was some sort of perfect equatorial paradise. Pre-Fall, we were meant as people to fill the Earth, and I think that there were mountains, valleys, and deserts of all sorts. I don't know if God dug out the Grand Canyon at Creation or if He did at the receding of the Flood when the clay was soft. I like to think the former. In other words, I think that the Earth was created with a variety of climates, and that its geographical diversity was something it was born with.
Nonetheless, we have the Chinese, the Peruvians, Egyptians, Mexicans, Scandinavians, and all the rest with different climates that lead to different kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats and spices. Each culture has its unique diet and dietary customs. This is something to be respected and relished. The hearty enjoyment of partaking in foreign food is a luxury, one that can only be afforded in wealthy nations that offer the tasting joints, or by traveling. Here is the diversity part, and it is a good thing. I mean, who can argue against great Vietnamese, Italian, French, or Mexican food? Who can get a great Scandinavian pastry, and not say, "Thank God!"
Most nations have a deep seated culinary tradition that is not deviated from much. We Americans suffer from not having this tradition, somewhat because we are the melting pot, but also because we are rich enough to afford most foreign foods. Taco Bell would be a luxury to the average Cuban who pulls in a whopping $20 a month. Not that Cubans would eat "Mexican" food, but you get the point.
I have asked the question - should we Americans have a deep seated, home brewed, culinary tradition? Is it profitable to have the norm of what we eat, and how we eat, geographically based? I think the answer is yes. By looking at other cultures that have such, it is clear to see that their food has a huge impact upon their cultures, perhaps even more culture-shaping than any of the other arts. Food gives culture its taste, texture, smell, colors, and even its sound - three times a day. There has to be culture-shaping power there, and the most powerful thing about it is its communal attribute. Here is the unity part, and it is a good thing.
I remember being in Mexico, and on one Sunday afternoon a group of us were invited to a royal Mexican feast, provided by a family of very humble means. It was the best that they could offer, and it was important to not violate any travel etiquette when the bowl of pork rind soup was placed in front of you. To me, it was a bowl of blubber, and it took a lot of bread, pepper, and just plain old restraint and concentration to down the long strips of particularly soft and rubbery fat.
However difficult it was, it was a lot of fun. I smiled the whole time. Who couldn't? The teenage boys were daring me to take a nibble out of a certain pepper that they were eating like apples. I did, and there was a lot of laughter. The mother of the home was a plump and, well... just plain motherly lady who had a constant smile on her face. She prepared this great meal, and was proud to serve it. She gave orders, and people listened, which meant seconds for me, and everyone was laughing. The little ones were running around to get me more water that I couldn't drink, seeing I was suffering from the heat from the food.
How it would have been a tragedy if they had tried to impress me with an attempt at American food! What they served was who they are, they served themselves, and the zest of their generosity was joyously received. The language barrier was no issue. The food was the language. No matter where you go in the world, you can sit at the table of any kind host and commune. It is called breaking bread, and it works mysteriously and perfectly.
It is that kind of generosity and culinary tradition that I long for. I want a culture shaped by geography, one where we can invite others in and say, "This is who we are, let me serve you." With that, the local farmer's markets start up in a couple of weeks. Here you will find the most fresh and tasty foods you can find to eat.
Go to the Idaho Dept. of Ag web page, click on the "Marketing" section and you'll find a guide to all of Idaho's fresh markets, and what foods are fresh at different parts of the year. Boise's market starts up April 19, plan your meals accordingly.
The implications of this truth reach out into every area of life, and it is important to grasp that fact. If you're not convinced of it, I hope that I can provide an example in this rambling opinion piece, which is really more a theory to throw out and let you pick apart.
So let's consider the kind of food we eat.
"Eating Locally" is a particular trend out there right now that I think is a good one on the whole. With things like this there is always the misguided motives of liberal haters of one sort or another. But Christians are to approach things at a level that rises above such intellectual fodder. Evaluation of this happens looking through Biblical lenses, not capitalist, communist, democrat, republican, American or Philistine lenses.
The Triune God has created one Earth with many climates, and this diversity is something He intended, I think. My reasoning here may be misguided, and I'm open to correction, but I don't think that the entire Earth, pre-Fall, was some sort of perfect equatorial paradise. Pre-Fall, we were meant as people to fill the Earth, and I think that there were mountains, valleys, and deserts of all sorts. I don't know if God dug out the Grand Canyon at Creation or if He did at the receding of the Flood when the clay was soft. I like to think the former. In other words, I think that the Earth was created with a variety of climates, and that its geographical diversity was something it was born with.
Nonetheless, we have the Chinese, the Peruvians, Egyptians, Mexicans, Scandinavians, and all the rest with different climates that lead to different kinds of fruits, vegetables, meats and spices. Each culture has its unique diet and dietary customs. This is something to be respected and relished. The hearty enjoyment of partaking in foreign food is a luxury, one that can only be afforded in wealthy nations that offer the tasting joints, or by traveling. Here is the diversity part, and it is a good thing. I mean, who can argue against great Vietnamese, Italian, French, or Mexican food? Who can get a great Scandinavian pastry, and not say, "Thank God!"
Most nations have a deep seated culinary tradition that is not deviated from much. We Americans suffer from not having this tradition, somewhat because we are the melting pot, but also because we are rich enough to afford most foreign foods. Taco Bell would be a luxury to the average Cuban who pulls in a whopping $20 a month. Not that Cubans would eat "Mexican" food, but you get the point.
I have asked the question - should we Americans have a deep seated, home brewed, culinary tradition? Is it profitable to have the norm of what we eat, and how we eat, geographically based? I think the answer is yes. By looking at other cultures that have such, it is clear to see that their food has a huge impact upon their cultures, perhaps even more culture-shaping than any of the other arts. Food gives culture its taste, texture, smell, colors, and even its sound - three times a day. There has to be culture-shaping power there, and the most powerful thing about it is its communal attribute. Here is the unity part, and it is a good thing.
I remember being in Mexico, and on one Sunday afternoon a group of us were invited to a royal Mexican feast, provided by a family of very humble means. It was the best that they could offer, and it was important to not violate any travel etiquette when the bowl of pork rind soup was placed in front of you. To me, it was a bowl of blubber, and it took a lot of bread, pepper, and just plain old restraint and concentration to down the long strips of particularly soft and rubbery fat.
However difficult it was, it was a lot of fun. I smiled the whole time. Who couldn't? The teenage boys were daring me to take a nibble out of a certain pepper that they were eating like apples. I did, and there was a lot of laughter. The mother of the home was a plump and, well... just plain motherly lady who had a constant smile on her face. She prepared this great meal, and was proud to serve it. She gave orders, and people listened, which meant seconds for me, and everyone was laughing. The little ones were running around to get me more water that I couldn't drink, seeing I was suffering from the heat from the food.
How it would have been a tragedy if they had tried to impress me with an attempt at American food! What they served was who they are, they served themselves, and the zest of their generosity was joyously received. The language barrier was no issue. The food was the language. No matter where you go in the world, you can sit at the table of any kind host and commune. It is called breaking bread, and it works mysteriously and perfectly.
It is that kind of generosity and culinary tradition that I long for. I want a culture shaped by geography, one where we can invite others in and say, "This is who we are, let me serve you." With that, the local farmer's markets start up in a couple of weeks. Here you will find the most fresh and tasty foods you can find to eat.
Go to the Idaho Dept. of Ag web page, click on the "Marketing" section and you'll find a guide to all of Idaho's fresh markets, and what foods are fresh at different parts of the year. Boise's market starts up April 19, plan your meals accordingly.
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