Over the next month or so I will be incorporating some of last year’s big movies into my sermons and reflections. (I did give you warning about this in my January 3 blog!)
To be fair … I thought I would give you a heads up about some of the ones I will be talking about in the next month or so. The Oscar nominations were just announced several days ago. And, I also warned you that I do tend to get caught up in the media frenzy of it all. (Some days, it feels healthier than the alternative on the news channels.)
I have chosen a number of movies that I think will fit well with some of the scripture story themes during the epiphany season. They may not all be nominated for Best Picture, but an actor or director may be nominated in their category. I think they are all worthy of a look. I have included the links to the trailers so you can get a sense of each one.
Some of the movies are based on books, which might also be an option for folks if you are not a movie fan. When I talk about movies in my sermons, I try not to give spoilers or too much of the plot away, but instead speak of general themes, and offer insights from others that have reviewed the movie.
Many of the movies are in in theatres now. Some are on Netflix or are available to rent on one of the streaming services. Some I may pair together in one week because they have similar themes.
This week, January 26, the scripture is about Jesus preaching in his hometown. At first the folks love what they are hearing. Then, he begins to tell them some hard truths. And they get angry. Very angry. They try to run him off a cliff. (note: I will also be talking this week in my sermon about the very courageous Episcopal Bishop of Washington who spoke directly to the newly inaugurated President this week.)
You can find Rachel Maddow’s full interview with Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde here:
Full interview: Rachel Maddow talks with the bishop who asked Trump directly to show mercy
I will also be talking about A Complete Unknown, (still in theatres), the Bob Dylan biopic. It is nominated for best picture, and has nominations for best actors (Timothy Chalomet for his portrayal of Bob Dylan; Edward Norton for his portrayal of Pete Seeger; Monica Barbaro for her portrayal of Joan Baez). The movie is based on the book Dylan Goes Electric, by Elijah Wald.
The trailer is here
(2488) a complete unknown trailer - YouTube
To be clear … I am not comparing Bob Dylan to Jesus. But I do think that there are similar themes in both stories … expectations of leaders, resistance to change, prophetic voices … and how do we tell the difference between “false” and “real” prophets? Who are the prophets in our time, and are we listening to them or trying to run them off a cliff?
In future weeks, these are the films I will be referring to if you are going out to the movies or looking for something to watch for a break from the news.
Sing Sing – I talked about this movie in a summer sermon. Colman Domingo has been nominated for a best actor award. Some critics have called it the best movie of 2024.
The movie is based on the Sing Sing correctional facility's theater program, called RTA – Rehabilitation Through the Arts. The film is loosely based on John H. Richardson’s Esquire article The Sing Sing Follies. I found themes of reconciliation, rehabilitation, hope and dignity in this extremely uplifting movie.
Here’s the trailer
(2488) Sing Sing | Official Trailer HD | A24 - YouTube
Wicked - It is the first installment of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, which is loosely based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire. Possible themes to discuss (that I have read in critics’ reviews) include racism, propaganda and terrorism, fascism, evil, and leadership.
Conclave – This is a political thriller film based on the 2016 novel by Robert Harris. The film is a master class of actors including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini. In the film, Cardinal Thomas Lawrence (Fiennes) organises a conclave to elect the next pope and finds himself investigating secrets and scandals about some of the candidates. Themes include power, patriarchy, institution, church … and lots of intrigue.
CONCLAVE - Official Trailer [HD] - Only In Theaters October 25
And finally this week I will recommend A Real Pain. (looks like it is on Disney+) Wikipedia describes A Real Pain as a “buddy road comedy drama film written by Jesse Eisenberg … it stars Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin as mismatched Jewish cousins who travel to Poland to honour their late grandmother.” Lots to talk about it this one … family, trauma, resilience …
Here’s the trailer:
A REAL PAIN | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures
Well … that should get us started! Let me know what you are watching, or your thoughts on any of the above movies.
