Okay... for about the last 2 months I have repeatedly gotten emails titled something like "Don't See The Golden Compass". It is a movie, coming out in December, that Christian groups are saying is about "killing God" and will encourage children to "become atheists".
My first thought was "huh, I wonder what that movie is really about, maybe I should go see it." I'm SURE that is what most of the people hearing about the "boycott" will think. So all those emails and Facebook groups are basically free publicity.
Another thing... most of this is being spearheaded by the Catholic League... the film and books are apparently against organized religion, and the Catholic Church not as much about atheism.
The film wasn't made because someone decided that they wanted to brainwash kids. It was made because a series of books sold VERY well, and recently movies made from books have been blockbusters (especially fantasy books).
If the film is as bad as people say, the backlash will be huge. If it is a legitimate critique of the problems with religion... embrace it as a learning tool, and lets fix those problems. Let's also support films that have good messages, films like Bella, The Chronicles of Narnia (coming out in May) and Enchanted. If the big wigs at the studios see those films doing well, they will make more like them.
Remember... Hollywood isn't out to get Christians. They are out to make money.
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I, too, have heard the rumor about the author's supposed intent in writing the books. We'll see - It only takes one hyper-sensitive Christian to start a backlash based on mere supposition.
I will comment on your last sentence though. Tim Donahue, who was kind enough to create the full moon matte for the opening shot of "Dessert", used to work in Hollywood for 22 years - and he informs me that the best way for a religious person to make it in Hollywood is to keep his mouth shut about his beliefs, because Hollywood as an entity does not like Christianity or other forms of spiritual expression.
That was true several years ago. It is different now. People like Ralph Winter and Scott Derricksen and others are outspoken about their Christian beliefs.
And a lot of that has to do with HOW you express your beliefs. No one likes a person who comes across as judgmental and overbearing.
That's the vibe I get from people who work their now anyway.
There may be an outspoken few, but let's face it -- Hollywood is out to get Christians in the same way the entire world is, and will be more and more, as the world comes to its end.
Oh, and here, I just found this:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp
I still point to the manner in which Christians treat Hollywood and those involved in it. Down in San Antonio there were a few people who wouldn't talk to my producer friend when he mentioned he was from Hollywood, and a couple that outright berated him for being in Hollywood. The keynote address during the awards ceremony was a charge that essentially Hollywood must be destroyed.
Christians many times cause the antagonism themselves. That kind of rhetoric and superior attitude doesn't help anything, and certainly isn't loving of our enemies.
So yes, I agree, there is still some antagonism, but if you are a real Christian, and really aren't banging everyone over the head with your morality and beliefs, but are reasonable and loving, there is a lot less, and a lot less than there used to be. Every major studio now has a faith based division (even the Weinstein Company) so they at least want to pacify the Christians enough to make money off of them.
Speaking of San Antonio, I'm working a Christian Short Film script idea in the hopes of having a good reason to come down there next November. You, Jimmy, and I can be the delegation in favor of Wholesome Entertainment.
Wholesome HIGH QUALITY, Financially viable entertainment:)
Oh, now you're getting demanding.
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