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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 720 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Mon Oct 8th, 2007 11:39 pm |
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Some friends and I decided to go to a movie. I knew little to anything about it but usually trust that my friends would pick something at least interesting and not over the top. Anyway, turns out that one of my friends is close with the manager at the theatre. So, instead of paying, he finds the manager who lets us all in for free.
This is something I was asking about earlier. Since he is the manager and has the authority to do this, should I worry that I stole anything? If he is not supposed to do that have I participated in a fault, or am I simply receiving an invitation to see a free movie as offered by someone with the authority to do so, therfore, I am simply taking something offered to me. I guess I just doubt the guys who own the corporation would want managers doing that sort of thing. But maybe it is sort of a job perk. My girlfriend's family owns a restaurant so I get free stuff there all the time, but they own it and nobody else. I feel better about that.
Anyway, my conscience seemed to say it was fine to accept, but I would go back and pay for the movie and not watch one if someone convinced me otherwise.
The other thing I am curious about is the USCCB movie ratings. I find these helpful when I am on the borderline of watching a movie. They at least help me know what to be careful about and what to flat out avoid. This movie was pretty serious and of a decent calibur of quality, but there was a lot of profane language and some pretty graphic stuff like graphic talk about torture and sexual acts, views of bodies that had been stabbed or murdered and burned (not real ones, but graphic) a few scenes in a topless bar which included some nudity. I mean it was tastefully done (if that is possible to say, I mean it was there to serve the movie, even though it was not necessary per se, but it was to make the movie extremely realistic and whatnot) I was able to avoid seeing most of this stuff, but I am of the mind that being close to material like that is simply not the best thing for most people. That you would prefer not to put such images or speech or ideas in your mind.
However, the movie did make me think and want to pray more.
So here is my question. The movie was actually recommended by the USCCB. Part of me is glad that they are able to say that a movie can have redeeming enough qualities to make it watchable even if it is harsh, but part of me wonders if a Catholic should endorse or recommend other Catholics putting something like that in there mind. I mean overall, it was something that I was glad I went to, yet maybe would not have had I known all it had, and I probably would not recommend it or see it again. Here is an exact quote from the USCCB review. They have a rating that says, that a movie is morally offensive, one that says it may be troubling for most, so see it at your own risk. But they gave this one simply an 'adult' rating.
"The film works as entertainment and conveys its anti-war message without being unpatriotic or heavy-handed. Its subtlety and balance make it well worth seeing.
The film contains rough language and profanity, rear shower nudity, upper female nudity, brief gruesome war and morgue imagery and verbal descriptions, suicide, drug references and a violent scuffle. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-III -- adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R -- restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian."
Maybe everybody is different, but I simply think that seeing something with some of these things is not going to be a good idea for most Christians. Though I do not want to be legalistic and say it is immoral to watch movies, I am speaking more of what is wise than what is black and white right or wrong.
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Credo Catholic
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| Joined: | Sat May 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Greenville, South Carolina USA |
| Posts: | 1212 |
| First Name: | Marsha | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Baptist, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 01:00 am |
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| I agree with you Brian. Some of the movies have way too much graphic violence and graphic sex for me. I think I am more sensitive than some other people, and the images make more of an impression on me. They may not have the same effect on other people. I have wondered if the accumulation of harmful images and bad language in our minds is one of the reasons we end up in purgatory. I know I couldn't go into heaven still being able to remember or be aware of some of the things I've seen and heard.
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1714 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 01:37 am |
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My conscience seemed to say it was fine to accept.
Correct. It’s the manager’s discretion, and his neck as well if he did wrongly. You were just tagging along with a friend and don’t really know the arrangement your friend had with him, so you shouldn’t be concerned.
What passes for entertainment these days is disgusting. Literally the only movies I have patronized in the past 25 years are The Passion of the Christ and Therese (the latter a vignette of St. Therese of Lisieux). And I stopped watching television (except for EWTN, which I get on my computer via the internet) about four years ago as well. The set sits in the corner unused. And I must admit I do not understand why others do not do the same. It certainly does none of us any good to see things like what you describe. Besides, I usually prefer to work in silence. It helps me concentrate.
David
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brian
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Chicago South Burbs, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 720 |
| First Name: | brian | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | methodist, evangelical, anglican, catholic |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 01:43 am |
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But what should i think, if anything, of the fact that the USCCB actually would say that seing a movie with such elements would be beneficial enough to make it worth seeing in spite of its negative qualities. Is this bad leadership, or are they simply trying to be more neutral and artistic instead of leading people to believe anything about the industry? Seems like it is in place to protect people from seeing offensive movies or movies with content that may be harmful.
I also might recommend you watch the movie on John Paul the great starring Gary Ewles and Jon Voight as John Paul II. That was pretty decent.
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David W. Emery
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Brownsville, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 1714 |
| First Name: | David | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 01:51 am |
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Is this bad leadership, or are they simply trying to be more neutral and artistic instead of leading people to believe anything about the industry? Seems like it is in place to protect people from seeing offensive movies or movies with content that may be harmful.
Actually, the bishops themselves do not make the recommendations. They come from USCCB staff, which is notorious for this kind of “help.”
I also might recommend you watch the movie on John Paul the great starring Gary Ewles and Jon Voight as John Paul II. That was pretty decent.
So I have heard. But I was otherwise occupied when it was playing in town. Maybe some day.
David
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
| Posts: | 4979 |
| First Name: | Rick (& Kermie) | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Lifetime Catholic, Latin Rite |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 09:12 am |
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brian wrote: So, instead of paying, he finds the manager who lets us all in for free.
Most theatres make little or nothing on ticket prices. Their income comes from concessions. If anything, you are taking a few cents from the pockets of actors. However, the benefit to the theatre is word-of-mouth advertising. If you like the movie and half a dozen people see it because of your recommendation, both the theatre and the producers come out ahead by letting you in for free.
My wife works at a theatre, so we attend all movies for free. But when someone approaches her and asks how she liked a movie, she's able to answer, or to help them select a movie they will enjoy. Again, the theatre and movie makers win. And since she works in the cafe, she's usually selling them an outrageously priced hot dog at the time: another win.
So if you feel guilty, buy popcorn and talk about the movie. You'll be rewarding them for letting you in free.
(Movie theatres are not hurting. Their employees are typically among the lowest paid, with no benefits, no holidays, and they are exempt from overtime pay regulations.)
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Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Annie
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| Joined: | Wed Feb 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Columbus, Ohio USA |
| Posts: | 718 |
| First Name: | Annie | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | nothing, Quaker, Mennonite, Presbyterian, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic |
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Posted: Tue Oct 9th, 2007 01:17 pm |
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David W. Emery wrote: And I must admit I do not understand why others do not do the same. It certainly does none of us any good to see things like what you describe. Besides, I usually prefer to work in silence. It helps me concentrate.
David
I got cable back recently after several years of rabbit ears only so I could watch EWTN and the Outdoor Channel and the channels that show you how to fix things, like Ask This Old House. And around here having the local radar with only a 5 minute delay is very helpful when the sirens sound. You can turn on the TV and look for a hook echo.
I don't know what I would do without EWTN. Of course some of what is on there is to be taken with a large grain of salt but most of the catechesis is very good and that is what I need it for.
hiding in the closet from a tornado,
Annie
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Annie
Ora et labora
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