davesexegesis.com » Movies/TV

Narnia vs. Lord of the Rings

Dave — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 20:04:59 +0000

I am partial to both the books and movies of Lord of the Rings as more compelling, imaginative, and integrative than the Chronicles of Narnia. Thus, I found the following intriguing.

‘Narnia’ vs. ‘Lord of the Rings’: Competing Visions

By Alyssa Rosenberg

As a child, I made it all the way through The Chronicles of Narnia, and read a couple of the books repeatedly, but I never managed to finish the Lord of the Rings trilogy. As an adult, though, I’ve rewatched each of the Lord of the Rings movies more times than I like to admit (if TNT airs a weekend marathon of them, I’m a slave to the couch), but I was unmoved by The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, and have no interest whatsoever in the inert subsequent movies, the next of which is forthcoming shortly:

I wonder if the answer to why Tolkien’s movies are working while Lewis’s aren’t lies in this somewhat abstracted paragraph from Adam Gopnik’s 2005 essay on Lewis:

Tolkien hated the Narnia books, despite Lewis’s avid sponsorship of Tolkien’s own mythology, because he hated to see an imagination constrained by the allegorical impulse. Though Tolkien was certainly a devout Catholic, there is no way in which “The Lord of the Rings” is a Christian book, much less a Catholic allegory. The Blessed Land across the sea is a retreat for the already immortal, not, except for Frodo, a reward for the afflicted; dead is dead. The pathos of Aragorn and Arwen’s marriage is that, after Aragorn’s death, they will never meet again, in Valinor or elsewhere. It is the modernity of the existential arrangement, in tension with the archaicism of the material culture, that makes Tolkien’s myth haunting. In the final Narnia book, “The Last Battle,” the effort to key the fantasy to the Biblical themes of the Apocalypse is genuinely creepy, with an Aslan Antichrist. The best of the books are the ones, like “The Horse and His Boy,” where the allegory is at a minimum and the images just flow.

It seems to me that those writerly sensibilities are matched by those of the filmmakers who took on those competing universes. Peter Jackson was deeply committed to building a complete, coherent world that we could enter entirely, leaving points of reference to our own universe behind because we didn’t need them. By contrast, we always enter Narnia through an earlier version of our own world, and Narnia’s full of references to it, whether religious metaphor, or tea in a faun’s hidey-hole. And the special effects in the movies seem determined to convince us of their miraculousness, not of their reality, it’s about refracting our world back to us with new possibilities, rather than about letting us escape into another one.This article available online at:

http://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/08/narnia-vs-lord-of-the-rings-competing-visions/61551/

JJ Abrams at TED

Dave — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 17:04:06 +0000

This is a fascinating talk by the popular creator of ABC’s Alias and Lost and director/producer of Mission Impossible III and the latest Star Trek.

Link for TED: http://www.ted.com/

Link for video: http://www.ted.com/talks/j_j_abrams_mystery_box.html

Inception: Go See It

Dave — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:19:01 +0000

This movie has the gravity of a black hole and you will be absorbed into it if you see it in an IMAX theater. I had very few expectations for it other than some trailors and commercials that I had seen that really didn’t tell what the movie was about. However, my brother-in-law was so enthralled by the film that he wanted to see it the next night with me and my wife – so we did. It is a mental mind-job movie that wastes little time but allows you to follow the progression. I really don’t want to say much more, but I think if people have the opportunity, they should go see it.

Here are some reviews (spoilers included), but read after you watch:

http://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/17388/180225

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20401172,00.html

http://movies.nytimes.com/2010/07/16/movies/16inception.html

http://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2010/07/inception-summers-best-most-disappointing-blockbuster/59855/

http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critics/cinema/2010/07/26/100726crci_cinema_denby

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128493953

Nature and Nurture

Dave — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:30:32 +0000

Just got finished watching a fascinating NOVA program entitled, “Ghost in Your Genes” which was about epigenetics. Epigenetics is the study of genetic modifiers called “epigenomes” that are instrumental in turning on and off the varied features of any given genome. The Human Genome Project of the early 90′s was monumental as it mainly purposed to identify all of the genomes or “genes” in the DNA make-up of humans. In 2000 they reported that they had found 22,000-23,000 genomes, which was surprisingly less than they had anticipated. That’s roughly the same that can be found in worms, rats, and frogs. Since it has been thought that humans are more genetically complex, it left many questions about what causes some genes to appear and others not to appear. The salient example of this question is how identical twins which have the exact same DNA structure can develop differently. The answer that has been found in the past few years is the discovery of “epigenomes” which can attach themselves to certain genes or gene sequences and turn them on or off depending on the circumstances. Moreover, they are finding that epigenomes can be influenced early in development, showing that although we inherit genes and epigenomes naturally through our parents, it is how we are nurtured that can determine which traits develop in us. That is certainly a simplification of very complex research, but nonetheless very compelling. They have now launched the Human Epigenome Project to try to identify what could be millions of epigenomes influencing genetic development. This is very exciting, and they have already benefited from this kind of research in cancer treatment.

Here is the TV Program Description
Here is the Program Manuscript
Here is the Program Preview
Here are some links and resources
Here is the Wikipedia entry for Epigenetics

Colbert: Interview with DC Representative

Dave — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 16:54:42 +0000

[youtube]XPXWsAxm9nM[/youtube]

Movie Review: V for Vendetta

Dave — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 16:52:54 +0000

Spoiler Alert. What can I say, the Wachowski Brothers have done it again. This is a very well done adaptation of the 1980′s comic series. I had the privledge of watching this with my wife, her brother, mother, and aunt. Of course, it was right up our alley as young people, I mean for me, my wife, and brother-in-law, since it is about a man with a very intimate understanding of the corruption of the government situated in future Britain. However, I don’t quite know what to make of Kalila’s mother’s and aunt’s response. The comments the next morning from them seem to indicate that it simply is propagating anarchy against a Christian government (because of repeated references to God by the high chancellor) and endorsement of the Koran. I pointed out that perhaps we should not attach the principles of this movie to the particulars referenced to.

The principles of this movie are similar to that of Equilibrium: in the effort to prevent future war and social injustice/ills, a government tightens its grip of power by scaring its people into submission with manipulated media, and so producing a tightly regulated society, precluding religious, literary, and artistic freedom/expression. This movie highlights the corruption that led up to this system of control, and the main character “V” (Hugo Weaving) is out to knock off each person that was initially responsible for the current state. “V” is a wonderfully complex and mysterious character, although he is labeled as a “terrorist” by the state. He encounters an unasuming girl “Evey” (Natalie Portman) on the way to his first “event” and saves her as she was about to be raped by some members of the local law enforcement. The philosophical question pressed in this film is if there can be a “good” terrorism. Both the State and “V” carry forward “terrorism”, but can either one of these be justified. “V” believes that the corrupt state is simply reaping what they sowed, such that their terrorism toward him and the like caused his terrorism of them.

This movie was enjoyable to me on every level: dramatically, cinemagraphically, and philosophically. But I expect nothing less from the brothers Wachowski.

Ham in Seattle?

Dave — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 07:09:08 +0000

My wife and I thoroughly enjoy the food network. One of the new shows that has aired this year is Ham on the Street hosted by George Duran. I never quite figured it out, but one of the reasons I liked George is because he looked so familiar. I did not figure it out till tonight! He is the Mark Driscoll of the culinary world. Like Piper and Koch, these guys are parallel down the line. George is a French trained chef, so he is generally the highest pedigree in his field, yet has chosen to appeal to the common American regarding some of the oddest and coolest food out there. He has had episodes from gourmet microwaving to banquet style camping. Mark did his undergrad work with a minor in philosophy and chose to narrow his emphasis on epistemology and the historical epistemological shift that took place after the life of Descartes. He has chosen to appeal to the unchurched young culture of Seattle while maintaining a Reformed theological perspective, which is (pardon my bias) the highest pedigree of his field. But more than that, these two guys looks identical. I swear, if Driscoll had a soul patch in his picture to the right there would be no telling them apart.

Million Dollar Bomb

Dave — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 14:05:00 +0000

You all know how much I love Bono. But last night we tried hard to watch the movie that he wrote called “Million Dollar Hotel“. Of course U2 did the soundtrack and made a cameo appearance in the movie, but that didn’t stop this movie from going no where. Although it has a very interesting cast (including Mel Gibson, Jimmy Smits, Milla Jovovich, and Jeremy Davies), and was done by a pretty reputable group (Icon), the story is just not interesting. We gave a solid 30 minutes of viewing before we just had to turn it off and go to sleep. Who knows, I might finish it tonight; but it’s not likely…By the way, thanks for reading my 100th post!

While I’m At It

Dave — Wed, 21 Dec 2005 17:18:00 +0000

Although we have Netflicks, Kalila’s aunt was nice enough to give a gift card for Blockbuster. So, we got Revenge of the Sith (since Kalila had not seen it), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I had prejudices against Charlie and the Chocolate Factory since the previews were all lame, and they make Willie Wonka out to be…oh, what’s the word…lame. The first 30 minutes weren’t bad, it was just when they went to the Factory that it took a turn for the worst. I’m sorry we wasted our time with such an awful rendition of a perfectly good movie. Gene Wilder was impossible to top. I really don’t know what Tim Burton was thinking. I understand this was not supposed to be a remake, but a different interpretation of the book. But if Roald Dahl helped work on the original, why would you even try?

With regards to Revenge of the Sith, is it possible for Hayden Christiansen to act worse? His performance was deplorable. Natalie Portman wasn’t much better. This film had great effects, generally, but was riddled with bad acting, probably as result of a bad story line. The problem for us is that both Star Wars and the Chocolate Factory are movies that you have to see, even though they are a waste of time and money.

In response to those who have not liked what I’ve had to say about Narnia, let me assure you that I did have disclaimers and I have started reading/listening to The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The book is better than the movies portray. Since last week I have also talked quite a bit to friends about the film and books. It is funny how quickly people jump to defend Narnia (no offense to Jason, Peggy, or Daniel for their comments). Here are some common remarks I have heard, including those responding to last post:

It is for kids, thus it is simpler and leaves much to wonder.

I know it is for kids, but there are many other movies/stories that are for kids that have more coherency and are entertaining for adults. For example, Willie Wonka and the Chocoate Factory, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and ET to name a few.

You cannot compare Lord of the Rings with Narnia, they are different genres and written for different audiences.

I do believe this to be incorrect. Although Lewis was more prone to allegory, both Narnia and LOTR are in the fantasy (fairie) story genre and were initially intended for children. I have found nothing in Tolkien biographies that have indicated LOTR was intended for adults. I would also consider Harry Potter in the same genre. Both Tolkien and Lewis were literature professors and had overlap in genre when writing their classics.

The winter ending in the movie before the children “accomplish” any thing signals an inauguration of her demise, much like the inaugurated kingdom of God.

This seems to make sense when thought of in these terms, especially as the “prophecy” about the children is being fulfilled in that they are there.

The fact that this is a series of movies that will be released for the next few years means that they will get better.

I agree with this. As the budget is maintained, as they get feedback, and as they learn how to adapt the book after the first one, one would think they would only get better.

At the Cheesecake Factory Or Chronicles of Narnia?

Dave — Wed, 14 Dec 2005 17:54:00 +0000

…I couldn’t tell the difference.

Warning: Spoilers ahead and a negative review from someone who hasn’t read the books.

Disclaimer: Last I checked, I am not a child, so perhaps the whole concept of Narnia is far below my reach for entertainment. I am partial towards Lord of the Rings because there is more depth than can be grasped in a lifetime of study. That is the kind of “entertainment” I love. I have no prejudice against the Narnia books since I have not read them. I will surely read them, and read them to my children. But for now, what you are reading below is shooting from the hip.

I must say that I was thoroughly annoyed with this movie/story. There were so many things wrong with it. Kalila and I went into it pretty jazzed to see a classic like this put to film, hoping that it would not be a cringing semblance to Lord of the Rings. We both have not read the books, as was the case with LOTR, but were anticipating the new fantasy experience. We were dissappointed. A movie/story like this puts a massive divide between Tolkien and Lewis, MASSIVE. Lewis is good, Tolkien is genius. Let’s explore why, though. I will begin with what was good about this film.

The Good. As a film, the CGI was great. It was on par with, if not superior to, any CGI out there. The cinematography was done very well and you could feel that it was another world. Aslan looked great, very realistic, as did the beavers. Tilda Swinton was very good for the part, she reminded me in many ways of the witch/queen from Willow. The children looked great for this role; classic British WWII era kids. They have/had so much potential to make this film great.

The Bad. The worst thing about the movie/story was that certain concepts were simply stupid, or didn’t make any sense. I’m sure this is because there is no narrator or simply that the filmakers did a poor job of portraying the story. For instance, the children are faced with crossing a river below a waterfall when the ice was frozen, but melting. The wolves cross on top of the waterfall because it is obviously sturdier. Why wouldnt’ they have done the same thing? Instead they are surrounded on the melting ice by wolves? Edmund had an opportunity to escape from the Witch when they were by the river, he could have just jumped in. With regards to things I know are in the book: Why is the winter ending before there is a battle or there is any “victory”? How come no one but the children know where the portal to Narnia is? Does the Narnia world have any concept of the human world? Obviously, they do, because they know of “Sons of Adam, Daughters of Eve”. What is the significance of the “table” breaking in half after Aslan is resurrected? “According to the Deep Magic, if an innocent gives their life for another on the stone it breaks in two”. So what? Dude, what in the world is Santa Claus doing in Narnia? That concept is completely stupid. Why does the witch come to call account with Aslan for Edmund as a traitor? Is not she a traitor and deserve to die? What are the consequences if Edmund or Aslan is not killed? It just seems very suspect that a lawless witch is holding people to the law. Why not capture/kill the witch when she comes to meet about Edmund? Moreover, there were chemistry issues also. Peter’s “General” has this allegiance that is completely contrived and is completely cheesy. “I’ll be with you to the end.” The same goes for Aslan and the children, very little foundation for their relationship.

Conclusion. The only conclusion for me is to shut my mouth till I read the books. That doesn’t mean I will like them all, but that will probably answer most of my questions. I still can’t get over Santa Claus though. That is just lame.

Lost in Commentation

Dave — Tue, 03 May 2005 23:02:00 +0000

Would have blogged more last week but I was too wrapped up in commenting on James’ blog to put something together. Life continues to march on here and I am less than 3 weeks from my wedding. Don’t know what to feel. I’ve been telling people that I am going into things with no expectations, no ideals (theoretically atleast). I coundn’t be happier. On Saturday I bussed Kalila back here without her family knowing (round trip cost around $150). We had a precious 58 hours together before I dropped her off at South Station this morning. I have Friday and Saturday off, so I shall pick her up on Friday and we should get back on Saturday night. Then she will be done Ithaca for good, and we will have terminated our tenure as a long-distance couple, finally.

I’m feeling bad because I haven’t been to church in 6 weeks and really miss the beloved saints from King of Grace. They probably think I’ve left the church by now! But that is certainly not the case. Looking forward to sweet times with them this summer.

Saw “I Love Huckabees” last night with Kalila. Hilarious movie about the tensions of existentialism and nihilism in a most briliant comedy. Who would have guessed Mark Wahlberg would have been my favorite character.

Can’t Take My Mind Off of You

Dave — Thu, 20 Jan 2005 22:58:27 +0000

I’ve still “The Blower’s Daughter” reverberating in my mind. Here are the lyrics:

And so it is just like you said it would be
Life goes easy on me
most of the time
And so it is the shorter story
No love, no glory
No hero in her sky

I can’t take my eyes off of you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes off of you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes…

And so it is just like you said it should be
We’ll both forget the breeze
Most of the time
And so it is the colder water
The Blower’s Daughter
The pupil in denial

I can’t take my eyes off of you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes off of you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes off you
I can’t take my eyes…

Did I say that I loathe you?
Did I say that I want to
Leave it all behind?

I can’t take my mind off of you
I can’t take my mind off you
I can’t take my mind off of you
I can’t take my mind off you
I can’t take my mind off you
I can’t take my mind…
my mind…my mind…
‘Til I find somebody new

It perfectly encapusates the movie. I just have the song on repeat all day. Crazy. I guess I want to rip off the chorus and apply it to Kalila. I miss her. Want her by my side.

You Do It to Yourself

Dave — Tue, 18 Jan 2005 22:29:09 +0000

Got word back on my car. It will take $1500-1700 to replace the “head” of my car’s engine. So I am really beside myself. Wondering how grace is going to work. Do I need a car? Can I live bumming rides off of everyone? We’ll see.

Saw “Closer” on Saturday night with Kalila. Very interesting flick. I’ve been thinking about it now and again for the past few days. Great acting. Great music. Gripping story line. It’s predictable, but it’s not. Good cinematography. Damien Rice’s song, “The Blower’s Daughter”, opens the movie with Jude Law and Natalie Portman eying each other down a London street. This song is very moving to me. It seems like it would be for any one who can appreciate being in love and knowing beauty. Perfect song for the movie. I now know what James was talking about when he said that this movie was “staying” with him.

Oh well. Not in the best mood. Feeling vulnerable. Don’t want to talk to any one, really. Feeling alone, helpless.