Comments on: Essential Films of 2006 for Theologians

By: D. W. Congdon

D. W. Congdon — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 03:16:46 +0000

Excellent list. I’ve written theological reflections/reviews of Pan’s Labyrinth and Babel that you might find interesting. Personally, I think those two films and Children of Men together make 2006 far superior to 2005. I personally think The Departed is much too overrated; the original Chinese Infernal Affairs is quite superior, and the American remake has some major problems. And I’m also not sure that The Departed or Casino Royale really qualify for this list. But all in all, I like this a lot.

By: EegahInc

EegahInc — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 14:09:12 +0000

I really thought “Jesus Camp” would have been much more powerful (or least not so seemingly lopsided) if they had simply left the Air America commentator out of the film altogether.

Did you see “The Fountain” by any chance? It seems tailor-made for a list like this, although I can easily understand it getting left off if you just hated it. Aaronofsky’s films are kind of polarizing.

By: Tyler F. Williams

Tyler F. Williams — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 15:53:06 +0000

Hey Mike… I think you are right on. Many mainstream film makers are realizing that good films often do not connect all of the dots. I find it refreshing when a film is ambiguous. That being said, when the screen went blank at the end of the Sopranos finale I initially thought there was a technical problem!

Loren… I was captivated by Little Children. I knew next to nothing about it, but noticed it on many top ten lists. So when I watched it for the first time I had no expectations or preconceptions and was floored by it. A very good film… you’re making me think that it deserves the number one spot!

By: Loren Rosson III

Loren Rosson III — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 11:44:11 +0000

I wrote: 2. Children of Men. This is an amazing film; I was so moved by it that I almost think it should be number one. The questions it raises about maturity, sexuality, fidelity, and brokenness are meaningful to contemporary society. This film is an â€œEyes Wide Shutâ€? for middle class suburbanites. Tyler, Iâ€™ve discussed this film with friends and co-workers. I agree itâ€™s very profound. Of course, that title I'm praising is Little Children rather than Children of Men.

By: Mike Henry

Mike Henry — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 08:30:34 +0000

Tyler-
I always enjoy your thoughts on movies and film. In 2006, and moreso in 2007, I noticed a trend in the use of ambiguity. It seems more mainstream filmmakers are allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions. I personally enjoy it when it is done well, as in Children of Men. I do hear complaints often from people that the movie ended so abruptly (Sopranos). Will this trend increase; or has it always existed, but now its being drawn towards the mainstream?

By: Loren Rosson III

Loren Rosson III — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 21:56:13 +0000

2. Children of Men. This is an amazing film; I was so moved by it that I almost think it should be number one. The questions it raises about maturity, sexuality, fidelity, and brokenness are meaningful to contemporary society. This film is an â€œEyes Wide Shutâ€? for middle class suburbanites. Tyler, I've discussed this film with friends and co-workers. I agree it's very profound. And a very nice list on the whole, though as I mentioned on my own list, I think Children of Men has been a bit overrated.