What are we looking for in LDS movies, music and books?
In reading various reviews for different products, I find it funny that sometimes there’s a complaint that products are too religious. But it made me think: do we want Mormonism to be front and center in whatever we buy? Or are we looking for general good values that any faith can appreciate? Or somewhere in between?
I’m not sure of the answers, which is why I thought I’d bring it up here. What do you want in LDS movies, books, music, etc?
Does it matter if critics like it? Does it matter if a recognizable actor, singer, or author plays a part in the product? Do we want scripture quoted in it? Do we want no LDS elements in it? Do we want a range of humor, or only inspirational drama? Romance, but no kissing?
How does what we want out of LDS books, movies, and music compare to what we want out of things Hollywood and New York create?
Think about it, and feel free to post replies below.
-Eldie Ess, MormonMedia.com
I hope that LDS media can produce honest but confident stories, having the honesty to accept our weakness but the confidence accept our strength; I personally really value discretion when it comes to morality issues – I can’t immediately recall where I read this but I believe the meaning of obscene was literally ‘off stage’ which seems a good place for it to get dealt with!
I am inspired by any media that celebrates the honest effort to live well and I think LDS media can sometimes minimise the virtue that exists outside LDS culture – not intentionally perhaps, but through its sometimes quite self-concious treatment of LDS culture. Maybe it could strengthen its strong ethical traditions by addressing challenges that affect all human beings rather than simply a particular culture – though, of course, there is also room to address these themes as well – which sounds a bit contradictory but isn’t meant to be.
With this issue of cultural settings in mind, there’s a useful section in the Introducion to Robert McKee’s book ‘Story’ that’s worth digging out.
Anyway, thanks for giving me the chance to pontificate – I’ve enjoyed myself!
p.s.
I personally enjoy Dean Hughes’ Second World War books and think they’re a good example of LDS literature that’s written in a way that non-LDS readers can engage with without getting too confused. I also think Saints and Soldiers is a great LDS-related film that doesn’t alienate non-LDS viewers. (There’s a definite War bias going on here though, so maybe I just enjoy the genre!)
For movies and books, I think I just want to see a good story. Something that has an introduction, a middle, and an end, with realistic ups and downs in plot. In the realism, I’m willing to overlook that if the genre calls for it, of course.
Personally, I don’t think any film has to be religious to be worthy of LDS attention. I like films that hold to my values, by Hollywood or anyone else.
Thanks!
I love LDS films, and I am discouraged that very few are currently being made. There are a wealth of stories that can be told about our people and through the LDS lense. I don’t think anyone should be embarrassed to have blatantly LDS characters or themes in their films. However, the focus should be on plot, character development, and production values. Like all good films, they should be able to be appreciated by anyone, regardless of familiarity with our culture or religion. Neglecting these fundamental elements has resulted in the recent backlash against LDS films.
This is a great question and really comes down to the market you are selling. The only reason I come to this site is that I know I will find movies, books, and music that will not embarrass me or make me uncomfortable when I am watching, reading, or listening to with my family. I want more LDS aspects in the movies if it is up to me. I love the comedies as well as the inspirational movies as long as the message if faith-promoting and will help to instill good values. I realized while watching a rental we got from a kiosk how hard it is to find a good movie today that does not make you squirm while watching with the rest of your family and wondering what is this teaching my children. If MormonMedia as it states is for those of the LDS faith, then religion should be front and center as it should be in our lives. Give us more of the wonderful comedies and inspirational movies that center on our faith. That is what I want to buy.
Thanks!
Notes: My answers relate almost entirely to movies. Edit to shorten if necessary.
Q: Do we want Mormonism to be front and center in whatever we buy?
A: The risk of having Mormonism front and center is that it needs to be accurate. We can’t make fun of ourselves by twisting what we really believe in case people can’t distinguish between reality and humor.
I am always concerned when there are Sacrament scenes filmed in a chapel that looks nothing like any LDS chapel I’ve seen.
Q: Or are we looking for general good values that any faith can appreciate?
A: Movies (or other media) that are interesting to people of any faith seeking wholesome material should enjoy better sales.
Q: Does it matter if critics like it?
A: Not to me
Q: Does it matter if a recognizable actor, singer, or author plays a part in the product?
A: No. I purchase based on content.
Q: Do we want scripture quoted in it? Do we want no LDS elements in it?
A: Appropriately and accurately quoted scripture is fine and in some of the LDS films I’ve seen is necessary in getting the message across.
For some of us, being LDS is a major part of our lives. We relate to the LDS elements. If the family in a movie is supposed to be LDS, we EXPECT them to have family prayer, scripture reading, go to Church, go to seminary, etc, etc.
Q: Do we want a range of humor, or only inspirational drama?
A: I love comedies, but inspirational dramas are useful for teaching principles.
Q: Romance, but no kissing?
A: What’s wrong with kissing? Oh…you mean…ummm…kissing. This is an area where the characters (if LDS) need to spot on. Members and non-members should not be mislead as to what is acceptable behaviour.
Q: How does what we want out of LDS books, movies, and music compare to what we want out of things Hollywood?
A: The standards of mainstream media have fallen so far, there is no coming back. I am constantly shocked by just how bad it is…and I’m not really that old.
Q: What are we looking for in LDS movies, music and books?
A: The Prophet should be able to watch, listen or read any one of them.