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75 sats \ 5 replies \ @kepford 30 Jul \ on: The New York Times Is Upset That Leftist Propaganda Doesn't Sell Movies news
No one likes to be preached at when they want to be entertained.
Gifted artists can influence and entertain. What I've seen in the last ten years is blatant preaching of a message most people just simply do not care that much about at best.
Preaching at the audience is annoying for most because those that are on your side but not fervent are just bored or annoyed. Those that disagree are angered. You are left with preaching to the choir. Usually a small crowd of already "won" individuals.
There's a great example from the attempts by American Evangelical Christians to make popular movies. "Left Behind" and "God's Not Dead" were popular among Christians but not beyond that. I never watched "God's Not Dead" but the trailer was enough. Movies like these are Christian versions of what we have been seeing out of Hollywood.
The recent series "The Chosen" is an example of focusing on the story and making good art/entertainment. "The Chosen" is a series about the disciples that followed Jesus. Unlike most works before, it does not follow chapter and verse (which were added to your Bible's as metadata btw) but instead adapts the gospels into a narrative story. In the past films about Jesus have been more about preaching and being accurate to chapter and verse. The Chosen isn't from my viewing and knowledge of the faith anti-Bible. But it does present personal stories (fan fiction) around the gospel accounts.
Its good TV to watch. I believe this is why it is so popular. Even beyond the Christian audience. It is well done and not seeking to convert or preach. The art and craft are the focus. Therefore the deep meaning comes through. Good art like that of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wasn't trying to preach at you.
I'm happy to see the film making industry heal a bit. Its still messed up but preaching isn't profitable. It has its place but it isn't at the movies. The market is fixing this :)
Breaking Bad inspired me to study the art of cooking meth until our lab exploded
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Great reply. Talented writers and film makers find ways to subtly influence their audience with intelligent persuasion. I think the Times should be happy. The moronic scripts that get churned out, that bludgeon people over the head with opinions, are insulting. They do more harm than good to a cause.
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My sons are now old enough to understand this stuff. I've had some good conversations with them. One that comes to mind is female representation. When movies or TV shows that have female or "under-represented" characters flop you hear a dumb take. We just have so much hate and racism/sexism that this art is being attacked.
Most of what I see are critics pointing out bad writing and story telling. Its not the isms. I think the crap we have seen in recent years actually does more of a disservice to these groups because it gives ammo to the truly hateful people. When films are bad no one cares that the lead was a white dude. Most films suck. When the film is obviously trying to preach and is also bad it just creates a narrative for hateful people to latch on to. It does a disservice to the cause the filmmakers claim to care about. Films that are well done can have characters that aren't white males. The vast majority of people just wanna see a good movie. They do not care about race/sex. Those that do care about race/sex should be ignored by the film maker. Focus on making a great film. Don't focus on "the message".
It seems obvious to me. Over the past 15 years I have watched the culture wars develop and IMO many advocating or equality are actually making things worse by focusing on immature idiots. They have empowered many insecure idiots by proving their own hearts are filled with spite and hate.
It is similar to what the left has done with Trump. He is so full of flaws but they can't help but lie and exaggerate about him. They can't help but be hateful instead of taking the higher ground. They make him sympathetic. The expose their own black hearts. It turns people like me off and those that like Trump are pushed harder in his direction as they see the other choice isn't any better.
Honestly, at this point I shouldn't be surprised by these things but I have to admit I am. Moral corruption is at the root of this whole thing. Its why I want nothing to do with either side of politics or these culture wars.
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I will add that the creators of "The Chosen" are continually being ridiculed by Christians for a number of reasons.
It is interesting to see how many "religious" things are paralleled by secular "godless" groups. Its almost like its really just a human flaw.
Even when you reject god you end up making up your own religion and worshiping that belief system.
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