Church of the Masses
If we must have a cinematic bandwagon, I propose that we have it for The Assassination of Jesse James. Based on the novel by a devout, brilliant, and very-talented Catholic novelist Ron Hansen, the film is truly Catholic. That is, it has matter (profound truthful content) and form (technical and artistic mastery). It is therefore sacramental in the way that art should be.
Anyone who is walking out of Bella theaters full of wonder and delight, I’m happy for you. Be of very good cheer! You can find much more abounding joy in box set editions of Touched By an Angel and Highway to Heaven at your local Walmart. And that may not be bad for you in the long term. (I’d have to know you to make a better guess.)
But anyone who is walking out of Bella screenings disappointed and confused, because the hype didn’t seem justified, then you are the kind of person for whom The Assassination of Jesse James is waiting to fill you with wonder and delight….and more gravitas, besides. Go back to the cineplex. Give movies another chance! Buy another ticket before you renounce this art form altogether!
But all anti-Wormwooding aside….
It is an interesting question. Is it possible for Jesse James and Bella to both be great in the same time and aspect? If Bella is great, then what is left for poor Jesse James?
And remember, for Christians, the answer can not be that movies are in the eye of the beholder. The only thing in the eye of the beholder is stuff with which to see or not see.
Such fun we’re having this weekend!
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