AmP Quick Movie Review: The Dark Knight

On Friday I got myself out of the house to catch a matinee showing of the new batman movie The Dark Knight (official website here).

The movie has been hyped to no end, receiving a 94% rating from metareview site Rotten Tomatoes. Early word is that it is set to break countless records at the box office. Watch the high-definition trailer on YouTube here.

Because the movie came to me so highly recommended, I tried especially hard to give the movie an honest, unbiased viewing.

The filming technique and pacing are flawless, and the acting is top-notch. Heath Ledger is absolutely brilliant, and if he certainly deserves a posthumous Oscar.

With a run time of over two-and-a-half hours, there's plenty to absorb while watching it (and plenty to digest after), but I can say with confidence that it's the best movie I've seen this year.

Because the movie is so complex, I've decided to go see it again tonight before I try to review it.

More reasons to be warry of the Brideshead Revisited remake

I gave some reasons before (Video & Commentary: "Brideshead Reinterpreted"?), and add some today:

I don’t mean to be contrarian, but I suspect that the remake of Brideshead Revisited which Nathaniel mentions may not be as promising as he thinks. I wrote a little bit about the outrageously silly trailer: The new adaptation seems remarkable mostly because Emma Thompson’s Lady Marchmain is re-imagined as the villain of the piece.

It’s an open question as to whether the new version of Brideshead excises the Church from the story (as I’ve heard) or worse. A friend sends me this astonishing essay by screenwriter Jeremy Brock, who penned the new adaptation. (Jonathan V.)

Once again, modern artists demonstrate a brazen ability to destroy the achievements of the past.

Tip: Popular European Chant now available on Amazon!

Catholic product/service tip of the day:

Today Chant: Music for the Soul by Stift Heiligenkreuz is released in the U.S.; Amazon starting shipping last week. We can hope that it does as well in US charts as in UK charts, for that would mean several hundred thousand people, or perhaps millions, will be introduced to the holy sound of this great music, perhaps for the first time. Listeners will also be impressed at the sheer quality of the singing and the style. I think I can confidently say that I've never heard chant this well done, ever. It really sets a new standard in my own mind. (The New Liturgical Movement)

Wow - high praise!

AmP Exclusive: Film review of "Henry Poole Is Here"

Last week Corby Pons of Different Drummer got in touch with me about a new movie that had just screened at the Sundance film festival. He said it was worth the time to see and I think you might agree. My thanks to him for giving me an exclusive opportunity to see a screener of the film.

Staring Luke Wilson and directed by Mark Pellington, with an original screenplay by Albert Torres, the movie tells the story of Henry Poole, a man who discovers he only has six weeks to live. Here is the synopsis:

"Henry Poole is Here tells the funny, poignant and uplifting story of a disillusioned man who attempts to hide from life in a rundown suburban tract home only to discover he cannot escape the forces of hope."

The fact that this movie even showed at Sundance is astonishing, given its subject matter and the way topics of faith and hope are treated in it. Well, it's a refreshing development, to be sure.

Before I talk about my impressions of the film, here is the trailer:

(You can also watch the trailer here on Apple.)

I don't intend to give away any spoilers in publishing a few thoughts about the movie. I’ll post a full review of the movie closer to its official release.

First of all, I enjoyed the movie. It passes my essential litmus test for a good film - I would recommend it to a friend. It's a film that talks about ultimates - life, death, faith, despair. Luke Wilson plays the central character very well, and from his first moments on the screen you really can't envision anyone else playing the role.

If I had to speak about only two subjects the film addresses, it would be hope and community.

The film revolves around Henry Poole's loss and discovery of hope. One wonders if he ever really had hope, even before his diagnosis. But perhaps even more, the film is about community. And again, one wonders if Henry has ever experienced a true community. This community of believers is not something he chooses. Indeed, it comes beating at his door when he has locked himself away. The connection between living by hope and living within a community of believers I found especially compelling. Hope, after all, is in the air these days.

The movie also treats the phenomenon of apparitions and spontaneous popular devotions. I think that's an important area to explore and I came away pleased with the essential points the movie tries to make about them. The issues are crystallized by Henry's militant secular opinions about them. This is not to say, however, that he a straw man for those who doubt the authenticity or fruitfulness of devotions, instead Henry says some harsh things that any true devotion should be prepared to answer, and in this film is given the chance. Even the relationship between these devotions and the local hierarchical Church is give attention, and George Lopez (an unlikely choice) plays the part of a Catholic priest respectfully and accurately (with perhaps one exception).

The supporting cast is also strong, and the viewer is told just enough about their characters to understand the role they are to play in Henry's own journey. Albert Torres' screenplay remains minimalist, so as not to obscure the essential drama. The soundtrack is especially strong (but more about that later), and director Mark Pellington's fame as a music video director is put to good use in several set pieces which provide a forward motion to the narrative (as opposed to the "artsy" intermission role they can sometimes be used for in the hands of lesser artists).

I really have to stop myself at this point. Which brings me to my final major point about the film - it's a thinking film. It doesn't attempt to argue a certain point definitively or perfectly answer the questions it raises - it dramatizes the human conflict and allows the audience to follow if it wants. I can't wait to watch this film among friends upon its release and have a long discussion about it. And for me, that's a sign of a good movie.

The early critical reaction that I've found so far is a mixed bag, with Variety horribly (and not surprisingly) missing the point. It tries to claim the movie opposes science and faith, when actually it transcends science in the questions it asks. Hollywood Reporter, meanwhile, tries to put the film in a box I don't think it at all deserves. I think the subject matter of the movie makes most reviewers suspicious, and they resist the path which the movie attempts to show them.

The film will be released August 15th, but don't worry, I'll remind you.

(I should note as well that I love showcasing quality art, so drop me an email if you want some exposure!)

... but wait - there's more!

I told you the film already features an excellent soundtrack. I also told you its director Mark Pellington made his start with music videos (U2, Foo Fighters, Bruce Springsteen, etc). Well what I didn't say is that the producers have partnered with MySpace to let bands write a song and have their music video directed by Mark Pellington and played during the movie's ending credits!

The clock is ticking to send in your submission so hurry over and spread the word. A winner will be chosen from among the finalists by the online community, and I'll be sure to mention that as well. I'd love to see one of the many deserving (undiscovered, unsigned) Christian bands win the contest.

Picture: Vector Pope Benedict

Easily the strangest artistic rendering of Pope Benedict I've come across.


And considering the random nature of the internet, that's impressive.

P.S. I don't much care for it, but can you imagine seeing this on a highschooler's shirt?

Ph/t: Phatmass user "Ash Wednesday."

AmP Spotlight: Mike Mangione Band

Last night I saw Mike Mangione and his band perform at the Quincy House in Brookland, DC (which is quickly becoming the hot spot for local Catholic/Christian musicians - check it out if you are in the area).

After their instruments were safely stowed, I talked with Mike, his brother Tom, and learned more about their inspirations and plans. They are not only impressive men personally, they are fantastic musicians, and it's my pleasure to introduce them to AmP readers.

Mike told me about studying theology of the body and the writings of John Paul II, and (if I'm allowed to give it away), the story of him proposing to his wife at World Youth Day. His brother Tom mentioned that they often play for Catholic students at Newman centers as well as listening rooms across the country. Their song lyrics reveal their understanding of Catholic theology, and their song topics show their sensitivity to issues especially important to Catholic youth.

And as you can see, they also put some serious heart and soul into their music:

These guys work hard (Mike's performed over 150 times a year in the past three years), and it's paying off:

Born in Illinois, and now residing in Milwaukee, Mike Mangione is quickly becoming a familiar name throughout the city's growing music scene. Bringing an organically subtle, yet expressive sound, Mangione has drawn comparisons to such songwriting heavyweights as Ryan Adams and Elliott Smith.

In the past three years, Mangione has averaged 150 shows per year, performing in countless venues and festivals including SXSW and Milwaukee's own Summerfest. Needless to say, Mike Mangione has been putting in more than his fair share of work, and has a large mass of live experience. His previous album, "There And Back," charted as high as No.16 on the CMJ countdown, proving his following has grown to respectable lengths.

Now touring behind his new opus "Tenebrae," Mangione feels ready to spread that following to even greater amounts with much-deserved confidence in the album. "Tenebrae" is a classic-sounding piece full of beautifully arranged acoustics and Mangione's vocals can be heart-breakingly delicate at times, comparable to how James Blunt only wishes he could sound. [source]

I think it's clear that Mike is a very promising up-and-coming artist.

So how can you get involved?

Listen to tracks from his latest album, Tenebrae on his MySpace page (for free).

His website has a list of upcoming shows; he'll be criss-crossing the nation in the coming months - so check it out! His website also has more information about him, including some fun facts that I thought I'd share:

Tom Mangione took guitar lessons from a teacher with a glass eye who didn't realize Tom was playing upside down until three months into lessons. When the mistake was discovered Tom figured he had learned way too much on the instrument and the information was irreversible. Arguably the best and worst decision he ever made.

Mike was cast as "Mail Boy" in the Will Ferrell movie "Anchorman" and can be seen through out the movie in the office scenes. Can you find him?

Mike is a firm believer in the Theology of the Body.

Mike's song "It's Me, Not You"was just picked up by Burger King for licensing!

Finally, Mike mentioned to me that he and his bandmates have been invited to perform at World Youth Day in Sydney Australia. They do, however, have to find a way to pay their way, so once the setup an easy online way to assist them, I'll post on that as well. In the meantime, buying their music is a great way to start!

As for me, I'll be dropping the tracks from Tenebrae and There and Back Again on my mp3 player tonight.

As a final treat, here's a short video of his performance the night I heard him at Quincy House:

If the sound quality is poor, it's the fault of my camera - not the Quincy House or Mike.

Bottom line: I believe Mike Mangione is exactly the combination of real artistic talent and positive Catholic values that I hope and trust will flourish as part of the ongoing second spring of Catholic culture.

(I should add: other Catholic artists who will be in Washington DC are welcome to drop me a line.)

Act One now accepting summer program applications

Act One is the best way for Christians to get their foot in the Hollywood door. BettNet has more.

Exclusive: Pictures of Pope Benedict's DC Mass pulpit, lectern & chair

Today the winning design for the pulpit, lectern and chair that Pope Benedict will use for his public Mass at DC's Nationals stadium during his April visit was unveiled.

I was able to tour the exhibit this afternoon and take a few photographs of the chosen models. Enjoy!

The complete set of photos is available on the AmP Flickr page.

From the CUA press release:

Washington DC - Student Winners of Papal Design Contest Announced at CUA

The winning architectural design by two Catholic University students for a 10-by-4-foot papal altar and a pulpit, lectern and chair that Pope Benedict XVI will use when he celebrates Mass in Washington, D.C., was unveiled today at The Catholic University of America, D.C., in partnership with the Archdiocese of Washington.

The model by John-Paul Mikolajczyk, of Staten Island, N.Y., and Ryan Mullen, of Manchester, N.H., both candidates in the master's program at Catholic University's School of Architecture and Planning, shows an altar with a substantial top, a repeating pattern of decorative parabolic arches beneath it and a smaller base.

...

At the unveiling, Most Rev. Donald W. Wuerl, archbishop of Washington, said that the design is "a tribute to this school of architecture, Catholic University and the quality of students here.

Twenty-one entries were submitted for the design competition, or charrette, which was held last week at CUA's Edward M. Crough Center for Architectural Studies, where the winners were announced.

The top award for the design competition will receive a $1,500 prize. The second-place winner will receive $1,000 and five honorable-mention winners will each receive $500. The proposed designs will be displayed at the Crough Center for about a week.

More information from the press release:

The front of the pulpit (or ambo), where the Holy Father will read the Gospel, is adorned with images of the Bible and the Holy Trinity. The tall chair back is decorated with Pope Benedict XVI's papal coat of arms.

Mikolajczyk and Mullen will work with architecture faculty and the Archdiocese of Washington to fine-tune the design and actually construct the altar and the other furnishings at the Crough Center. The four pieces will become part of the sanctuary for the Mass that Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate April 17 at the city's new baseball stadium, Nationals Park. Following the Mass, the pontiff will give a major address on Catholic education at CUA.

Students, working individually or in teams of up to four people, prepared their models and drawings over an intense few days of work between Jan. 18 and Jan. 23. The entries were judged on Jan. 24.

Catholic University's School of Architecture and Planning is the largest in the Washington, D.C., area. The school offers a bachelor of science in architecture, master of architecture and master of architectural studies and its graduate program concentrations include cultural studies/sacred space, design technologies, digital media, real estate development and urban design. For more information see
architecture.cua.edu.

[Above photo credit: Tony Fiorini, CUA - "Ryan Mullen and John-Paul Mikolajczjk and their winning papal design." All other photographs: Thomas Peters, AmericanPapist blog.]

So, what do you think of the chosen design?

Noted: Vatican Nativity Scene to be set in Nazareth, not Bethlehem

CWNews:

In a break from tradition, the life-sized crèche in St. Peter's Square will show Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in their home at Nazareth rather than in a stable in Bethlehem, the Vatican has announced.

Instead of the familiar scene of the Baby Jesus laid in a manger, the Vatican's Nativity scene this year will show the infant Jesus in a home that also includes his father's workshop. No reason has been given for the change.

The crèche will include many of the same figures that have been used in the Nativity scene in St. Peter's Square for the past 25 years. Several new statues have been added this year, however.

The Christmas crèche, located in the center of St. Peter's Square, was introduced to the Vatican in 1982 at the suggestion of Pope John Paul II. The Nativity scene, which is currently under construction, is unveiled after midnight Mass on Christmas eve.

Time to give St. Joseph a little attention...?

From the papist archives:

St. Joseph by Gerard van Honthorst, c. 1620. Gallery of his paintings here.