First Foreign Film: Dario Argento’s Phantom of the Opera

Dario Argento’s Phantom of the Opera. What can I say to describe this film? Well for starters, it is definately not a children appropriate film. If you think that the Phantom of the Opera is this slightly twisted love story, think again. This movie was completely twisted. It certainly was an interesting take on the story, well thought out and had good characters, but it was lacking in a few other areas. Firstly, it had an unnessesary use of gore and nudity that had nothing to do with the story line. This is not coming from a prudish stand point. There were certain scenes that made sense, but overall it was in bad taste. Secondly, there were an over use of point of view shots. I am all for a few scattered throughout the movie, but there were so many I wasnt sure which direction I was looking in at certain times. Thirdly, there were certain scenes where the main characters acted out of their specific role. For example, (spoiler alert) at the end of the film Christine says she wants to get away from the Phantom and she loves Raoul, but then Raoul shoots the Phantom and she gets upset and wants the Phantom back after he abused her and took advantage of her? Sounds like true love to me for sure. Although there were some issues with the film it was alright, certainly not going to be something I watch again though.

First day of class

Well, this is my first time blogging on an actual blogging website, so be patient with me. Today's class went really well and I found out that a lot of people in the class feel the same way that I do about expressing themselves in their majors, for fear of being judged or labeled. The thing that I find most facinating though is that, as Christians, we are called to love everyone, spread the good news, hold up moral standards, etc.., but as a contemporary artist (musician, photographer, radio person, filmmaker) trying to make a life in the "real" world and relate to everything and every point of view, people assume that we are limited to only one thing, religion. Why? Who gives anyone the right to assume that you can't consider all of the possible points of view in a situation or on a controversial issue. You can still love God and follow Him, while maintaining a open mind and attitude about the "real" world issues. Issues like Abortion, Stem Cell research, Racism, Drug Legalization, Slave trade, the government, etc... There are so many issue to consider and the points of view of one christian may not be that of another christian so it is unfair to assume from a non- religious point of view, that all religious people think the same. If we talk about the issues it doesnt make us worldly it makes us involved and helps us discover ourselves and what we believe. Issues should be discussed and brought to the surface not hidden. Not judgemental discussion, but an open -minded discussion.