Mass-man Goes to the Beach: Critical Thinking as a Dead End
I sometimes struggle with the phrase, “I’m going to the beach.” Don’t get me wrong, I love the beach. I love spending time at the beach. But I just feel silly trying to encapsulate the experience of the beach in that phrase. Of all the photos I’ve taken, this is my favorite. I think it … Continue reading Mass-man Goes to the Beach: Critical Thinking as a Dead End
Training Videos are Terrible, or Film as Discovery
I once had a student ask me “Why are training videos so terrible?” And it was an intriguing question because I’ve had a number of jobs, seen several training videos, and never thought “That wasn’t awful.” A search on YouTube did nothing to change my mind. The short answer to the question, I believe, is … Continue reading Training Videos are Terrible, or Film as Discovery
The Importance of Film Literacy in Christian Education
Watch this 8 second video excerpt from John Hess’ awesome Filmmaker IQ series. Now reflect on how you felt and what you thought about as you watched. I’ll presume you thought something like “that man was confident, was attacked, then afraid.” Maybe you felt vicarious fear on his behalf. If I’m correct so far let … Continue reading The Importance of Film Literacy in Christian Education
Hard Christian Movies
I’m a film teacher at a Christian High School in San Jose, CA. If I had free reign to teach whatever class I wanted–regardless of student interest or appropriateness for high school, but based solely on what I would want to talk about day in and day out–I would teach a class called “Hard Christian … Continue reading Hard Christian Movies
Worthy of Imagination
Let’s begin with a reading from the Book of Lucas. 1974 Edition. Scene 12. From a manuscript that in 1974 was called “The Star Wars.” The Darth Vader we know today would have no difficulty hiding a smile. What a far cry this tall, grim looking general is from the 7-foot tall, black cloaked and … Continue reading Worthy of Imagination
