Contemplative Cinema?

We use the phrase "contemplative cinema" in Mud Puddle Films' mission statement. I've been surprised to hear the word "contemplative" used by a few film critics recently. And not in a religious context. In fact, Mud Puddle Films' use of the word isn't necessarily religious.

Breath

So what is contemplative cinema? My favorite examples of this kind of cinema have a lot less dialogue than most films: The Sweet Hereafter, Talk to Her, Red, Blue, Lost in Translation, 35 Shots of Rum. Less dialogue, more opportunity to chew over what's going on. Certainly contemplative prayer is about letting go of words and just being with God. Mud Puddle Films' new feature project, Zola Jumped In, may not have any words at all except for occasional sung, ritual words. Lots of breathing room.

Similarly, contemplative cinema gives us breathing room with a slower pace: less incident, less cutting from shot to shot. The video Catechism project I'm working on has been a real challenge because we're trying to balance conceptual information with visual and musical delight. And we're trying to balance the stereotypical assumption that we all like fast-paced videos with the desire to invite people into a contemplative space.


Immersion

A favorite film of mine from this year is Meek's Cutoff, about a small group of lost Oregon pioneers. It may not have reached theaters in your area, though I hope it does. Contemplative cinema is often designed for the big screen, even if Meek's Cutoff noticeably eschews the popular wide shape of the big screen and uses a 4:3 aspect ratio -- i.e., the nearly square shape of very old movies and not-so-old TVs.

Contemplative films use the big screen to immerse us into an experience. This can be with wide shots that have several things going on at once, left and right, top and bottom, foreground and background. Or it can be with close-ups that give us communion with characters (the terrific actress Michelle Williams is the central character of Meek's Cutoff).

Meek's Cutoff uses the big screen to immerse us in the journey of Oregon pioneers, but unlike the typical (widescreen) western, it cuts off the periphery, just like those pioneer women's bonnets, inciting our hearts to wonder about the mystery of what else is out there.

Mystery

Mystery is an important aspect of contemplative cinema. Whether we watch contemplative cinema on the big screen or large screen, it draws us in. It seduces rather than assaults. It asks question more than gives answers. It allows us to participate. Mud Puddle Films' mission statement also expresses the desire to "open minds to mystery." Meek's Cutoff has plenty of quiet mystery, including an ambiguous ending that will leave you frustrated, tantalized, or both.

Jump In With Us!

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Election Time, Election Thriller

Have you heard the term echo chamber used for our tendency to use mostly news media that reflect our biases? Have you seen recent statistics about how many voters don't want their favorite politicians to work toward compromise?

The Genesis

I first conceived the idea for my political thriller Inside Darkness after a Presidential election. I wondered how good and smart people could think so differently about things.

But then I realized the deeper question isn't why we have differences but how we can respect and even use those differences. Can we listen to and learn from people with different beliefs, political or otherwise?

The Concept

So why not trap three presidential candidates and see whether the threat of death (or worse) is enough to lead the to something new? Can they cooperate with each other and see their own hypocrisies?

2010

The film first came out just before the 2008 election and remains as timely as ever. My hope is that experiencing, discussing, and debating Inside Darkness with your friends (and enemies) will lead to something new for you in all your relationships.

Your Turn

Watch the trailer for Inside Darkness and purchase your own copy.

What are your favorite political movies? Give your answers and other comments below.