Video Screening - BiG FiSh
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday 27th February 2007
The scene was set – lights were dimmed, sleeping bags strewn on the floor, the sound system booming from the intimidating huge speaker, and the projector was up and running, playing trailers for upcoming movies. The youths came in chattering and set themselves comfortably on the floor, preparing themselves for the movie screening of “Big Fish”. I personally was really looking forward to this movie, (okay, I admit, partially because of Ewan McGregor) because it was one of those good movies that I missed while it was in the theatres, and also because of the promised intriguing discussion questions and interesting themes present in the show.
It opened up with Tricia giving us a brief synopsis…the thing about Tim Burton’s movies is that the synopsis rarely tells you anything about the essence of the movie, as it’s a mere interpretation of what the reviewer thinks the movie is about. What is so enjoyable is in the wonderful child-like imaginative quality of his movies, layered with stark themes of reality – and the true essence being what you interpret the movie is really about, for yourself. (That was one of the challenges we faced during our group discussion!) After splitting us into 4 groups and handing each group a slip of paper containing themes and discussion questions, Tricia proceeded to give warnings of inappropriate content, with some giggling in the background.
I loved it. =) Actor-biasness aside, it was a wonderful display of fantasy, raw emotions and tender relationships.
The 4 themes that the groups were asked to ponder on were:
1. The Power of Story
2. Embellishing the Truth
3. The Power of Symbolism
4. Fearlessness
The result of our discussion is proudly pinned up on the YF notice board – take a look!
My group tackled theme no. 2, which proved to be challenging as I already had difficulty comprehending the show in its entirety as the distinction between fiction and reality in the show were blurred (although that was probably Tim Burton’s intention). Some insights that we gained and other questions that came up as we tackled the theme of the importance/significance of telling the truth:
• People sometimes stretch stories to draw people to them, or to make them a memory worth remembering.
• Some dangers of storytelling (in the context of stretching the truth) are that you mislead people and hurt them in the process.
• We might be tempted to create a false story out of fear – Genesis 12:10-20, Exodus 20:16 and 1 Sam 21:1-15
• But what about the story of Rahab - is that considered deception? Does this mean that Scripture ‘allowed’ it? [Maybe we can make this into a discussion question in the forums =)]
Thank God for the 15-20 youths who came down for this movie screening, willing to share their thoughts and encourage each other through mutual learning.
A personal take-away: To be careful with the kinds of movie I watch, and to look out for themes I can learn from.
Next week’s activity – PRAYER & PRAISE!
