Ep 386: Exploring Faith Through Film, with Abby Olcese

Host Doug Stuart sits down with renowned film critic and author Abby Olcese to explore the intricate intersections of film, faith, and the liturgical calendar. Abby's new book, Film for All Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies, forms the crux of this stimulating discussion, inviting listeners to see movies as more than mere entertainment but as avenues for spiritual and cultural introspection.

The conversation begins with a delightful nod to the upcoming Paddington 3, encouraging listeners to revisit the first two charming installments. Abby then introduces Joyeux Noel, bringing a poignant cinematic portrayal of the World War I Christmas truce into the fold. This sets the stage for a deeper dive into the themes of Lent, where Abby explains her thoughtful selection of films like "Annihilation" and "Groundhog Day" to navigate through themes of mortality, repentance, and self-awareness.

As Doug shares his fascination with liturgical rhythms and their underappreciation in American low church traditions, Abby enriches the dialogue with insights from her church background, reflecting influences from her time as an Episcopal ministry intern. They bond over the transformative power of films such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Fast and Furious 6 in embodying ecclesiastical themes of diversity and unity, particularly resonating with the spirit of Pentecost.

Exploring the evolving landscape of film criticism, Abby passionately argues for the importance of historical context in understanding movies. A robust discussion unfolds around how classic films like Top Gun and Night of the Hunter reflect societal attitudes of their times, paralleling her views on the lasting influence of well-crafted narratives.

The show takes an intriguing turn as Doug and Abby delve into contemporary television's shift towards streaming, critiquing the impact of immediate performance metrics on long-form storytelling. They appreciate the quality and richness of limited series on platforms like Apple TV, using Blackbird and Bad Monkey as exemplary cases.

Abby’s narratives come full circle as she illustrates how films can serve as spiritual reflections for themes churches might miss, inspiring hope, love, and inclusivity. This episode is a treasure trove for listeners, whether cinephiles, faith-seekers, or both, offering unique perspectives on how movies like Paddington, The Last Jedi, and The Bishop's Wife can enrich one's spiritual journey.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com