Kathleen Norris, an acclaimed author known for her profound works like "Acedia and Me," explores the intersection of film and spirituality. She discusses the impact of cinema on personal growth and community, highlighting transformative friendships nurtured through shared film experiences. Norris also dives into the resilience of Iranian filmmakers facing adversity and the rich themes of hospitality in movies like 'Patterson' and 'Babette's Feast.' Through these reflections, she illustrates how cinema serves as a vital medium for creative collaboration and self-discovery.
Kathleen Norris and Gareth Higgins discuss how films like 'The Wizard of Oz' shape personal perspectives and emotional understanding.
The podcast emphasizes the collaborative nature of filmmaking, contrasting it with the solitude of writing, enhancing the creative process.
Deep dives
The Impact of Cinema on Personal Growth
Cinema can profoundly shape an individual’s perspective and experiences. Kathleen Norris and Gareth Higgins highlight films that influenced their lives, such as 'The Wizard of Oz' and 'The Goonies,' which served as sources of inspiration during formative years. They argue that films have the power to convey essential truths and emotions, helping viewers cultivate a deeper understanding of themselves and their surroundings. This connection between storytelling and personal growth reveals cinema's ability to resonate across different stages of life, thus underscoring its significance as an art form.
Collaborative Nature of Filmmaking
The dynamic of filmmaking is inherently collaborative, juxtaposed with the solitary nature of writing. Norris emphasizes the importance of teamwork in cinema, where directors, cinematographers, and producers unite to create a meaningful product. This collaboration fosters a sense of community among the crew, enhancing the creative process and resulting in a richer final output. Unlike writers, who often work in isolation, filmmakers thrive on interaction and shared visions, which ultimately impacts the vitality of their storytelling.
Exploring Hospitality Through Film
The theme of hospitality is examined through the lens of 'Babette's Feast,' where the protagonist demonstrates generosity and grace to a closed-off community. Both Norris and Higgins contend that Babette's actions mirror the value of hospitality, which can lead to meaningful connections and transformative experiences. The film illustrates how kindness can break down barriers, inviting acceptance and openness among disparate individuals. This narrative reinforces the idea that true hospitality creates an environment where creativity and understanding can flourish.
Finding Vocation and Voice
Norris discusses the relationship between vocation and finding one’s voice, emphasizing that a true vocation encompasses the integration of personal passion and identity. She reflects on characters like the protagonist in 'Patterson,' who achieves fulfillment in both his role as a bus driver and as a poet. This duality showcases that one’s vocation can manifest in multiple forms, revealing a deeper connection to self-expression. The dialogue around vocation encourages individuals to recognize and embrace their unique contributions to the world, illustrating that meaningful work often transcends conventional boundaries.
This week's guest is Kathleen Norris. Her best known books include Acedia and Me, The Cloister Walk, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography, and Amazing Grace: A Vocabulary of Faith. A Benedictine oblate, she practices the Benedictines’ commitment to good order and deep hospitality her writing. Kathleen Norris’s new book she co-authored with Gareth Higgins. It’s called A Whole Life in Twelve Movies: a Cinematic Journey to a Deeper Spirituality.