June 15, 2008
Movie Trailer: Religulous
Bill Maher is making this to be provocative and get some attention in the same vein as Michael Moore. He's a bright enough guy but is sanctimonious tone is grating and I can't imagine he's going to provide anything but a one-sided mockery of people's faith. I'm willing to bet there's plenty of thoughtful moments in this film but I am equally certain they're littered among an endless parade of theological pranks pulled by Maher and director Larry Charles. Christianity will, of course, be the central target of Maher's humor. If you see this, check to see if he actually talks with anyone who can be identified as a real Christian theologian. He will rely on the amusing ramblings of goofy guys like the ones seen in the trailer. Maher will want to be taken seriously in his atheism but at the same time will not confront someone who would be able to take him on. Ambushing everyday people with a camera and a celebrity asking questions is a sure way to make the average person look like a doofus on film. His arrogance is huge, his argument is so right, he doesn't need to bother to take the other position seriously. Yes, religion can be a silly thing at times - but faith is a critical piece of the human experience. Maybe if Bill spent less time at the Playboy Mansion and more time in a church, he'd know that.
The thing that really roils me about this film is that Maher will drag out the usual atheist arguments and then dimwit undergrads are going to parrot them back to me, thinking they're clever.
The thing that really roils me about this film is that Maher will drag out the usual atheist arguments and then dimwit undergrads are going to parrot them back to me, thinking they're clever.
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Director: Larry Charles (Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan)
Actors: Bill Maher (Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death)
Labels: anti-Christian, Bill Maher, Larry Charles
posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 12:00 PM
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9 Comments:
Bill Maher should have gone into the barfly biz while his filmography still only had that marvelous piece Cannibal Women in the Avacado Jungle of Death on it. Then he would only be a no-talent....fellow.
It would certainly be a good thing if he talked with a real theologian. There is such a huge percentage of people out there who go to churches led by pastors who have an "anything goes" interpretation of the Bible that it would be nice if the film served to lead a few people into churches where there is actual educated analysis and interpretation happening, as opposed to the "we play drums with our worship music and you don't have to think, we'll do all the thinking for you and tell you what you need to know" brand of faith. But seeing who this is coming from, it's probably a tall order. I'll still maintain some hope that there will be thought-provoking material.
Don't forget DC Cab!
First of all, Maher DOES interview religious leaders throughout this film, not just lay people. Also, does it not speak volumes that you can only expect a decent retort to religious criticisms to come from theologians? Meaning the overwhelming majority of believers are incapable of rationalizing their own beliefs in a debate.
Odd that you feel it necessary to conjure up a preemptive and speculative attack on a film you've yet to view.
Your comments on this film are uninformed and irresponsible.
"Maher DOES interview religious leaders throughout this film" Okay, WHO?
Regarding your snit about my concern that Maher goes after the lay person while not tackling reliable theologians:
1. I expect a person making a film about theology to talk to THEOLOGIANS. Who else should he talk to? You don't do a documentary on brain surgery and disregard the opinions of brain surgeons do you?
#2. The overwhelming majority of believers are incapable of rationalizing their beliefs in front of a camera crew with a sarcastic comedian confronting them. It has nothing to do with Christians in general, it has to do with the fact that the average person doesn't do well on camera, in particular when cornered and when an confrontational filmmaker who can edit their reactions any way he wants. Unlike atheists most Christians can detail their belief system because they're asked to do it so often by soft minded non-believers.
Since the film isn't available yet because it has been delayed any comment I make is preemptive - positive or negative.
Next time leave your name, anonymous people are pathetic.
The director is Larry Charles, not Larry David.
Stupid, rookie mistake - I'll be honest I get them mixed up all the time - not an excuse though. Thank you for your correction.
The entire point of the movie was to show what the average religious person believes--not to debate about angles on pinheads.
He juxtaposed this ignorance with a lot of "gotcha" type moments of the huckster men behind the ministry. Just because a Pope or Ayatollah does it better, doesn't mean it isn't the exact same game.
And that's where this movie really shines.
One of the "goofy guys" he talks to is the Latinist for the Vatican. Trust that he knows the writings of the Catholic Church.
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