Christians in and About Hollywood

Jeffrey Overstreet is well-known as a Christian film reviewer, but unlike some Christian reviewers, he doesn’t look for the nasty and naughty in order to warn us off them (see the example on page 231 of the paperback edition).  He primarily looks for beauty and truth. 
This isn’t to say he doesn’t warn us off a few movies – a very few, mind you, and then more because they undervalue beauty and truth, and sometimes evil, rather than because they focus on the sinful.   For the most part, he celebrates what is wonderful about moviemaking, specifically the way in which film can show a host of things at once, and let you discover which of them are important.    Or can focus on something without explaining its meaning, or draw your attention to the absolute beauty in this world.
Overstreet is no snob.   He mentions a number of movies here that wouldn’t pass muster amongst more famous reviewers, and mentions them with enthusiasm, because he’s unfailingly enthusiastic about filmmaking.    (He even gives one of Adam Sandler’s movies a thumbs up.)  However, for the most part he focuses on films that he believes count for something, films such as Unforgiven, Wings of Desire, The New World, and Ikiru.
Having said all that, I found some of the book disappointing.   While he does go into detail on a number of films, making you want to find a copy to see what he’s on about, he spends a good deal of time discussing such matters as a Christian point of view of movies, on how certain directors see the world, on violence and its role in storytelling, on his own journey of discovery, on being a critic – to name just a few.   All these are relevant to the art, but somehow they come across as less interesting than his discussions of movies.  Perhaps he feels the need to educate.   Perhaps I thought I knew what he was saying already.    (Which might make me the snob!)

Behind the Screen: Hollywood Insiders on faith, film and culture
edited by Spencer Lewerenz and Barbara Nicolosi

The second book has 18 authors, including producers, writers, directors and other people with ‘executive’ in front of their title.   (Executives-somethings are an increasing breed in the film and television industry: just check out any recent movie or tv series.)
There are a couple of less interesting chapters here, but for the most part this is something of an eye-opener.  
Firstly it introduces the reader to a group called Act One (all the book’s authors belong to it).   Act One was begun in 1999 with the intention of uniting Christian workers in Hollywood and encouraging them not only to support each other but to mentor up-and-coming Christians in the industry.   Their desire is to transform Hollywood from the inside out, not to ‘take it over.’   Consequently you’ll find, probably to your surprise, that many of these people are working on films and shows that not only have no obvious Christian content, but may even seem to be at odds with a Christian worldview.   
The members of Act One aim first and foremost to bring excellence and integrity to their work.   They’re not primarily evangelists trying to convert the cast and crew of whatever production they’re working on (though that may occasionally happen).   Their intent is to be the best at what they do, because Hollywood recognises real talent and skill above all else, whether you believe it or not.    Furthermore, as the chapter by Thom Parham shows, non-Christians often make far better movies about Christian characters, or on Christian themes, than Christians do. (The list of movies made by Christians in recent years is an embarrassment).
This isn’t to say that they’re unconcerned about Hollywood’s influence.   But, as they point out, Hollywood is more encouraged to make good movies when it receives accolades for them than when a great fuss is made about movies that upset Christians.   Stop boycotting the latter and praise the former.   Hollywood does pay attention.   
Incidentally, if you have a spare $10 billion to invest, Charles Slocum tells you how you can put it to good use in Hollywood.