Bishop Barron on "The Power of the Dog"
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- Friends, "The Power of the Dog" is one of the most talked-about and decorated films of the past year, garnering twelve Oscar nominations, including best picture, best actor, best-supporting actor, best-supporting actress, and best director.
It is indeed a fine film to look at, the acting is uniformly marvelous, and the story is brooding and tautly rendered. At the same time, it’s a movie that leaves the viewer (or at least this particular viewer) a bit confused, and more than a little uneasy. Many have in fact debated what exactly was going on as the picture came to its conclusion.
"The Power of the Dog" is a meditation on family, friendship, repressed sexuality, and, above all, the way that powerful people come to manipulate and abuse one another.
It is precisely the manner in which Jane Campion, the crafty director, presents this last theme that I analyze in my most recent video.
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Good to see another movie commentary from the good Bishop. It’s been a while, and they’re always thought-provoking.
great to see the flame of film analysis still burns brightly at word on fire...
I would like to see more but I understand that he is busy
I feel the same way. I was missing those comments and almost wrote it about when I readed yours.
"We ought to shift from simply toxic power met by toxic power and focus rather on the virtue, the love, the compassion, the nonviolence, that ought to inform our use of power". Bishop Robert Barron
This is a tenet of stable power politics that goes back at least as far as Confucius. That we still haven't learned that is a sign that the human race is irreparably stupid. This is why I put no faith in politics and all faith in God.
@@HolyKhaaaaan
Are you Cain?and the sonshine band
this is a tenet of stable power
Without a review and commentary like this I wonder what message from the Movie will be received by the millions who shall watch it for entertainment. *Big Thanks Bishop Barron for the 'one of a kind' review of the Film.*
Bishop Barron, thank you for this beautiful reflection! You’re ability to bring us back into focusing on what Our Sweet Generous Lord is teaching us is truly a gift from Him. Thank you for teaching us NOT to get caught up in those things that Our Lord showed us not to get caught up in. Your words express Christ’s clarity, wisdom and Mercy. Thank you for your reference and teaching on Psalm 22. May you continue to be blessed.
Mrs. PCI agree and
your writing is the best
thank you
Desperada - song
The Eagles - artist
lol
I recently decided to watch this movie and it was intriguing and disturbing. Thank you Bishop Barron for this commentary on something that was a bit confusing for me. When movies include cringe worthy subjects and situations, I find it hard to want to continue watching. I couldn't decide how I felt at the end of the movie because I was glad the "bad cowboy" was gone but disturbed by how the other "bad guy" did the deed all in the name of protecting his mother. Then showing this verse in the Bible.
the "bad power" character was also portrayed in "american beauty" by chris cooper, with, spoiler alert, same ending. just hollywood congratulating itself again.
@@carlosgaspar8447 Exactly. With Hollywood this woke, we can be almost sure the truly best movie of the year will be virtually ignored by the Oscars. Maybe there should be a Catholic Oscars...?
@@tripp8833 I'm sorry but I couldn't figure out a better way to word it in order to explain my dilemma. It's still a very good movie to watch and wonder about the times and the beautiful scenery. Again, sorry.
I do think that's how you're SUPPOSED to feel. That was the filmmaker's intentions. Sometimes things are not cut and dried. That's why I think it's brilliant.
I haven't even seen the movie and I probably won't, but the points made in this review stand on their own. Thank you Bishop - truly something to ponder.
"Two negatives don't make a positive. Double negatives turn positive only in math and formal logic. *In life things get worse and worse and worse."* - Robert McKee
Power is extremely needed to affect the good and protect against the bad. You have it exactly right: Does virtue or vice drive power. Thank you!
I look forward for the review about the upcoming movie 'Father Stu' 🙏
Bishop Barron referencing The Who… pretty awesome!
You may be in a season of struggle, a season of hardship, where you’re working long hours, doing your best to provide, but nothing is improving. You don’t see how it will ever change. But God is watching you. He sees your sacrifice. He sees you going the extra mile. You’re going to come into these turnaround moments where God is going to turn the struggle into ease, turn the lack into abundance, turn the sorrow into joy, turn the injustice, what you didn’t get, what wasn’t fair, into fulfillment, into purpose, into a blessed and satisfied life. I hope this comment has uplifted and blessed you, we are praying for you. We are a new and growing channel, and every encouragement/support is always a blessing. God bless you. Amen
Amen
Amen
Quoting classic rock! Love it! You da Man, Your Excellency!
What can say dear Bishop Barron always thought provoking. Love it. Keep up the good work.
This was terrific, thanks Bishop Barron as always.
Good review. Underscoring that cruelty begets cruelty and that to break that cycle you must love your enemy. Love is powerful beyond everything else.
Thank you so much,Bishop Barron.
PRAY FOR EUROPE
Excellent. Keep up the good work in Christ and may God bless you and your family ✝✝✝
God Bless Bishop Barron!
Love how that parallel of psalm 22 was what Jesus exemplified when he died on the cross for us. When toxicity is met with more toxicity, there is no progress but when toxicity is met with love, there is progress towards peace.
I was just thinking today how long it's been since a movie commentary - LOVE them - DO MORE PLZ
"If one form of toxicity is replaced by another...," spot on.
I’ve missed your movie talks :)
God Bless Bishop Barron 🙏
Looking 4ward to watching this movie. Thank u Bishop Barron. XO
This is a powerful movie. Saw it twice. It shows man’s cruelty and how what may appears to be a weaker man has strength to not be destroyed by evil power. The meek being delivered from wicked power. There is a line in
But Phil despite his outward terrible behavior, was not an evil man. That's the thing - how do we define bad and good, like the Bishop discusses.
Jesus defined human evil behavior often. Instead we need Acts of love. Phil’s cruelty while psychological and not physical is still evil. Sorry if the Bishop and I disagree in how we see evil. Not the first time either
Thanks again for thought filled insights. It seems like the Ghandi & MLKjr movements were virtuous demonstrations of change in power. That type of leadership is necessary; however, needless to say no matter our efforts we'll never recreate the garden of Eden here.
It reminds me, in contrast, of the movie The Scarlet and The Black, which also displays two powerful men, but one acting on vice to destroy lives and the other on virtue to save them; I think it reflects well what you've tried to say, Bishop Barron about virtue swallowing vice and braking the chain of "Meet the new Boss; same as the old Boss"!
Inspiring analysis
Bishop Barron...What a Legend!
A perspective on power struggles that I needed to hear right now, so thank you for the context.
There are two tools of power; first is individual or personal prowess, either physical or intellectual, and the other is institutional prowess or authority.
Thank you, Bishop, for your commentary. I love Benedict Cumberbatch, but I don't think I want to see him in this role. Your comments about power are spot on, especially with what is happening in Ukraine.
Excellent. I think Phil got a little bit of an inkling in one scene where he is with Peter. There was a look on his face of shock or surprise.
Thank you so much, I think you might be the first public figure I've ever heard get Palsm 22 right.
Great analysis
Depressing movie...but great commentary on it.
Bishop Robert Barron
Why don't you go to the debate of Sheikh Othman bin Al-Farouq so that Muslims can convert to Christianity instead of the other way around
Good stuff!
What you have brilliantly exposed here is sophism, or the idea that reality is only a matter of my perspective, and that anything I can do to sell my perspective or make it overcome your opposing perspective is valid. (Modern day sophists are called "lawyers.") Not so much "toxic masculinity" as toxic subjectivism. I haven't seen the film, but your analysis makes me want to see it.
One thing I’ll never understand: why “Hollywood” (at least in shows/movies that I’ve seen) portrays couples that, after getting married, move in with in laws that don’t like the new addition to the family. And since the new husband is a wealthy one and can afford it, can’t the newly wedded couple move out into their own house?? This movie echoes that old night soap Dallas on that point. I always thought “Bobby, why can’t you and Pam move out of Southfork and get your own mansion??!!” I mean, come on!!!
I miss that jingle u used to put before the videos
Not a movie that I would be interested in
Sounds a bit dreary
Jordan Peterson had a good line, in ancient times there was the idea of a great power chosing not to exercise that power - the great warrior that: "keeps the sword sheathed", so to speak.
Only the names change....
Whan I saw the movie, I gave it a thumbs down. It was intriguing. Bishop Barron's commentary was way more interesting.
Poor Dog has to bear the stigma of toxic power. When in fact they are more likely by us to overcome it with their strength and loyalty. I guess I missed this one as i will the movie which by his description is Hollywood pushing an agenda.
Great commentary on a disturbing movie. The revenge that plays out in the film felt like a shallow consolation in a harsh world. Certainly not enough to sustain the soul.
POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT:
I was creeped out yet a little satisfied by how the son handled the situation and the climax. BUT the last scene was chilling. Son looks out at his mother kissing her husband, and I got a definite vibe of “watch out, man, don’t mess with her,” and I concluded that he had actually killed his own father (review his description to Phil of his father and how he was great until he started drinking too much.)
🙏🏼
Dog versus shepard would be a more impacting theme
Nothing good to watch out there even if the acting is good. I always here some watch movies because the acting is so good. In the meantime, it fills the mind with trash. Where's "The Sound of Music?"
Very good analysis..but would you watch this movie for comic relief? Not me. I go to movies to escape reality.
Monsignore Eccellenza, sia lodato Gesù Cristo , avete già visto il film Father Stu ?
Sempre complimenti!
I miss the old intro music
Interesting. Not a Tarantino film fan at all. Not sure I'd watch this movie either. But I was a Who fan.
*Leviticus 18:22*
*22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.*
*Leviticus 20:13*
*13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:*
*They shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.*
Thank you Bishop Barron. I haven't see the movie.... I'm thinking of Russia and what's going on in Ukraine today.
Is the phrase "Power of the Dog" from the Bible?
yes.
Yes. Father Barron reads from the Psalms passage in the video.
PSALM 22 in the BIBLE (Revised Standard Version - Catholic Edition)
verse 1) My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Why art thou so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
.........
16) Yea, dogs are round about me;
a company of evildoers encircle me;
they have pierced my hands and feet --
.......
20) Deliver my soul from the sword,
my life from the power of the dog!
.....
@@glynissequeira5544 Thank you very much!
Bishop Robert Barron, "Power of the Dog" or "Power of God" ---- what should a Christian teacher give importance to?
I ask this since just at the time this video came on, I was Replying to some Comments in your previous video "Understanding Genesis : Joseph". I replied about "Power of God" to some Comments about "Power of Myth".
Dictionary definition of power: “possession of control, authority or power over others.” There are many kinds of power: power of individuals, power of collectives such as parents, grandparents, school boards, corporations, a sovereign state. The power of the Roman Empire nailed Jesus to the cross because it had no room for love, compassion or truth, only room for power to control others for the “good” of the few.
The movie in question only demonstrates the failure of individuals who, in their psychological, social and moral maturation, have been deprived of the resources like love, and compassion which would have evolved into better life outcomes. The proper use of power is to promote the universal common good (not only “what is good for me, my family, my ethnic or religious group); and it includes promoting universally the harmonious integral maturation of all peoples on planet earth. Too large a portion of earth’s resources are misused. I prefer Francis Thompson’s “Hound of Heaven” to the “Power of the Dog.” It provides a clearer picture of what life is all about.
Typical woke/joke cinema. Can they preach!
There is none good but god, suppose we had the power, and chose to do good with it maybe you can think of many things, but rum that forward in time and consider what could now become evil because of your apparent good deed which is why there is none good no not one.
It was booooooooooring and easily predictable. Yawn. Quite overrated.
Lol spoiler Alert!
Another “woke” movie.
I don't put much stock in man made religion , myths and superstitions.
It seems like when Jesus died on the cross… he was showing people the Christian way to handle ‘being wronged’…. that’s where the rubber hits the road. Did Jesus mean don’t fight back? In your movie review.. how could the victim son have handled it in a ‘better’ moral way…. should he just walk away from the crime scene? I probably would have not wasted time on a psychological solution…. but I’m a mom…. we have to fix things fast.. so what would Jesus have done… when you are not in teaching mode.
Proverbs 22:3
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
Take heed to this truth, or if you reject it as "conspiracy" or "craziness" you will suffer the consequences.
"Popery Puseyism Jesuitism"
By Luigi Desanctis
Page 140:
At what, then, do the Jesuits aim? According to them, they only seek the greater glory of God; but if you examine the facts you will find that they aim at universal dominion alone. They have rendered themselves indispensable to the Pope, who, without them, could not exist, because Catholicism is identified with them. They have rendered themselves indispensable to governors and hold revolutions in their hands; and in this way, either under one name or another, it is they who rule the world, who have reduced it to such perversion of ideas, that he can neither be a good citizen nor a good Catholic who is not a Jesuit.
Page 139:
He who thinks he knows the Jesuits by having read all the books that were written in the past century to unmask them, would be grossly deceived. The Jesuitism of that day was an open war against the Gospel and society; the Jesuitism of the present day is a slow but contagious and deadly disease, which secretly insinuates itself; it is a poison taken under the name of medicine.
"History of the Jesuits: their origin, progress, doctrines, and designs" 1854
By Nicolini, G. B. (Giovanni Battista)
Page 39:
take the Jesuit for what he ought or appears to be, and you commit the greatest of blunders. Draw the character after what the Jesuit seems to be in London, and you will not recognize your portrait in the Jesuit of Rome. The Jesuit is the man of circumstances. Despotic in Spain, constitutional in England, republican in Paraguay, bigot in Rome, idolater in India, he shall assume and act out in his own person, with admirable flexibility, all those different features by which men are usually to be distinguished from each other. He will accompany the gay woman of the world to the theatre, and will share in the excesses of the debauchee. With solemn countenance, he will take his place by the side of the religious man at church, and he will revel in the tavern with the glutton and the sot. He dresses, in all garbs, speaks all languages, knows all customs, is present everywhere though nowhere recognized-and all this, it should seem (O monstrous blasphemy!), for the greater glory of God
Page 82:
[Jesuit] Father Francis Pelhco... candidly confesses that " the many illustrious friends of the Society, prelates, orators, learned and distinguished men of every description, the supporters of the Society, remain occult, and obliged to be silent.''
"The Jesuits in History"
by Hector MacPherson
Page 148:
Danger lies in the fact that since the Vatican Council the interests of both are identical. Jesuitism is the power behind the Papal throne. “The presence of the Jesuits in any country, Romanist or Protestant,” once remarked Lord Palmerston, “ is likely to breed social disturbance.” So hurtful was the Jesuit Order found
to be that, up to 1860, it was expelled no fewer than seventy times from countries which has
suffered from its machinations...
In spite of Continental warnings, England, in the name of a spurious toleration, has become a Jesuit dumping-ground. Those whom
other countries have found from sad experience to be enemies, Britain allows to land on her shores, and to carry on unmolested their work of iniquity. We are carrying toleration to excess, and unless there is a change of policy, this nation will one day pay a heavy penalty. If we wish to escape the penalty, we must come to realize that a system which enslaves the individual, fosters superstition, is at war with patriotism and destroys morality, will, if allowed to flourish unchecked, sooner or later destroy society.
"The Jesuits in History" 1914
by Hector MacPherson
Page 122:
In order to clearness of thought in dealing with this subject, it is well to note the distinction between Roman Catholicism and the Papacy. The former has to do mainly with religion. It rests upon the theological doctrines which Protestants believe to be erroneous. There are Roman Catholics who take their religion but not their politics from the Pope. Had the Roman Catholic Church remained a purely religious organisation like any other sect, the world would have been spared centuries of evil. But in the course of its development the Romish Church, through its Popes, entered the civil sphere and aspired to universal monarchy.
"The Vatican Against Europe" 1993
by Edmond Paris
Page 308:
In the future, as in the past, she (The Catholic Church) will inexorably move towards the end she has set herself, without the slightest thought for the ruins and the catastrophes that her unwearying pursuit might be causing. "The end justifies the means". "No political event or circumstance can be evaluated without the knowledge of the Vatican's part in it. And no significant world situation exists in which the Vatican does not play an important explicit or implicit role.
"The Secret History Of The Jesuits" 1975
by Edmond Paris
Page 7:
The public is practically unaware of the overwhelming responsibility carried by the Vatican and its Jesuits in the start of the two world wars-a situation which may be explained in part by the gigantic finances at the disposition of the Vatican and its Jesuits, giving them power in so many spheres, especially since the last conflict.
Page -163-164:
But let us see, first, how an especially "authorized" personality, Franco, Knight of the Order of Christ, expressly confirmed the collusion between the Vatican and the nazis. According to "Reforme", this is what the press of the Spanish dictator (Franco) published on the 3rd of May 1945, the day of Hitler's death: ...
"I learned much from the Order of the Jesuits", said Hitler... "Until now, there has never been anything more grandiose, on the earth, than the hierarchical organisation of the Catholic Church. I transferred much of this organisation into my own party... I am going to let you in on a secret... I am founding an Order... In my "Burgs" of the Order, we will raise up a youth which will make the world tremble... Hitler then stopped, saying that he couldn't say any more.."(108)
"Swarms of Locusts: The Jesuit attack on the Faith" 2002
by Michael Bunker
Page 12:
There is a conspiracy against Christendom.... But who are Satan’s agents in this conspiracy? The “agents” are the Jesuits.
Even though the Jesuits exude vast influence and control in the areas of theology, education, recorded history and current media, I am still perplexed that virtually no literature exists exposing the Jesuit’s influence on mainline Protestantism.
👇🙃
ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ꜱᴀᴠᴇᴅ ᴀꜱ ᴀ ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛɪᴀɴ:
ᴛʜᴇ ʙɪʙʟᴇ ꜱᴀʏꜱ ᴡᴇ ᴄᴀɴɴᴏᴛ ᴅᴏ ᴀɴʏᴛʜɪɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴇᴀʀɴ ꜱᴀʟᴠᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. ɪᴛ ɪꜱ ᴀ ɢɪꜰᴛ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɢᴏᴅ. ᴡʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇ ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴏ ɪꜱ ᴄᴏɴꜰᴇꜱꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴜʀɴ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴏᴜʀ ꜱɪɴꜱ. ᴀꜰᴛᴇʀ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡᴇ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʜᴏʟʏ ɪɴ ᴏʙᴇᴅɪᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴊᴇꜱᴜꜱ (ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜ) ꜰᴀɪᴛʜ. ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴇʟɪᴇᴠᴇ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴊᴇꜱᴜꜱ ᴅɪᴇᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴜʀ ꜱɪɴꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴏꜱᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴ ᴛʜᴇ 3ʀᴅ ᴅᴀʏ.
ᴏɴᴄᴇ ᴡᴇ ꜱᴇᴇ ʜᴏᴡ ꜱᴇʀɪᴏᴜꜱ ꜱɪɴ ɪꜱ, ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴇᴘᴇɴᴛ (ᴛᴜʀɴ) ꜰʀᴏᴍ ɪᴛ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴀꜱᴋ ɢᴏᴅ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇʀᴄʏ ᴀɴᴅ ꜰᴏʀɢɪᴠᴇɴᴇꜱꜱ, ɢᴏᴅ ᴡɪʟʟ ɢɪᴠᴇ ᴜꜱ ʜɪꜱ ʜᴏʟʏ ꜱᴘɪʀɪᴛ ᴛᴏ ᴅᴡᴇʟʟ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴜꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ʜᴇʟᴘ ᴜꜱ ᴏᴠᴇʀᴄᴏᴍᴇ ꜱɪɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʟɪᴠᴇ ʜᴏʟʏ. ɴᴏ ʀᴇʟɪɢɪᴏɴ ᴏʀ ᴄʜᴜʀᴄʜ ᴄᴀɴ ꜱᴀᴠᴇ ʏᴏᴜ
Sounds like another woke movie
Throughout history the Catholic Church has exercised power over the common people through the priesthood. You can not ignore that stain on Christianity.
Perhaps you wanted to say : Throughout history the priests in the Catholic Church exercised dominion over the common people in the Church.
Matthew 25 : 25-28
Jesus said to his disciples, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave; even as the Son of man came not to be served but to serve.."
@@glynissequeira5544 The priesthood is the hierarchy. There is one mediator between man and God. That is Jesus Christ.
Wow this movie sounds like a steaming hot pile of garbage-thanks for the heads up, Bishop!
I missed your movie reviews Father! God bless
Thanks for watching this movie for me, cause im not watching that crap.
Your approach is so refreshing and invigorating. Moreover, your interpretation of Scripture is so recontextualised, it makes sense to those without a theological background. It speaks to most and makes perfect sense. Thank you Bishop Rob.
I watched this movie two nights ago. The entire thing gave me the creeps. It was so... ominous. Even in the quiet, thoughtful moments. I think you're right, Bishop, the power was displaced from morally corrupt person to a young person with questionable morals. Not because he was effeminate or "unmanly", but because what he planned and did, didn't seem to phase him. Thank you for your review.
You're right. I haven't seen the movie, but it seems to be the norm in reality these days. People do evil things without remorse. Scary!
@@TheMDelima
it isn't about human hearts
hearts that don't listen
to the image of God
in their hearts.
Remorse or no remorse
doesn't alter
God is Spirit
truth
and
justice.
Scary Einstein ? was atheist
I agree, did not like this movie at all. Creepy & weird were the words I used. I didn’t even know what the storyline was after watching it
Is vengeance and retribution the main theme of the movie?
I don't see anything Christlike about Christians these days. You prove my point. Christianity is a man made social club based on myths and superstitions.
Brilliant commentary as always...such a good way to see things.....
Great review. It's interesting how many movies now are about someone asserting their power and truth over someone else without questioning if doing so if fair or good in any way.
I do think there are some movies that take an opposite approach like "Only Gor Forgives", "Gone, Baby, Gone" or "In Bruges" but it's definitely not a very mainstream take.
It seems that many people interpreted the ending of The Power of the Dog to be positive and uplifting. I felt it was intended to be very mixed. The deed at the end was ultimately a “positive”, but it was only necessary because of a very tragic character who descended into becoming a typical western cowboy trope instead of embracing his true self. Phil appears to be on the path toward redemption, but that path is cut short. Its an incredibly sad ending to me that everyone essentially celebrates the demise of this man who had the potential to be saved from his own “toxicity”. I felt that was at least a portion of the intent of the film, but that may have just been me reading too deeply.
Without having seen this particular film, I can't say whether or not you're reading too much into it specifically, but it's certainly been a common theme in cinema - over the past couple of decades at least - for there to be a dearth of portrayals of a genuinely redemptive character arc.
Especially so in critically acclaimed fare, the industry excells in providing the audience what it ostensibly desires - power "dynamics" bereft of a moral center, or, as Bp Barron and The Who put it, displays of the new boss, same as the old boss.
What they could have done is in the last scene Peter is shown to have signs of remorse, but only for a split second, then returns to his smile. So, it's like his conscience is trying to get to him but he is still rationalizing his act by telling himself he did it for his mom. That way he's not absolutely immoral and there is still hope for him. But, no, given that this is a Netflix film, they probably think Peter isn't evil at all.
@@krdiaz8026 I hope the filmmakers didn’t intend for him to be the hero, he’s clearly not
Interesting. Similar for me was how Wolf of Wall Street is easily enjoyed thinking its glorifying it's antiheros, but really if there is a moral to the story its that greed will destroy your soul and everything you hold dear.
The film never uses the term "toxic," this has been mapped onto it by alt-right types. The boy is never meant to be sympathetic, in my opinion-- he is highly intelligent but also cold, as when he dissects the bunny to better understand it. I see this as a story about queer life, which includes queer suffering in periods when queer lives cannot be lived freely. Phil has escaped to a homosocial wilderness, forever in thrall to a former lover (and possible rapist). He is closeted and hates women because of his inability to join heterosexual life-- so in many ways he's a poor example of "toxic masculinity," which includes objectifying women sexually. The boy kills him to save his mother-- a horrible act justified by love. I'll take that complexity over the Bishop's "turn the other cheek" stuff. Look at what Putin's doing right now. Sometimes that's not an option.
Love listening to Bishop Barron…always so thought provoking and makes one reflect. Issues become clearer and just make sense! Thank you.
At last the Bishop is back reviewing movies! It's been way too long
So refreshing! Thank you, Bishop.
Fantastic, Bishop Barron. I wish they would play it at the Oscars. Hollywood needs to hear you.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏 Mother Mary Pray For Us 🙏Abba Father Bless us and we Adore You 🙏Holy Spirit Guide us and direct our paths 🙏
Bp be safe in your mission,God bless...
A profound message and analysis, Bishop. God bless and keep up the good work.
I won't get fooled again
meet the new boss
A bishop defending the status quo ought to be anachronistic in 2020. Unfortunately this has been the role of bishops for centuries. There are notable exceptions. The recently deceased Desmond Tutu (Anglican) for example. Bishop Robert Barron is not an exception. His job is to smooth the way for injustice and exploitation like countless bishops before him. For a supposed disciple of Christ to view The Power of the Dog and come away only seeing an undifferentiated symmetry is not to be believed. The precise reason he chose to review this particular movie is because it makes such a powerful statement about the corruption of masculinity. He apparently doesn't want you to understand that. One has to ask why?
Thanks for the commentary. Note to self: don't rent 'Power of the Dog'. I think we lost that virtuous power back in the 60s. Think this movie vs. Bonanza. The theme always was: good always prevails. These were strong, powerful men but never killed out of revenge. Now it seems we have modified 'revenge' into 'justification'. It just feels good - for some bizarre reason - to watch someone terrorize others to be destroyed by their victims: and the more ruthless their demise, the better. Does no one see the evil in this picture? Yet someone can enjoy this type of film yet think of themselves as righteous...under the cloak of 'it's not real'. They still enjoyed it though, right? Yet they can watch a movie that implies an animal is being hurt, and scream 'abuse!!' - yet that could never happen in today's world on a movie; but somehow that is real?
Enjoying a movie doesn't mean condoning all of the characters or actions in the movie. That's a bit silly. They may just enjoy the movie because it makes them think and question.
Power... a powerful mind... is to me the ability to influence... regardless of physical apperance, with knowledge and conviction. Jesus on the cross ... a message that changed the world. (I did not see the The Power of the Dog).
I remember watching a pair of Noir series on Netflix a few years back. They left me in a sense of spiritual discomfort for days. After watching those two series, I said "done with that, no more NOIR movies or series." And by Noir, I mean there was just a cynicism, a darkness and meanness about the characters that was too much to take in.
This movie has been characterized as a "neo noir" western.
"Toxic masculinity" is not a real personality disorder, it's a modern term used to describe a combination of other personality disorders. The personalities described in the movie exhibit symptoms of malignant narcissism (if they have some conscience) or anti-social personality disorder (if they have no conscience). Both malignant narcissists and sociopaths are good at reading and exploiting the weaknesses of others, so the writer hit the personality profile accurately.
If you want film noir, then yes, by all means build your characters around the dozens of unhealthy expressions of narcissism and sociopathy that exist in the real world.
The cast of characters is infinite.
As clergy, we have the responsibility to edify others. The cynicism embodied in the screen play is simply something to be avoided to be maintain a good spiritual life. I appreciate the reference to "We won't get fooled again." Great observation, too.
But this cinematic garbage? Not worth the time.
Just a thought, as an eternal student, I look toward those who look at outward & inward facets of educational possibilities! I think it's important that great teachers always look at the many affectations of what they are teaching. In this case, what are current movies saying. Otherwise, we will become very narrow, without foundation. Isn't it more important to become narrow as a result of our moral findings, rather than the fact that we didn't look!
@@babecarla I think Bishop, in his usual diplomatic way, made his position on the movie pretty clear. However, the good spiritual life does not envision taking in literature, music or entertainment that causes harm to the soul. The saints are clear on that. Not only do they avoid the near occasion of sin, they avoid situations that could cause one to think or imagine things that are uncharitable, like a movie that senselessly indulges not only cruelty but pre-meditated cruelty for the sake of cruelty.
I am not perfect, but I cannot consume movies or literature that exhibit not only cruelty but explore the pointless exercise of it, and then leave you wondering whether the director approves, and whether the outcome justified the cruelty. That's film noir. The viewer is challenged to ask "was what I just saw immoral or not?" That's why several people have said on this board the movie made them feel uncomfortable.
By the way, a lot of action movies have moved away from delineating clear distinctions between good and evil to screenplays where it's not clear who is good and who is not. They leave the viewer uncomfortable (that's the point), and they can carry the messaging to a point where you don't know who is good and who is not. I think some of the later Batman movies and spin-offs fit into that category. Much of the series production on Netflix is noir. A friend of mine recommended "Occupied," which after two seasons became so noir and cynical that it was unpleasant to watch.
You can leave the innocent thinking that there is no distinction between good and evil, or that evil is justifiable under certain circumstances. That's the essential problem.
Finally, when we make good moral decisions, we minimize the Faustian bargains that no one wants to make. When we make dumb and careless decisions, we end up making Faustian bargains that cause harm to others. Much film noir is devoted to this ethical catch-22.
@@parishvicar7612 I understand your position and it's laudable. Therefore I guess the world is left to make determinations based on Clips or reviews they read on any particular movie. I'm not a big fan of movies anymore. Hollywood has ruined that for me. However I do find it credit-worthy that Bishop Barron does take a stand on movies and books. I miss that aspect at the Catholic Church that my parents supported. I do, however, for the younger generation's sake, believe that some of our stellar Ministry must particularize with honest reviews - the movies, books, online videos and other online genres for the sake of "Beware". Before the mind is well-formed and because families values are not so stable anymore, we have erring ways among us. Teaching the young to think is a moral imperative to me. Seeking truth and explaining good and bad it's really important. I think Bishop Barron does an amazing job at looking at our era and all of its trappings. He's certainly not afraid to speak out in almost any forum. I like that he's fearless. We need fearlessness for Jesus Christ. 👌 🌈✝️❣
@@babecarla I think some directors are trying to recapture a golden age of Hollywood with uplifting movies. Let's hope they do more.
@@parishvicar7612 well if that's true that's wonderful news to me. My mother was a great lover of old Hollywood. Our movies were very restricted when I was growing up so like my parents I became a great reader. Now of course we have many varietals of video opportunities. I still find it difficult to choose sometimes because the leaders in commercials for any given series are always designed to capture your interest. I appreciate your thorough explanation for your point of view. I don't use common colloquialisms in my speech patterns because I have family members who are rigidly elocutionist using only proper English. Even when I've tried to adapt certain terms in to my spectrum of the American/ English, I sometimes find it uncomfortable but I do understand it. I always make sure to do that otherwise you're reading or current events is muddy & becomes difficult. My parents taught me to read with a huge dictionary and thesaurus nearby. God bless you Vicar in your work and I will keep you in my prayers. When I came back to the Catholic Church after a number of years of searching other avenues, I found absolutely everything is here. So it's joyful to interact with our leaders of faith. 🌈✝️❣😎
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sin is eternally uncreative, and all this stuff about "liberation" is just like you say, nothing different than what came before
Thank you.
So why does Actor Sam Elliot state “this movie is a piece of Shit”. Does it pertain to homosexuality?
Thank you Bishop Barron for your insights into this film. I would like you to watch and review the film MASS, about 2 couples coming to forgiveness. I would be interested in your thoughts.
It always amazes me Bishop Barron how you can derive powerful reflections from movies. I was so intrigued since it’s been a time since your last commentary in a film; I watched it before listening to your video once this was brought to my awareness via an email from the Word on Fire Institute. Thanks!
It’s a truly awful movie
The film now seems like a parable of the situation between Russia (Phil) and Ukraine (Rose and her son), of exertion of 'power' and destruction. Indeed praying Psalm 22 now seems so needful, especially as the Ukrainians might feel now v16, 'the dogs are all around me...' (RSV2CE). My heart is broken over this tide of events, and I pray now that the people of Ukraine are delivered in safety from the 'dog' that besieges them.
Thank you
so cool. I want to see it