Movies, Music, and Art

Warning: This will probably be ALL over the place.

In Bruges - watched it last weekend with the Tomescu's and it was one weird movie. I though it was going to be like a Bourne movie or some kind of action/heist type. Nope. Just weird. A good amount of blood splattering and a few bullets through the head, and the f-word used every 5 seconds. And some random drug use/prostitution. As I said, a weird movie. What I learned/was reminded: Actions have consequences.

The Words - don't think I'll recommend this movie. Spoiler alert - but you probably don't want to see it anyway. It was a story within a story within a story. General idea is a struggling writer find a manuscript, retypes it to feel the words flowing through him, ends up getting it published under his name, it becomes a huge success, an old man approaches the writer and is the person who wrote the manuscript years ago and had lost it, he explains his story and pretty much tells the writer he must live with his mistake and what he has done (publishing another man's work as his own).

I found myself thinking a lot of art and artists. Stealing is wrong. And nothing in the art world is totally unique. We get inspiration and little pieces/thoughts all over the place.  Art/Creating defines the artist. If you are "stuck" it is miserable, so I can see someone copying something just to feel/touch greatness. But that should push you to create your own art. A lot of people don't understand artists. Artists don't understand themselves a good chunk of the time. We create and yearn to create but often are not sure why exactly. Why does it matter so much. All I can say is I believe God plants a seed in some people and its not their choice. It's what that were made for. And it doesn't make a lot of sense. It doesn't fit in a pretty little box.

Lady Jane Grey - I first met and heard about the band about 12 years ago. They are a husband/wife duo with the wife (Sarah) being the main and maybe only songwriter. She is an artist. She's a writer. I am generally not a huge fan of female vocals but have loved them since the beginning. They had taken a many year (about 6-8) break from music and are just now writing and playing again. Sarah is challenging herself to write and record a song a week (and post it) this year. So far she has 5 songs posted. Watching the process and progression has been encouraging. Her last two songs have been especially good. Good really isn't the best word. How about chest-tightening or emotion-inducing. And her last song, "Ruin" had some cello in it which made my heart skip. I love the cello work in their music. "Anyone but You" is also really good. Has a country flare to it but not in a bad way. Unless you hate country, in that case you won't like it. They play in San Antonio some so I'll try to go see a show soon. They are actually playing tonight but I can't make it. Maybe next month.

A few weeks ago Jonathan (pastor at ACL) used the David Ramirez song Fires in his message about God and specifically these lyrics:

You have a beauty like no other
A confidence that brings me fear
If I compare myself too long I might just run away
But you have a grace that keeps me here

I love that song. I don't doubt he knows God. I am doubtful that those lyrics are about God. They seem to be about a girl (from context from the rest of the song).  But we who know God should be reflecting God so maybe it's all good. I just kept thinking the song/lyrics were used out of context and I found that awkward though. I got to see David Ramirez in concert last month. Enjoyed the show but may have enjoyed the CD almost as much. His lyrics are moody, thought-provoking, painful,and sad. I like to be alone when dealing with those emotions. Plus when you watch him sing his heart you feel like you are intruding. I feel that way with  a lot of songer-songwriters who write from their guts.

Following Christ is messy. We are messy. David Ramirez seems to know God and also wrestles with God. I would say the same thing about Rich Mullins and Sufjan Stevens too, and probably lots of other artists. Wrestling with God is beneficial I believe, it means/shows you are still interested. That you find it worthwhile to question and wrestle though issues. I was sad/hurt/disappointed/pained/crushed (not sure the words) when David Bazan denied his faith. I find this song both beautiful and haunting now. But I also can't help but think of the celebration in heaven there will be when God pulls him back to himself. Wrestling is good. Seeking the truth is admirable. Questioning is necessary. I still believe in God's promises. He will answer.