Religion & the Arts
Reel Religion
Reel Religion is an ICJS Religion & the Arts series that explores the theme of religion in film.
O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Date: March 18, 2009
Time: 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Place: ICJS
Cost: $10
Register Online
How do we address hard economic times? In the 1941 film satire Sullivan’s Travels, the title character decides to approach the problem of hard economic times by making a serious, socially responsible film with the pompous, mock-heroic title O Brother, Where Art Thou? After a series of grim experiences, not to mention running into Veronica Lake, Sullivan realizes that comedy just may be of more value than pretentious drama.
Drawing on that bit of cinematic background, the Coen Brothers made their own O Brother, Where Are Thou? in 2000, a comedy-adventure-musical about coping with the Great Depression in 1937 rural Mississippi. The film is chock full of treats: the music (five Grammys), hilarious references to Homer’s Odyssey, spoofs of Southern politics and religion and George Clooney playing Ulysses. (Ulysses, get it?)
About our Presenter:
The Rev. John Roberts is not new to the film-discussion setting. At Woodbrook Baptist Church, where he served as pastor for 31 years, he led a film discussion series called Popcorn and Parable. In addition to currently serving as our board co-chair, John also spent six years as an Associate Scholar for the ICJS. Now retired, he says that he didn't retire just to watch more movies, but it helps! John is proud to be a member of Netflix.
Participants may also sign up for the film screening and discussion by contacting the ICJS office at 410.494.7161.
