Is it a cop-out to honor David Lynch by reflecting on his least Lynchian film?
John Dougherty
John Dougherty is the director of mission ministry at St. Joseph's Preparatory School in Philadelphia, Pa., moderator of America's Catholic Movie Club, and author of Finding God in All Films: A Contemplative Approach to Watching Movies. You can find more of his work on his Substack, Roll Credits.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Why ‘Emilia Pérez’ is the most controversial film of this awards season
‘Emilia Pérez’ is wildly divisive, facing criticism for its portrayal of Mexico and its handling of transgender issues. Our critic enjoyed it.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘Juror #2’: a parable on the cost of following your conscience from Clint Eastwood
“Juror #2” confronts us with an uncomfortable reality: following your conscience often comes at great personal cost.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
When Catholics controlled Hollywood
In 1930, Hollywood teamed up with the Catholic Church. The result was the Production Code, a document that dictated what movies could and could not depict.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Review: New ‘Nosferatu’ examines how women’s sexuality is dominated and demonized
Robert Eggers’s ‘Nosferatu’ walks the line between desire and dread, the thrill and terror of surrender.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ and the importance of keeping Christmas throughout the year
That idea of “keeping Christmas” is an invitation and a challenge to consider what Christmas really means to us.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
Faith on film: ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ is about believing without proof
We have all heard that “blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.” “Miracle on 34th Street” suggests that we must believe in order to see.
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
What do you do when hope is hard to find? ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ offers an Advent answer
“Meet Me in St. Louis” asks: How do you have hope when the future holds so many unknowns?
Posted inArts & Culture, Catholic Movie Club
‘The Wizard of Oz’ reminds us to be grateful for what’s right in front of us
Dorothy and her friends’ journey is one of discovery and gratitude, an external quest that reveals internal riches.
Posted inArts & Culture, Film
Review: ‘Wicked’ challenges what we think about good and evil
“Wicked” arrives on a whirlwind of eager (and anxious) anticipation among fans of the musical.