My husband & I joined the masses this weekend to see The Hunger Games on the big screen. I read the trilogy last week while traveling, but my husband has not--so our experience in the theater was a bit different.
I was anxious to see it all come to life, while he just wanted to see what all the hype was about. We both really enjoyed the film, but I left feeling grateful I had taken the time to read the novel before watching it. Not because the film didn't honor the book, but because the proper context made for a much better understanding of the complexities of what was going on in the fast-paced story.
I spent a few minutes in the car prepping my man, but there were still multiple times during the film where I found myself leaning over to whisper something important that had been skipped. Our car ride home was spent with me filling in the gaps in the back story and more fully explaining the characters' motivations and the social commentary. Each revelation made the story more enjoyable for him.
This afternoon I was thinking about the metaphor this offers as we walk through the drama of life. Will we read The Book for context and perspective or will we simply sit in the audience of life taking things as they are offered (and grateful for any clarifying comments from our neighbors)?
Reading The Book of Life doesn't spoil the story. It offers us background, characters studies and a sense of the greater plot. We get to know the Author through His Words. His character is revealed through the stories He chooses to tell. While the things on the (metaphorical) screen may still frighten, thrill or touch us--they don't entirely catch us by surprise because we had some sense they were coming...and we know where they are heading.
The foundation of Truth as found in the Bible can make all the difference in whether our life experience is merely entertaining or meaningful. We gain a respect for the author and a sense of what He is about. Having read The Book in advance brings guidance, comfort, knowledge and peace.
I don't know about you, but it was a great reminder to me for my daily life...to always read The Book first.
7 comments:
I am very upset about this movie for a variety of reasons that I won't go into right now. Instead, I would like to recommend an ever better, MUCH BETTER, Christian based movie that was opening up this past weekend...called
OCTOBER BABY
WIth all your help that you so generously give out to young people, this would be worth the watch! :)
Here is the link:http://octoberbabymovie.net/
I'm interested to see your thoughts on this movie.
GOd bless you,
Mary @ Cheerios
Hey Mary, I have read a bit about October Baby and the trailer looks great. Unfortunately, it isn't playing in my little town yet. I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for it though! Thanks for the tip.
Hey there! I have read your blog a long time - love all the time and effort you put into your writing! Anyway, I felt compelled to comment because my husband and I did the same thing as you guys did! I had read the books and found myself trying to explain a lot that the movie left out. Yes, they got the general plot correct, but so many of the details were lost...as you said: character involvement, social issues, etc. But, overall, loved seeing it on the big screen - Jennifer Lawrence was great!
Amen.
I love your analogies....ALWAYS!
reminded me of this
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/booksblog/2011/aug/17/spoilers-enhance-enjoyment-psychologists
I read all the books and thought the same thing. The movie leaves out a lot of detail. I have been mulling over President Snow quote "Hope is the only thing more powerful than fear" This is so true because hope is way more powerful than fear. In the movie the president knew he needed to contain the spark of hope because once is hope is stirred up fear is defeated in most cases. I am curious what are your thoughts on that quote?
LaQuetha
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