Such a wonderful film that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it deserves. And now you’ve made me want to pick up Joyce Carol Oates’ book which I was not familiar with. Thanks for sharing !
I think you will love First Reformed, Trevor. Environmental and theological radicalism are so dangerous hand-in-hand. It really justifies Schrader's creative split from Scorsese. Both are great artists, but there's something to this idea of Scorsese's Catholic-based focus on detail and scale v. Schrader's Protestant discipline and minimalism. I wish they'd come together again on something but I am glad they took their separate paths. This is as good a film as any Martin Scorsese has delivered this century. It's GREAT. Period. So great that I cannot think of a theological film like it this century.
Excellent analysis and comparison of Schrader's film and Oates' novel. One of the aspects of "First Reformed" that I really like is how it subtly portrays (and gently satirizes) modern churches throughout the film. For example, Toller's church has a gift shop and gives tours to the public. In contrast, Toller's boss/colleague, Rev. Joel Jeffers (played by Cedric the Entertainer) preaches at a mega church that seems more like a social club in many ways than a church. It also uses the latest technology. The film works on so many levels and one can definitely see the influence of both Bergman and Bresson. In many ways, I think it's Schrader's best and most personal film. Yet, although it received great reviews, it was ignored by the Academy and wasn't even nominated for best original script or for Ethan Hawke's great performance. Even so, Hopefully, this is a film that more people will discover as time goes on.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Jim! Indeed: the density contained in this film, under conditions of such restraint, are remarkable. It's a particularly extraordinary work when one considers that Schrader was honing this style for 40-50 years before he ever felt like he arrived at anything like success with it. First Reformed seems to have propelled his case for differentiating his style from Scorsese's to a new level. It's one thing to build the theory, but something else entirely to see it through and deliver on the proof.
Such a wonderful film that doesn’t seem to get as much attention as it deserves. And now you’ve made me want to pick up Joyce Carol Oates’ book which I was not familiar with. Thanks for sharing !
Excellent essay once again, you make me compelled to read and see the movies mentioned.
I think you will love First Reformed, Trevor. Environmental and theological radicalism are so dangerous hand-in-hand. It really justifies Schrader's creative split from Scorsese. Both are great artists, but there's something to this idea of Scorsese's Catholic-based focus on detail and scale v. Schrader's Protestant discipline and minimalism. I wish they'd come together again on something but I am glad they took their separate paths. This is as good a film as any Martin Scorsese has delivered this century. It's GREAT. Period. So great that I cannot think of a theological film like it this century.
Excellent analysis and comparison of Schrader's film and Oates' novel. One of the aspects of "First Reformed" that I really like is how it subtly portrays (and gently satirizes) modern churches throughout the film. For example, Toller's church has a gift shop and gives tours to the public. In contrast, Toller's boss/colleague, Rev. Joel Jeffers (played by Cedric the Entertainer) preaches at a mega church that seems more like a social club in many ways than a church. It also uses the latest technology. The film works on so many levels and one can definitely see the influence of both Bergman and Bresson. In many ways, I think it's Schrader's best and most personal film. Yet, although it received great reviews, it was ignored by the Academy and wasn't even nominated for best original script or for Ethan Hawke's great performance. Even so, Hopefully, this is a film that more people will discover as time goes on.
Thank you for reading and commenting, Jim! Indeed: the density contained in this film, under conditions of such restraint, are remarkable. It's a particularly extraordinary work when one considers that Schrader was honing this style for 40-50 years before he ever felt like he arrived at anything like success with it. First Reformed seems to have propelled his case for differentiating his style from Scorsese's to a new level. It's one thing to build the theory, but something else entirely to see it through and deliver on the proof.
Precisely. And that seems to be the message - or question - of this film. Thanks for reading and commenting, friend!