ESSAY
Movies and Music with James Jordan
POSTED
September 1, 2015

In his introduction to The Glory of Kings: A Festschrift in Honor of James B. Jordan, Peter Leithart says this about him: “Jordan is an unclassifiable thinker because he is an unclassifiable person . . . he closes his eyes in ecstasy listening to Messiaen or Rachmaninoff . . . his knowledge of science fiction is vast, he enjoys television and movies, but he prefers to teach in Saint Petersburg during the ballet and opera season. He can give a sophisticated, and seemingly spontaneous, semiotic analysis of a film, novel, or Shakespeare play, but when he visits my house he spends part of the evening wrestling with my kids, telling stories of space bears, and reciting Where the Wild Things Are.

And so, having Jordan as our scholar in residence, we at Theopolis began an informal, monthly gathering called “Movies and Music with James Jordan.” Our first meeting was on Sunday, August 23, where a handful of saints gathered to watch Fritz Lang’s 1927 science-fiction drama, Metropolis.

As we shared wine, cheese, and popcorn, Jim gave initial explanations on the nature of silent films, German expressionism, and the character of music in Metropolis. He also made important notes on the different versions of the film, including the fact that the American version removed much of the Christian symbolism.

After giving a brief explanation of the roles of the characters (Freder is the “heart,” Freedersen is the “head,” and Grot is the “hands,” etc), the movie began. Jordan took the opportunity during the two intermissions to explain some symbolic movements in the film, such as the use of color, lines, and numbers (specifically fives). Otherwise, he allowed the movie to play and to do its work on those present.

After a few closing remarks, the night was over. Personally, I left the evening encouraged and excited. I was encouraged because I was able to see firsthand more clearly what it means to both watch a film and also love the Lord with all our mind at the same time. Jordan is not above being entertained, but he is also a fantastic example of living a life of exegeting the world to the glory of God. I am now a little more equipped to watch a film, and learn something helpful about God and man from it.

At Theopolis, we believe and teach that Jesus is King and that everything is under His domain, even music and film. These monthly gatherings are one of the ways that we want to play in demonstrating that. Sometimes we will watch a film and discuss, and other times it may be an opera or piece of music. For those in the Birmingham area, be sure to check our calendar for our September gathering, the date and topic are soon to be announced. Join us!

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