Saint Mary Magdalen Fall Film Series

@ 70 West 107th Street (between Columbus & Manhattan Avenues)

Films start at 3 PM 

 

Films are one of our most influential art forms – and when they seek out the spiritual dimension in life, they can also be among our most lasting pleasures.  Please join us each month for a movie, refreshments and good conversation, centered around a film that illuminates one of the Scripture readings from the week.  Curated and introduced by Douglas Chang.

 

 

 

Friday, September 11 – “Shadowlands”

 

37

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.

38

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

39

He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

 

- Matthew 10:37-39

 

Starring Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger, this is the story of C.S. Lewis, author of the “Narnia” series, whose severe Christian beliefs are tested when he meets an idiosyncratic American… and must watch her battle with cancer.  The film tries to illustrate the shift in his beliefs as real suffering enters into his world.  It also has much to say about the nature of human relationships, and our need to love others.

 

Friday, October 9 – “Raging Bull”

 

30

And their scribes and the Pharisees complained against His disciples, saying, "Why do You eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

31

Jesus answered and said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

32

I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.

                                                                                         - Luke 5:30-32

 

You may remember the controversy provoked by Martin Scorsese’s “Last Temptation of Christ.”  But did you know that Scorsese had once contemplated becoming a priest?  His early films (usually assisted by frequent collaborator Paul Schrader) are filled with religious allegory and punctuated with questions most of us would consider spiritual – perhaps none so profoundly, or as subtly, as this portrait of a brutal, real-life boxer named Jake LaMotta.  The film asks who is worthy of redemption, and what form of redemption is possible in this world. (Note: contains violence.)

 

 

Saturday, November 21 – “Lust for Life”

 

40

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me."

41

And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.

42

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.

 

- Luke 10:40-42

 

Starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh, “Lust for Life” is classic Hollywood: lush, melodramatic and filled with popular romantic notions about the artist.  But at its heart, probably drawn from his abundant correspondence to his devoted brother Theo, lies a real interest in the roots of his inspiration – a vision of the world deeply shaped by his early missionary zeal.  The film paints a portrait of a man who, without ever finding approval in his own life, somehow manages to follow his calling as far as he is able.

 

Saturday, Dec. 12 – “An Affair to Remember”

 

28

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29

Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

30

For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

 

- Matthew 11:28-30

 

Starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr, this tale of a tawdry little dalliance that turns into the love of a lifetime is revered as one of cinema’s greatest love stories.  What makes it all the more extraordinary is that the crucial turning point takes place in a chapel… and has less to do with the romance than with the characters’ relationship to someone – or something – else.  From the seeds of screwball comedy and harlequin romance, this “Affair” seeks to show us what true devotion is all about.

 

 

RSVPs not necessary but appreciated.  Please e-mail duckchang@hotmail.com to reserve a seat.