Richard Dutcher – Falling
Jan 15
Richard Dutcher’s new film is headed to theaters this Friday, but you won’t get to read a review on it on this site. “Falling” brings another first to the LDS film genre, an R rating.
We’re a little disappointed. When we created this site, we did so with a goal of helping spread the power of uplifting media and this is the first LDS-made media we’ve had to count out.
Disagree? Let us know in the comments.
Jan 16, 2008 @ 12:18:20
you greatly disappoint me.
elder h. burke peterson stated “our standards should not be dictated by the rating system. i repeat, because of what they really represent, these types of movies, music, tapes, etc. serve the purposes of the author of all darkness.”
why not take that as the principle to guide you in what you review?
i saw “falling” at sunstone. guess what… the film isn’t for children. The R-rating is exactly appropriate — unless parents are sure their children are mature enough to deal with powerful scenes of wrong choices and the consequences for those choices. its hard to see someone cursing God on the big screen, yet i’m counseled to faithfully read about it in the 2 Nephi. its hard to see the righteous fall from grace on the silver screen, yet i feel better throughout the day when i read about it in Alma.
you review films for the 4-5 million active members. what about the films that will reach and affect the 7-8 million inactive members who feel disenfranchised? who feel they’ve gone too far, done too much to ever come back? if you never review “falling” how will they ever know that this is just the film for them?
do you not cater to the prodigal children?
and lastly, whether you like “falling” or not, you should acknowledge dutcher for blazing the trails that no one else was, and is, willing to do – a trail that your website, your reviewed films and your festivals gladly and ungratefully walk down.
Jan 16, 2008 @ 14:41:56
I appreciate your comment. I too once shared your opinion, but have since decided that the kind of intensity that makes a film R is never neccessary to tell a story or teach the Gospel. The notion that one must be exposed to every unsavory influence or sin to understand the realities of this life is not true.
I feel the guidance of the General Authorities, including the Prophet, are clear and correct – that those seeking to come closer to Christ may best do so with inspired and uplifting media. The graphic and overwhelming drive out the Spirit and do not teach Eternal Truths.
I do admire Dutcher without agreeing with him. He has made praiseworthy films. There are many well-crafted LDS films that are not rated R that do follow in his footsteps in creating valuable LDS art.
Jan 17, 2008 @ 14:32:43
I agree with Mark. For those who wish to simply let others do the thinking for them, stay home and watch your “Little House on the Prairie” (which I watch with my girls, by the way). But if you want to be moved emotionally, spiritually, or intellectually, you will need to expose yourself to the experiences and ideas of others. As adults, that may mean seeing adult topics treated in a mature fashion. Often, that requires an “R” rating.
Why can we as LDS grow up and start looking at things with a mature attitude — not every “R” movie is worth viewing (“Saw” comes to mind), but not every “R” movie should be ignored simply because it is rated “R” (Shindler’s List, Saving Private Ryan are well-known examples). Dutcher’s film treats a very mature subject — how our actions can incrementally result in our spiritual fall. If that isn’t a lesson we all should learn, I don’t know what is.
Review it. Give mature members of the Church the opportunity to learn about Dutcher’s movie.
Jan 17, 2008 @ 16:29:57
I saw a billboard today advertising Falling as “The First R-Rated LDS Film”. Quite a distinction but it also underscores the oxymoron nature of the film. Who is going to go see it? The vast majority of the target (LDS) audience will be turned-off by the rating. Non-Mormons will give it a shrug since it isn’t targeted to them.
There’s a reason this film has been sitting on the shelf for over two years — no potential audience big enough to justify the distribution costs. A previous poster referenced “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s Lists” as movies that transcend the “R” rating. That may be true, but how many LDS homes have a copy of those movies in their DVD collection?
Jan 22, 2008 @ 00:06:08
Brian, thank you for keeping in line with the prophet’s counsel. Rationalize all you want for going to see the movie Mark, and if at the end of the day you feel good about that, fine. But don’t insult other members who wish to keep in line with the standards the prophet of our church has set forth. We are not “close-minded”. We simply choose not to expose ourselves even more to the “consequences” we already have to see everyday in our real lives.
Jan 22, 2008 @ 02:58:37
I think more members need to see this powerful gut-wrenching andcontroversial film. I am a less active member who has similar feelings as Dutcher’s character in Falling. This plays as a moral tragedy, and more then any film i have ever seen LDS or non, makes me want to pray again.
It is a story of a less-active meber who moves to LA to become a film maker with his wife who is an aspiring actress. they both break the boundaries and do things they know they should not do, but dio it anyways, for money, fame, self fulfillments, etc…
Their actions lead them and others around them on a disasterous and hard to watch spiral of consequences that no one ever wishes on even their worst enemies.
The question i asked myself after viewing this film, have I gone too far, is it time ofr me to turn my life around before it ends up like what I have seen in the film. This is not for famiies, it is extremely violent, veryhard to watch, with some extreme course language and brief nudity aswell. For mature adults these are all things we have at some time seen or heard before and it acts as a call to repentence to those who feel lost or miss the feelings the church brings.
After seeing this film i hit my knees in prayer for the first time in a while, strong, and honest realities that all mature adult people should see about faith and feelinglost between worldy gains and spiritual gains, and the fear of repentence. The consequences of continuing in a sinful life truly outweigh the worldy gains, and the mental pain of repentance is easier than the things these characters go through.
I hope everyone with an open mind will watch this film.
Jan 22, 2008 @ 12:55:41
The MPAA rating system shouldn’t be considered the gold standard for Latter-day Saints. Somehow we have collectively decided to be shocked by the 18th letter of our alphabet. If a group such as the one that participates in these discussions came up with a rating system it would be more valid and inevitably warn viewers about an equal number of “PG-13″ films. I am however grateful that Jack Valenti worked to get a rating system in place… as a “guide.” But I roll my eyes to think that a letter is going to carry so much marketing muscle for this film Falling. The rating system is weak. It doesn’t reflect morality very often. I suspect that this film Richard made will be offensive to many. (Howsabout “O” for offensive?) I also suspect that art imitates life, and that some of Richard’s own angst will be up on the silver screen. (Howsabout “A” for angst?)
These comments may not resonate with readers, but the truth is that the “R” rating is going to create an unprecedented amount of buzz for no good reason. Absolutely no good reason. This film should earn buzz for its own merits.
Jan 23, 2008 @ 10:58:57
I am glad you did not review this film. Not because of the R rating but because of the filmmaker. Just because this is a Richard Dutcher film, does not make it an LDS film no more than Orgazmo or September Dawn were LDS films. Dutcher said he was done with “Mormon cinema” so this appears to be his breakout and break away from that genre. Give him his wish and let him go his way. There are many more other up and coming LDS filmmakers who could benefit from this forum versus someone who has turned his back on the genre.
Feb 07, 2008 @ 12:27:53
My friends sit on all aspects of life and still I am of the same opinion. I reserve that righteous judgment is for God alone. There is a time and purpose served in every work. I feel it such a shame to see those who profess the understanding of the ultimate love which Christ showed yet so easily flick away someone with a turn of the wrist. Yes, there may be anger, yes there may disappointment but what if he was your father, brother, or son? Who of you give a man a stone when he asketh for a fish? This man needs to feel the love of Christ and fellowship… and from some of the comments here I felt as if I was listening to the Pharisee’s. Wouldnt It would be wise to get down on your knees and ask god how you may help your brother instead of casting him out… how you may heal his wounds instead flicking acid from your tongues…
Feb 14, 2008 @ 17:37:41
While I’ve been known to check out the occasional R rated movie now and again, I’m also a (now) active Mormon who quit smoking AND drinking as well. So I can safely say that I see both sides of this argument. But Brian is right…we have received cousel and it’s up to us to follow that counsel or not. I appreciate “Fallen” for what it’s attempting to do, and that may very well be to reel in those of ‘us’ who are tempted to go and see it.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
And the Lord knows that the less crap I put in my head from now on, the better off I’ll be. I’m no Saint and I’m not preaching…I’m just saying that riding the fence isn’t for everyone…it certainly didn’t work for me.
Feb 28, 2008 @ 18:07:10
I think I’ve had just about enough of people telling me and people like me that we’re closed minded for not wanting to watch this evil movie. It may be that truth manifests itself in unpredictable places, and I admit that if you’re inactive, there may be something in this movie that speaks to you and nudges you back to the Church, or at least away from some of the pitfalls shown in the movie, but an active Latter Day Saint knows that nudity, violence, profanity, blasphemy, and the generally dark and depressing tone of the movie are not appropriate for our consumption because they are nothing less than spiritual poison. You may be able to take it in to your system and survive, perhaps, but unlike the body, which may purge the poison, the soul is forever scarred by it. I have enough scars. I like my truth plain; hold the scars, please.
Another thing that’s got to stop is this exaggerated and perverse worship of “art”. Never mind that science, technology, and engineering are more important, and that there would be very little art without them. There are people who are so cravenly obsessed with “art” that they, just like Richard Dutcher, will leave the Church for it, or otherwise abandon Heavenly Father. God forbid we fail to revere the sacred name of the “god” of “art”, and be thought an unenlightened simpleton by the inhabitants of the great and spacious building. Lehi saw the fall of people like Dutcher, and he warned us against becoming like that. Forget about this irrelevant, evil movie and consider the health and worth of your immortal soul, and remember that once you die, it is up to our Lord and Savior what happens to it, not Richard Dutcher, or any other bohemian.
This movie will pollute your soul. Avoid it.
Apr 25, 2008 @ 12:37:43
2 Nephi 4:34. I will not put my trust in man to take me places they think I should go. Including men who make movies like Falling by Richard Dutcher. I don’t agree with people like Brian (who commented below) who insist, “if you want to be moved emotionally, spiritually, or intellectually, you will need to expose yourself to the experiences and ideas of others.” (others meaning mankind) I don’t think so! I will trust God only, to take me places He’d like me to go! Thank you very much!
Aug 11, 2008 @ 21:30:40
Not in the DVD collection the Jones’ can see, but they are in LDS homes.
-bolok
Aug 13, 2008 @ 06:39:53
Chet,
Maybe people are telling you that you are close minded for reasons that have nothing to do with any movie. Maybe you’re close minded.
As for Lehi, I don’t understand your claim that a fictional character somehow saw the fall of Richard Dutcher. How can a central character in a work of fiction “see” anything?
Comments like your pollute my soul. I’ve got to find a way to avoid people like you. I know! I’ll go to movies, and enjoy myself. I should be safe from you and your Danites at the cinema.
Dec 24, 2008 @ 11:21:05
I’ve been wanting to see this film for a long time, because I can compare to it. i fell away from the church when I was younger, and by each passing day I just fell farther and farther. Today I’m an Agnostic, sometimes border lining atheist. I figure if god exists, then it’s not this person who sends people to hell for their sexual preference, different religious beliefs, or political preferences (unless it’s going into a crowded people and blowing up people), and sometimes, I just don’t believe in God at all.
I not only want to see this film because I can compare to it, but the acting, the story, and the trailer sure make it look like a masterful film, just as Brigham City was (which, let’s be honest, wasn’t preachy at all).
Feb 19, 2009 @ 14:19:03
Good heavens, what crazy reactions.
First off, there are lots of R-rated films in the BYU Library, and movies of all ratings containing language, violence, sex, and nudity. If the Church had a policy against R-rated films, they wouldn’t be there. It’s as simple as that. Our tithing money paid for those movies; if you have an issue with that, take it up with the General Authorities. Clearly the leaders of the Church consider education a huge priority–and the arts and the different experiences and ideas of men throughout history are a substantial part of any education worth its salt. We’ve heard that in General Conference a whole, whole lot more than we’ve heard anyone telling us not to watch R-rated movies.
How can anyone call a movie they haven’t seen “evil”? I’m fine with people who don’t want to see a movie because they think it might be hard for them to deal with, either in its content or its message, or even because they think it might be evil (in whatever way), and I’m fine with people avoiding R-rated movies, because, flawed and contradictory and incomplete as it is, the MPAA rating system is certainly a guideline.
I haven’t seen “Falling.” I haven’t seen it because I’ve had little opportunity to do so with its very limited release, but also because I think it would be a hard film for me to handle. But after reading more about it, I think it’s something I’d like to watch at some point.
Also, what are we defining as Mormon cinema? Movies made by Mormons? Movies made about Mormons? Movies made by Mormons, about Mormons? Movies made by Mormons and about Mormons that aren’t rated R? It seems to me those are all valid definitions (except the last, though some will apparently disagree with me). I would certainly consider “Orgazmo” and “September Dawn” Mormon films–I highly doubt they are spiritually uplifting, but they are among the rare body of film that is adding to the cinematic discussion of our faith. Ignoring them won’t make them go away. I’m not saying we should see them, but it’s denial to pretend they’re not a part of the discussion. (And what of “Angels in America”? It doesn’t depict Mormonism in the best light–though I certainly think it a stretch to call it anti-Mormon–but I know many faithful members of the Church who found it a moving, positive, and even, at times, a spiritual experience.) So what is our definition of LDS cinema? And why can’t we just be nice to Richard Dutcher, and either watch his movie or not, like we would with anyone else? What’s with this hyper-defensiveness in the faith?