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?

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).