You left out the part of the various religious leaders giving their "approval" that the film "Hail, Cesar!" would not be offensive to anyone who is a "reasonable" religious man. That scene was one of my favorite parts. The rabbi saying to the Baptist minister: "And that's special? [That God 'is who He is.'] *I* am who I am." The Eastern Orthodox Patriarch asking frivolous details about the technicalities of the chariot scene. This was gold.
I am studying film at college, and I gotta say father that you have given me insights into this movie me and my friend were trying to understand. Also, you're ministery has changed my life. Because of the knowledge from your TH-cam channel, I have been able to answer all of my questions about religon and not slip into the mindset most young people get when they don't get answers. I thank God for you.
I'm an atheist and found this because I love Hail Caesar, so thank you for this perspective! I was wondering how the apparent catholic undercurrent in this film written by Jewish writers could be taken up by actual practitioners of Christian faith. There's so many levels that I'm glad are being worked through to their full extent because the beauty of film in general is in the variability of interpretation.
"Our lives can kinda look insignificant, couldn't things be better, or just make more money.. No, no.. Be a mensch. .Be someone who takes the will and purpose of God seriously..." I really needed to hear that. Thank you Bishop Robert Barron.
I wish here in Vietnam I could watch movies with images of the Church like this. Here, not all Christian films are not permitted, but only films with negative images of the Church are permitted. That's difficult!
@@keldonmcfarland2969 Well the Catholics were suppressing and killing Buddhists in South Vietnam for some time, but even then, Catholic schools in Vietnam still exist and operate. This is more of a market demand/availability issue.
Really appreciated this analysis Bishop Baron. Sometimes the simplest things (God’s purpose for us) is the hardest thing to see ... when all we are really being asked to do is to pay attention to the still, quiet voice of guidance. Relax. Just do it. Thanks again 🙏.
The interpretation is maybe a bit against the grain of the Coen brothers, not sure -- but it's all the better for that! Really insightful, wise, and fresh. For me, Bishop Barron, you make movies and faith exciting again.
Mannix is a redeemer, saving people from the well-deserved consequences of their sins. He is, interestingly, offered the power to destroy the world instead of running the fantastical, self-deluding circus. He chooses the path of the redeemer. (Tilda Swinton, once again, plays "The Accuser" character, much as she did in the Narnia series.)
Dear Bishop, Thank you, and I do mean THANK YOU for this video. For the life of me I cannot find a good critical eye on this film. Most of the reviews I've heard said it was a big letdown or a good fluff piece that has segments that does not correlate as a significant whole to the movie. Which just baffles me because in my opinion this is one of the best Christian movies I've ever seen because it is tackling issues of faith and the Hollywood system in a way that only the Coens can do. I was genuinely moved by this movie that Star Wars episode VII: The Force Awakening could never do for me and I wish more people liked it as much as you did. Incidentally this is one of the rare movies I had to watch twice in the theater because it was so rich in symbolism and meaning.
Good commentary Bishop Barron. I enjoyed the film myself. Although I was surprised that you didn't mention the scene with the rabbi, orthodox priest, pastor, and catholic priest in which they discuss the incarnation?
There is a twist I noticed immediately...the opening scene is a trailer for the movie within the movie they are making. This trailer flat out says that the movie will be drawing parallels between Clooney's Roman General and Saint Paul. But then as you watch Hail Caesar, you realize that the movie they are making has absolutely nothing to do with Saint Paul. This is not a mistake. This is Coen Brothers code to the audience that not in the movie within the movie, but in the actual movie "Hail, Caesar!" they are drawing parallels between Clooney's character and Paul. The "communist plot" scenes feature 12 disciples (arranged in Last Supper style when we first see them) and they are welcoming Clooney/Paul into their confidences and hoping he can use his position to spread their message. Eventually their leader returns to them briefly, before ascending and returning to his ultimate home.
I had heard about this movie but didn't really consider seeing it. I'm pretty selective on investing time and money in watching movies. But after seeing this video I will make an effort to check it out.
My girlfriend and I saw this and it was the most divisive film we saw. I absolutely loved it. She didn't like it at all. She's actually a playwright and didn't see its "significance." Or meaning. Then I saw the Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews and it mirrored us: most women thought it was terrible and most men loved it.
I enjoy your movie reviews and I share your enthusiasm for the Coen Brothers. However, I'm a bit confused as to why there's never a review of any of the films by Terrence Malick. Certainly Mr. Malick's films are heavily influenced by his Catholic faith, and few people doubt their excellence.
I believe Terrence Malick is/was Episcopalian. But you're absolutely right. There's a strong element of spirituality in all of his films. While, Mr. Malick's films can be a bit labored--he never saw a meadow he didn't want to shoot someone dancing and swaying in, his films always make me tear up.
Bishop Barron, I see a lot of similarities between Josh Brolin's character (here) and Steve Martin's in Lawrence Kasdan existentialist drama "GRAND CANYON" (1991). Both characters are Hollywood film producers that have an existentialist crisis, a consequent meltdown and a profound change of perspective on their profession. Curious about what you have to say about Kasdan's film!
Hey, there’s something wrong in the film.... The “ fictional” Hai Caesar! Starts with Saul of Tarsus, but at the end, Clooney’s character see Jesus on the cross......Could someone explain ?
It brings to mind the verse if God is for me who can be against me. If the injustice of Gollieth, was of deep feeling for David, then it did not matter if Gollieth was ten feet and he was inches, David had an honest Rebuke in his heart for him and for his people. He slayed the monster with not being of the monster, not for vain glory but to add his talent of not of might but of mind but for the greater good. As we all must as it was Abraham Lincoln who first saw it to rid slavery from our land, and make it so. But it is up to the ages of man to carry it fourth from then and to ever more.
After watching 'Hail, Caesar!', I said to myself, "Bishop Barron should do a video on that." So thanks for obliging. I was wondering if you saw any parllels between Eddie Mannix and Marge Gunderson from "Fargo"? It seems they both represent Christ in that they enter into chaotic, corrupt environments with love for the broken people they meet and work with. I also was struck by a line in Clooney's speech at the end where he said something like, "He saw our sins but did not turn away". That's true of Christ it's also true of Mannix.
Interesting comment that the film was about just being a 'mensch'. I usually feel that the Coen brothers have a view of life which emphasises human folly contrasted harshly against divine justice. That life is a sort of meaningless and thankless drudge, but God help you if you don't accept it. Whereas in this film, the main actor, although tempted to take an easy path that may contribute to armageddon, actually decides to keep the status quo - to remain in something kinda dead-end/frivolous/demanding and not fall for the temptation of terrible repercussions. It sort of represents an evolution in their films. A reality where Josh Brolin simply decides not to take the drug money in No Country and remain poor/obscure but good. It was refreshing I suppose. A reminder that our lives arent really hollywood films, full of action, adventure, romance etc (as the deluded/dramatic Channing Tatum supposes), but something much tamer that we should reconcile with. And this idea of sensible compromise seemed to hit all the movie stars in the end; George Clooney accepts that he's just an actor; Scarlette Johansson finds a reliable husband; Alden Ehrenreich gets his lines simplified. No heroics. A great criticism of modern Hollywood btw and an insight into the pragmatic philosophy behind the Coens' success. What this had to do with Jesus, who bookends and pervades the film, i'm not so sure. I suppose I could agree that it was about following God's will, as He did, though whether this should lead to unremarkable (humble?) or astonishing (prideful?) outcomes, i'm not sure. The Coens certainly seem to suggest that God wills a boring life for most and that grasping at greatness is always deluded. I think i'm probably jaded and cynical enough to agree with this. But I get a nagging suspicion that a real saint, far from remaining obscure and settling for meaningless work, cannot help but set the world on fire... It's an interesting theological question I suppose.
It's interesting to hear your take on this movie. I'd love to hear an analysis of Bad Times at the El Royale. The problem I had with this movie is a continual problem of using an actual person who is radically different from the character.
Excellent thoughtful commentary as always, Your Grace! Bishop, I would be very interested in your take on the Captain America films. Hear me out: I know superhero "action" movies really aren't your cup of tea, but I would not recommend them except for the fact they are deeper than they may appear; they contain themes that harken to ideals we once believed in and sought after, but no longer do. And Steve Rogers (Captain America himself) stands as a great bulwark of conviction and hope that seems drowned in the cynicism and pessimism of our modern age. But perhaps I'm merely biased towards them. Please do give them a watch, and hopefully, a review!
. In the bible it says that Jesus is coming to earth a second time.¿Does that mean that is there going to be a generation that actually doesnt experience death? or what happens there.
You did not see that what Eddie was doing to fight Communism was as important or even more important than building a bigger nuclear bomb? The Communists were very much alive and well and active at getting their messages into some films, and winning over a few actors too. But Eddie puts a stop to that, as cleanly and clearly as the Hollywood blacklist.
Even atheists know there are plenty of "sinners" in Hollywood. As everywhere else in the world. What is the omnipotent Jesus doing about it ? Absolutely nothing ! Thanks for the revue BTW, I might go go to watch the movie. I largely agreed with your review of Bridge of Spies, Bishop.
+ChesterKhan Well considering his believers consider Him to be omnipotent, all loving, and all knowing, - YES ! Why bother with all that awful stuff like the smallpox and similar viruses, why bother with natural disasters, why bother with tempting Eve with the Tree of Knowledge ? After all, He already knew she was going to eat the bloody fruit, or didn't He ? Either way the RCC theology is faulty, as indeed are all theologies, IMO.
Tony D'Arcy Eh, perhaps you're right. And perhaps William Shakespeare is an horrible person. After all, he did allow the likes of vengeance, hatred, risky business ventures, gene splicing (a man with an ass's head, remember?), mind control, regicide, torture, homicide, murder, suicide, and even (gasp!) archaic language in his creations! What kind of terrible person would use those things in hopes of producing some greater good - such as the betterment of the other characters, or even the audience?! What kind of psychopathic dictator would allow the existence of characters like Macbeth, Iago, Othello, Shylock, Antonio, Lear, Titus Andronicus (and crew!), Laertes and Polonius, among so many others?! It's utterly unthinkable! It's terribly bizarre! It's beyond aloof! Good heavens, how did we get such a reprobate to be considered the master of English playwrighting?! HEAVEN HELP US!!! *weeps and wails loudly and with streaming tears*
I think the Coens are more sympathetic with the Marxists than you suspect, and the criticism of Hollywood seems to symbolize a critique of the Church. Though they also, as you say, take Mannix's "priesthood" very seriously. It's a complex film.
This movie contains ,what to me at least, was a disguised (or not) blasphemy. When Clooney was at the foot of the cross and he fluffed his line he says "son of a bitch", while the cross and the feet of Christ are in view. I wanted to enjoy the film as I do all Coen films but this scene isn't easy to accept, it's clearly trying to say something and to my mind crosses a line.
As a convert from Judaism to Catholicism, hearing a priest use the word "mensch" made my day. :)
You left out the part of the various religious leaders giving their "approval" that the film "Hail, Cesar!" would not be offensive to anyone who is a "reasonable" religious man.
That scene was one of my favorite parts. The rabbi saying to the Baptist minister: "And that's special? [That God 'is who He is.'] *I* am who I am."
The Eastern Orthodox Patriarch asking frivolous details about the technicalities of the chariot scene.
This was gold.
I am studying film at college, and I gotta say father that you have given me insights into this movie me and my friend were trying to understand. Also, you're ministery has changed my life. Because of the knowledge from your TH-cam channel, I have been able to answer all of my questions about religon and not slip into the mindset most young people get when they don't get answers. I thank God for you.
I'm an atheist and found this because I love Hail Caesar, so thank you for this perspective! I was wondering how the apparent catholic undercurrent in this film written by Jewish writers could be taken up by actual practitioners of Christian faith. There's so many levels that I'm glad are being worked through to their full extent because the beauty of film in general is in the variability of interpretation.
"Our lives can kinda look insignificant, couldn't things be better, or just make more money.. No, no.. Be a mensch. .Be someone who takes the will and purpose of God seriously..." I really needed to hear that. Thank you Bishop Robert Barron.
I wish here in Vietnam I could watch movies with images of the Church like this. Here, not all Christian films are not permitted, but only films with negative images of the Church are permitted. That's difficult!
Really? I thought there was a significant Catholic population in Vietnam. Did the Communists stop them?
Dinh Hoang Tu I'm praying for you and all Vietnamese people. God bless.
Thank God for VPN's 😉
@@keldonmcfarland2969 Well the Catholics were suppressing and killing Buddhists in South Vietnam for some time, but even then, Catholic schools in Vietnam still exist and operate. This is more of a market demand/availability issue.
Really appreciated this analysis Bishop Baron. Sometimes the simplest things (God’s purpose for us) is the hardest thing to see ... when all we are really being asked to do is to pay attention to the still, quiet voice of guidance. Relax. Just do it. Thanks again 🙏.
The interpretation is maybe a bit against the grain of the Coen brothers, not sure -- but it's all the better for that! Really insightful, wise, and fresh. For me, Bishop Barron, you make movies and faith exciting again.
Mannix is a redeemer, saving people from the well-deserved consequences of their sins. He is, interestingly, offered the power to destroy the world instead of running the fantastical, self-deluding circus. He chooses the path of the redeemer. (Tilda Swinton, once again, plays "The Accuser" character, much as she did in the Narnia series.)
Yup. That pic of the H-bomb that the Lockheed character shows him clinches Lockheed as a sit-in for the devil.
Dear Bishop,
Thank you, and I do mean THANK YOU for this video. For the life of me I cannot find a good critical eye on this film. Most of the reviews I've heard said it was a big letdown or a good fluff piece that has segments that does not correlate as a significant whole to the movie. Which just baffles me because in my opinion this is one of the best Christian movies I've ever seen because it is tackling issues of faith and the Hollywood system in a way that only the Coens can do. I was genuinely moved by this movie that Star Wars episode VII: The Force Awakening could never do for me and I wish more people liked it as much as you did. Incidentally this is one of the rare movies I had to watch twice in the theater because it was so rich in symbolism and meaning.
God bless you +Bishop Robert Barron
Good commentary Bishop Barron. I enjoyed the film myself. Although I was surprised that you didn't mention the scene with the rabbi, orthodox priest, pastor, and catholic priest in which they discuss the incarnation?
This is awesome. Many thanks Bishop. God bless you sir!
There is a twist I noticed immediately...the opening scene is a trailer for the movie within the movie they are making. This trailer flat out says that the movie will be drawing parallels between Clooney's Roman General and Saint Paul. But then as you watch Hail Caesar, you realize that the movie they are making has absolutely nothing to do with Saint Paul. This is not a mistake. This is Coen Brothers code to the audience that not in the movie within the movie, but in the actual movie "Hail, Caesar!" they are drawing parallels between Clooney's character and Paul.
The "communist plot" scenes feature 12 disciples (arranged in Last Supper style when we first see them) and they are welcoming Clooney/Paul into their confidences and hoping he can use his position to spread their message. Eventually their leader returns to them briefly, before ascending and returning to his ultimate home.
I had heard about this movie but didn't really consider seeing it. I'm pretty selective on investing time and money in watching movies. But after seeing this video I will make an effort to check it out.
+Jeffry C. Larson yeah, me too
It's a great, great film
My girlfriend and I saw this and it was the most divisive film we saw. I absolutely loved it. She didn't like it at all. She's actually a playwright and didn't see its "significance." Or meaning.
Then I saw the Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews and it mirrored us: most women thought it was terrible and most men loved it.
@@keldonmcfarland2969 Interesting
I love this film. I had not seen it in this way, but yes, it's definitely a "story of the christ". I just love the Cohen brothers.
I enjoyed the movie and I enjoyed your take on it. You've got a new fan!
Bishop Barron, greetings from Brazil, pray for us, we are having a hard time in politics around here ! Awesome video by the way =)
Bolsonaro ksk
Great context. Keep up the Good work
I'm gonna watch this now. Thanks for your review . . .
Great insight. Thank you.
Thankyou your grace.
Good stuff. Not bad. Got to remember to have faith. I think i'll check out this movie.
Love these videos, thanks
May I ask what kind of camera you are using Bishop Barron? The quality in this video is beyond amazing! Thank you!
Great review. Any comment, your Excellency, on why the Cohen brothers chose such a ridiculously quirky style to portray such incredibly deep ideas?
Great review Bishop Barron! By the way have you seen "Risen"?
Came to see if you had reviewed Knight of Cups. It's a staggering film with deeply religious themes. Interested to hear what you make of it.
I enjoy your movie reviews and I share your enthusiasm for the Coen Brothers. However, I'm a bit confused as to why there's never a review of any of the films by Terrence Malick. Certainly Mr. Malick's films are heavily influenced by his Catholic faith, and few people doubt their excellence.
I did an extensive review of Tree of Life. Look for it.
I believe Terrence Malick is/was Episcopalian. But you're absolutely right. There's a strong element of spirituality in all of his films. While, Mr. Malick's films can be a bit labored--he never saw a meadow he didn't want to shoot someone dancing and swaying in, his films always make me tear up.
great review
Bishop Barron, I see a lot of similarities between Josh Brolin's character (here) and Steve Martin's in Lawrence Kasdan existentialist drama "GRAND CANYON" (1991). Both characters are Hollywood film producers that have an existentialist crisis, a consequent meltdown and a profound change of perspective on their profession. Curious about what you have to say about Kasdan's film!
i did not realize he rejected the better job for his usual one, thats very good
Bishop Barron, I feel like you would have a lot to say about the recent horror movie The Witch, I'd love to see you do a video about it.
Bishop Barron what does it mean to be yoked? (2corinthians 6:14)
Hey, there’s something wrong in the film.... The “ fictional” Hai Caesar! Starts with Saul of Tarsus, but at the end, Clooney’s character see Jesus on the cross......Could someone explain ?
Clooney plays a Roman sentinel who comes to find Christ, Saul is in there because it’s a take on the old biblical epics
Sorry, very bad sound again. Who works for you ? The Father Barron deserves better !
Make a review about Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, I'm not very religious but I like yoir videos and I think that ir would be interesting.
It brings to mind the verse if God is for me who can be against me. If the injustice of Gollieth, was of deep feeling for David, then it did not matter if Gollieth was ten feet and he was inches, David had an honest Rebuke in his heart for him and for his people. He slayed the monster with not being of the monster, not for vain glory but to add his talent of not of might but of mind but for the greater good. As we all must as it was Abraham Lincoln who first saw it to rid slavery from our land, and make it so. But it is up to the ages of man to carry it fourth from then and to ever more.
After watching 'Hail, Caesar!', I said to myself, "Bishop Barron should
do a video on that." So thanks for obliging. I was wondering if you saw
any parllels between Eddie Mannix and Marge Gunderson from "Fargo"? It
seems they both represent Christ in that they enter into chaotic,
corrupt environments with love for the broken people they meet and work
with. I also was struck by a line in Clooney's speech at the end where
he said something like, "He saw our sins but did not turn away". That's
true of Christ it's also true of Mannix.
Excellent review. Alright, who else started singing George Micheal when the Bishop said you gotta have faith?
Interesting comment that the film was about just being a 'mensch'. I usually feel that the Coen brothers have a view of life which emphasises human folly contrasted harshly against divine justice. That life is a sort of meaningless and thankless drudge, but God help you if you don't accept it. Whereas in this film, the main actor, although tempted to take an easy path that may contribute to armageddon, actually decides to keep the status quo - to remain in something kinda dead-end/frivolous/demanding and not fall for the temptation of terrible repercussions. It sort of represents an evolution in their films. A reality where Josh Brolin simply decides not to take the drug money in No Country and remain poor/obscure but good. It was refreshing I suppose. A reminder that our lives arent really hollywood films, full of action, adventure, romance etc (as the deluded/dramatic Channing Tatum supposes), but something much tamer that we should reconcile with. And this idea of sensible compromise seemed to hit all the movie stars in the end; George Clooney accepts that he's just an actor; Scarlette Johansson finds a reliable husband; Alden Ehrenreich gets his lines simplified. No heroics. A great criticism of modern Hollywood btw and an insight into the pragmatic philosophy behind the Coens' success.
What this had to do with Jesus, who bookends and pervades the film, i'm not so sure. I suppose I could agree that it was about following God's will, as He did, though whether this should lead to unremarkable (humble?) or astonishing (prideful?) outcomes, i'm not sure. The Coens certainly seem to suggest that God wills a boring life for most and that grasping at greatness is always deluded. I think i'm probably jaded and cynical enough to agree with this. But I get a nagging suspicion that a real saint, far from remaining obscure and settling for meaningless work, cannot help but set the world on fire... It's an interesting theological question I suppose.
It's interesting to hear your take on this movie. I'd love to hear an analysis of Bad Times at the El Royale.
The problem I had with this movie is a continual problem of using an actual person who is radically different from the character.
Fr Barron please improve audio quality.
Excellent thoughtful commentary as always, Your Grace!
Bishop, I would be very interested in your take on the Captain America films. Hear me out: I know superhero "action" movies really aren't your cup of tea, but I would not recommend them except for the fact they are deeper than they may appear; they contain themes that harken to ideals we once believed in and sought after, but no longer do. And Steve Rogers (Captain America himself) stands as a great bulwark of conviction and hope that seems drowned in the cynicism and pessimism of our modern age. But perhaps I'm merely biased towards them. Please do give them a watch, and hopefully, a review!
No mention of the League of Decency?
Dios es el motor de la historia para Eddie?
Jerry- Ralph is pronounced "Rafe".
Why do u talk about movies father!?
. In the bible it says that Jesus is coming to earth a second time.¿Does that mean that is there going to be a generation that actually doesnt experience death? or what happens there.
Bishop it's Ralph Fiennes, not Ray. I'm sure it was a simple mistake! God bless!
+Jerry Quijano Ralph Fiennes pronounces his name as "rafe". It rhymes with "waif." It's an old English variant. :)
+John Stephens I hear it now, thanks for the knowledge!
+Jerry Quijano It's a Welsh name, and it's pronounced "Rafe."
+Bishop Robert Barron mea culpa
+Jerry Quijano I forgive you!
You did not see that what Eddie was doing to fight Communism was as important or even more important than building a bigger nuclear bomb? The Communists were very much alive and well and active at getting their messages into some films, and winning over a few actors too. But Eddie puts a stop to that, as cleanly and clearly as the Hollywood blacklist.
Even atheists know there are plenty of "sinners" in Hollywood. As everywhere else in the world. What is the omnipotent Jesus doing about it ? Absolutely nothing !
Thanks for the revue BTW, I might go go to watch the movie. I largely agreed with your review of Bridge of Spies, Bishop.
+Tony D'Arcy He's already given everything. You want more?
+Tony D'Arcy We are all sinners!
+Tony D'Arcy You speak as if God made this world to be immaculate.
+ChesterKhan
Well considering his believers consider Him to be omnipotent, all loving, and all knowing, - YES ! Why bother with all that awful stuff like the smallpox and similar viruses, why bother with natural disasters, why bother with tempting Eve with the Tree of Knowledge ? After all, He already knew she was going to eat the bloody fruit, or didn't He ? Either way the RCC theology is faulty, as indeed are all theologies, IMO.
Tony D'Arcy
Eh, perhaps you're right. And perhaps William Shakespeare is an horrible person. After all, he did allow the likes of vengeance, hatred, risky business ventures, gene splicing (a man with an ass's head, remember?), mind control, regicide, torture, homicide, murder, suicide, and even (gasp!) archaic language in his creations! What kind of terrible person would use those things in hopes of producing some greater good - such as the betterment of the other characters, or even the audience?! What kind of psychopathic dictator would allow the existence of characters like Macbeth, Iago, Othello, Shylock, Antonio, Lear, Titus Andronicus (and crew!), Laertes and Polonius, among so many others?!
It's utterly unthinkable! It's terribly bizarre! It's beyond aloof! Good heavens, how did we get such a reprobate to be considered the master of English playwrighting?! HEAVEN HELP US!!! *weeps and wails loudly and with streaming tears*
Well! George Clooney played a fixer in Michael Clayton, and no he is someone who needs fixing.
I think the Coens are more sympathetic with the Marxists than you suspect, and the criticism of Hollywood seems to symbolize a critique of the Church. Though they also, as you say, take Mannix's "priesthood" very seriously. It's a complex film.
This movie contains ,what to me at least, was a disguised (or not) blasphemy. When Clooney was at the foot of the cross and he fluffed his line he says "son of a bitch", while the cross and the feet of Christ are in view. I wanted to enjoy the film as I do all Coen films but this scene isn't easy to accept, it's clearly trying to say something and to my mind crosses a line.