In the latest issue of Dialogue (Summer 2009) I have written a review essay about the Mormon films of Richard Dutcher. I used the idea of marrow from his film Falling as an metaphorical lens in interpreting his other film work. Here is a brief excerpt:
"Marrow as the concealed territory of the blood’s creation, serves as a metaphor of genesis - the source for the Mormon promise of health and Hollywood’s machine of shock and destruction, evoking ideas of divine blessing and redemption alongside the bloody precariousness of human mortality. Marrow, as a metaphor for the conjunction between sacred yearning and profane frailty, can serve as a useful conceit that provides an approach to the films of Richard Dutcher, where he explores Mormonism and the crux of life’s messiness and grace’s beauty..."
Dialogue is an intellectually vigorous and excellent journal, with a good balance between academic, literary, and personal expression, from a not-so-typical Mormon perspective. To read the entire essay, pick up the issue or subscribe. I would be very interested in any responses to my thesis about Dutcher's oeuvre.
New interview with Dutcher, in which he discusses "Falling" in detail (in addition to his other five films--"God's Army," "Brigham City," "States of Grace," "Girl Crazy," and "Evil Angel"), and also talks about his two films he'll be shooting later this year:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-9888-Salt-Lake-City-Film-Events-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Falling-My-interview-with-Richard-Dutcher
Posted by: Davey | 06/11/2009 at 12:53 AM