Dutcher sinking lower

[Wingnut]

Originally Posted by extra_mile

I just can't see how he could loose his faith after making such great films? States of Grace was so Powerful!

Making "such great films" is completely irrelevant to his faith. They could just as easily have been made by a non-member who did a lot of research and had members consulting for him.

This may have been LDS urban legend, but shortly after God's Army came out, I remember hearing Dutcher quoted as saying that he hoped to someday make an R-rated movie that Mormons would go see. I've never had a high opinion of him since then. That and the fact that he not only directed his films, but also had a starring role in them. Because being the director isn't enough?

[extra_mile]

Originally Posted by Wingnut

Making "such great films" is completely irrelevant to his faith. They could just as easily have been made by a non-member who did a lot of research and had members consulting for him.

This may have been LDS urban legend, but shortly after God's Army came out, I remember hearing Dutcher quoted as saying that he hoped to someday make an R-rated movie that Mormons would go see. I've never had a high opinion of him since then. That and the fact that he not only directed his films, but also had a starring role in them. Because being the director isn't enough?

Very true, You don't have to be a Christian to make a Christian film, what I'm saying is it's hard to understand someone not staying with God after making such films, I feel the same way when I see a non-Christian staring in a good Christian film. I think it should make a powerful impression on them, but then I see them in a R rated movie or something and I see it meant nothing to them, just another role.

[Moksha]

I really liked this review of States of Grace from a reviewer at Amazon:

I am not Mormon, but I would have to say I have never felt closer to Mormonism, and Christ's message of love, redemption, and hope, than after viewing States of Grace. I feel it is one of the finest films of any type I have ever seen.

States of Grace movingly depicts the power of God's healing love, mercy, and redemptive grace that comes after a fall and repentance. I think that Richard Dutcher's portrayal of 'real', imperfect Mormon missionaries in both States of Grace and God's Army makes it easier for outsiders such as myself to open their hearts and minds to them.

To me, States of Grace shows the heart of Mormonism and the heart of Christianity. Actually, it offers a look inside the heart of any sincere spiritual seeker struggling towards greater goodness.

[prisonchaplain]

Originally Posted by Wingnut

Making "such great films" is completely irrelevant to his faith. They could just as easily have been made by a non-member who did a lot of research and had members consulting for him.

This may have been LDS urban legend, but shortly after God's Army came out, I remember hearing Dutcher quoted as saying that he hoped to someday make an R-rated movie that Mormons would go see. I've never had a high opinion of him since then. That and the fact that he not only directed his films, but also had a starring role in them. Because being the director isn't enough?

Mel Gibson is hardly a poster child for evangelical Christianity, and yet we rejoice that his film led many to conversion and faith in Jesus. And yes, this Catholic and controversial filmaker added members to our congregations.

Of course it's difficult to see a member renounce his faith. Yet, Dutcher did so in a relatively quiet, and definitely non-confrontational manner. God can use broken, even apostate vessels, to communicate his message. IMHO, the Bible is full of such (David and Jonah come to mind).

[Over43]

I know a "local" who played a small role in an "LDS" movie a couple of years back that starred the "usual suspects" doing th LDS genre lately. He told his mother, for the most part, they were a pretty foul mouthed, rude goup of people who like to make money off of "us", but for the most part could care less about following church guidlines.

I don't know how accurate his description is, but if it is remotely true, then that is too bad.

Jon

[Brother Dorsey]

Richard Dutcher was on an ego trip...that's why he just had to star in his first real film and play parts in his others. God's Army was the first real piece of Mormon cinema of any value. It was well written and pretty much well acted (except for Ditcher....he's mediocre at best). God's Army made Dutcher a ton of money and he was in the headlines. The next two films didn't do as well but they made enough to keep Dutcher and his crew working. In the meantime other Mormon filmmakers started to see the potential of Mormon cinema and started cranking out their own pic's....some great, some just OK, and some not. IE; Singles Ward, The RM, The Home Teachers, Best Two Years...etc.. Then, Dutcher made God's Army 2 States of Grace and it tanked at the box office. (I thought it was a great movie) Now, following this huge money looser was the time when Dutcher decided he couldn't make money with his brand of Mormon cinema and decided to leave the church. Some say for spiritual reasons. In my opinion he left for two reasons...he felt cheated by the "Mormon" people for not supporting his movie and he left because he didn't want to face possible excommunication for making not so wholesome movies, (which was his plan). He has since taken up drinking and smoking cigars trying to "fit" into Hollywood. Oddly enough his wife and children are still strong in the Gospel and church. I saw "Falling" and it really sucked....big time. Dutcher is a horrible actor.

[Elphaba]

Originally Posted by Brother Dorsey

Richard Dutcher was on an ego trip...that's why he just had to star in his first real film and play parts in his others.

Name one director who hasn’t been on an ego trip. If they weren’t they’d never direct anything noteworthy.

Additionally, directors star in their own productions all the time. There is nothing wrong with that, and certainly does not bely anything other than someone who cares about his art. Whether it’s good art or not is subjective; but it certainly is no reason to demean a director.

In the meantime other Mormon filmmakers started to see the potential of Mormon cinema and started cranking out their own pic's....some great, some just OK, and some not. IE; Singles Ward, The RM, The Home Teachers, Best Two Years...etc..

Just my opinion: all of those were fun, but insipid fluff. I can see why Dutcher was discouraged about the Mormon film genre.

I realize others will disagree with me on that, and that is okay. It’s always a subjective call as to what one likes or dislikes in film.

Then, Dutcher made God's Army 2 States of Grace and it tanked at the box office. (I thought it was a great movie) Now, following this huge money looser was the time when Dutcher decided he couldn't make money with his brand of Mormon cinema and decided to leave the church. Some say for spiritual reasons.

Of course, because he left the Church, it couldn’t be for the very reason HE says it was? I believe people when they tell me why the did something, and I believe Dutcher.

he felt cheated by the "Mormon" people for not supporting his movie

This has nothing to do with his disenchantment with the Church. However, he did feel like LDS did not appreciate his art, and frankly, I agree with him. But, again, that is completely subjective.

[because he didn't want to face possible excommunication for making not so wholesome movies, (which was his plan).

What plan? Where do you get this information that he was possibly facing an excommunication?

Oddly enough his wife and children are still strong in the Gospel and church.

Why is this odd?

Elphaba

[Vort]

So far as I know, Brother Dutcher has not used his public position as a platform to rail against the Church. Unlike other high-profile Latter-day Saints who have renounced their religion, he seems content with pursuing his journey through life without trying to exact vengeance against the Church he feels wronged him.

I think Dutcher is a talented man of great potential. I am sorry to see that he has not been able to reconcile his beliefs and thoughts with his study and observation. I watched and greatly enjoyed God's Army, but I have not seen any of his other films. If he is now making films that garner an 'R' rating, I certainly will never see them. But he is no enemy of the Church, as far as I can tell. I think we would do well to judge his actions with compassion and hope for the future, rather than condemnation.

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Elphaba

Additionally, directors star in their own productions all the time. There is nothing wrong with that, and certainly does not bely anything other than someone who cares about his art. Whether it’s good art or not is subjective; but it certainly is no reason to demean a director.

Elphaba

Clint Eastwood, Woody Allen and even the late great Alfred Hitchcock have appeared in their movies. Where would Citizen Kane have been without director Orson Wells to star in it?

[Over43]

Robert Redford, possibly the greatest actor still out there (sorry Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise fans) has directed and acted in how many of his own films? If they didn't have "ego" they couldn't do it in the first place. To follow Moksha, where would "A River Runs Through It" have ended up if R. Redford hadn't narrated it?

Jon