Hollywood on Fire

Through interviews with several professionals and authorities as well as narration, this insightful documentary dynamically tells the history of Christians in Hollywood. A fascinating history and a history I was very unfamiliar with.

It talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of the film industry, particularly that of Hollywood. It’s a hungry giant that continually is asking for more, whether it’s in the form of recognition, fashion, or money. We see in the documentary, how some found that products that were feeding people’s flesh sold well. A quote by Benjamin Franklin is put on the screen (I’m not sure how I never heard it); “He that is of the opinion money will do everything may well be suspected of doing everything for money.” That is just one of the things that threaten to snuff the fragile, flickering flame of those trying to hold onto their faith and values.

The industry apparently went bad after the church, for whatever reason, retreated from it. Maybe Christians felt like they were getting being mistreated. Maybe they felt it was getting too hard. But are Christians bothered by the lack of morals in film? Do Christians want wholesome entertainment? Do they want their views to be reflected in the media? Well guess what? Then they have to make it!! Interestingly, the rise and fall of crime directly followed the rise and fall of corruption in media. It’s a mission field. And thankfully, there are many (although not enough) who are making a difference for the good.

"That the arts can be corrupt does not mean that Christians should abandon them. On the contrary, the corruption of the arts means that Christians dare not abandon them any longer." –Gene Edward Veith.

Me with the brothers who directed "Hollywood on Fire".