From: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com (aml-list-digest) To: aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Subject: aml-list-digest V2 #240 Reply-To: aml-list Sender: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Errors-To: owner-aml-list-digest@lists.xmission.com Precedence: bulk aml-list-digest Thursday, January 8 2004 Volume 02 : Number 240 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2004 22:01:11 +0000 From: THOMASDUNCAN01@comcast.net Subject: Re: [AML] re: KUSHNER, _Angels in America_ (HBO) Mike, Angels in America isn't about Mormon homsexuals. They are just characters in it. I've written a play about Mormon homosexuals. My problem is I have no place to produce it. Even my own theatre won't touch it with a ten-foot pole, since we don't want to be in the business of alienating our core audience. So maybe Kushner is the closest anyone will ever get to talking about the subject, even though it is a "minor" part of the whole story of "Angels in America." - -- Thom Duncan NOW expounding on things nonsensical from: ThomasDuncan01@comcast.net - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 15:19:44 -0600 (CST) From: Rich Hammett Subject: [AML] re: "South Park" & Mormons On Fri, 2 Jan 2004, somebody wrote in my AML digest: > I disagree with your second assessment. The Mormon family came across as > eternally happy to the point of being nearly dysfunctional in their > blindness to the realities of life. What family do YOU know who, when > tossed out of a neighbor's house after being told your religion is a bunch > of bull, breaks out in smiles after dad says, "Hey, let's have a water > balloon fight!" It was just ridiculous, in my view. Actually, that sounds like the most accurate thing in the episode. It fits quite well with the caricature I have of many Mormons, some of which are very good friends of mine. "Preternaturally sunny of disposition" might be a good way to put it, if I'm writing a bad novel about them. > But, time after time, they were factually wrong in their recounting of the > story. Or, better said, their recounting of the story does not reflect the > official Church telling. My question: if the Mormon story is ridiculous on > its face, why can't you just tell it straight, and then make fun of > it? Why must you skew the story and make blatant misrepresentations? > > If their purpose was to mock, they alternately succeeded and failed. They > certainly succeeded in making it all look foolish, but they gave Mormons > plenty of ammunition for making a case for dismissing the whole thing. You > do that when you get the facts wrong. This is a real irritant. I saw their movie...what was it..._Orgazmo!_ I didn't understand the mistakes they made. They were mocking the most superficial public image of Mormons, and even then made errors. The image was so superficial, that it generally could apply to any "church people," even Baptists if you ditch or replace the temple references. It was usually as funny as the sentence "Trey Parker and Matt Stone are foul-mouthed young men." I usually find South Park funny, although I've been away from it for over a year, since we don't have cable any more. But what a world we live in. Somehow, South Park and Dennis Miller are the new icons for the hip conservative. At least South Park is still funny most of the time. rich - -- \ Rich Hammett http://home.hiwaay.net/~rhammett / rhammett@HiWAAY.net \ 12/13/03--Saddam Hussein found cowering in an / "undisclosed location." - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 14:26:25 -0700 From: Jacob Proffitt Subject: Re: [AML] My Web Page >> >> Who else has a webpage? Can we get a compilation post of >> everyone's >> >> URL's if they want to share them? http://www.jacob.proffitt.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 02 Jan 2004 14:59:07 -0700 From: Ivan Angus Wolfe Subject: Re: [AML] David FARLAND, _Lair of Bones_ (Review) > The Lair of Bones > by David Farland (Wolverton) > Reviewed by David Hansen > Endings are hard. Beginnings get all the new clippings and awards, but > endings require a finesse and comprehension that can be just as tricky. In > "The Lair of Bones," David Farland wraps up his fantasy Runelord series in > impressive style. > Unfortunately, with such a giant > build up, Farland tosses off this apparent dilemma with little fanfare, and > left me staring at the book saying, "So what?" While everything need not > resolve perfectly or happily, threads and thoughts that were started must be > finished or it leaves me feeling like I just ate a lot of empty calories. AN interesting review, but some of you points need clairification: Dave has said several times that this is not the last Runelords book - more like the last book of part one - so of course many things are left unresolved. - --ivan wolfe - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 15:31:32 -0700 From: "Nan P. McCulloch" Subject: Re: [AML] Deseret News: "South Park" Mormons I also think it is futile to argue the points wherein it is not doctrinally correct. The silliness of the thing is what makes it funny to me. Nan McCulloch - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 18:22:30 -0500 From: Sam Brown Subject: [AML] YOUNG & GRAY, _Standing on the Promises_ Hello, To support Margaret, I went and bought the three books and read the first. It's a quick, easy read. I'm shocked it made it through the censors at DB. Stepping back two steps from the narrative, it reads like a powerful courtship that ends in an abusive relationship. While the authors have clearly worked hard to avoid controversy in some areas, this is a huge challenge to traditional understandings of a subject that many in the mainstream wish would have just gone away. I've read widely on this topic in the past, so none of this came as a shock to me, but I tried to imagine what my traditional friends would think as they read that a) mormons were racist, b) brigham young was simply following folk American racist theology in the priesthood ban, c) mormons had slaves, d) some mormons misused their slaves, e) missionaries could be racist (in the sequence where Elijah Abel is snubbed by his white companion, I thought of the extensive folk tradition of Mormon missionaries silencing--or even assaulting--their homosexual companions). Finally, the core message of the book: blacks are the equals of whites, and their traditions and history should be embraced runs counter to the sentiment I experienced during my adolescence in Davis County, Utah. One Black in my entire high school, none in my hometown (that I ever heard about). Blacks were the mysterious ghetto thugs of Hollywood, and they were a point of belittling curiosity when they did appear. This project invites Mormons to fess up to being racist (at the very least having a racist history). While I applaud the message of these books and feel strongly that they represent the sentiment that Jesus himself would want communicated about love and respect within and outside his church, I am simply amazed that these got published by Deseret Book. Bravo for whatever editor got it out on paper. It would not surprise me if someone, somewhere in the authority structure had second thoughts about the endeavor, though I know that publishers universally fail to support books that aren't instant commercial successes. Now my one sad observation of practicality. I am the choir that this book preaches to, but I avoid historical novels as a matter of hygiene. I would never have bought these books were it not for Margaret's presence on the AML list, and though I will try to persuade people to "check them out" because I believe in their message, I don't know that the stratum of Mormonism interested in learning more about our African-American history will be the same one that consumes historical fiction. So God bless the two of you for trying to make Mormonism a better place to worship. I suspect it will be a tough row to hoe. - -- Yours, Samuel Brown, MD Massachusetts General Hospital sam@vecna.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 18:42:22 EST From: JanaRiess@aol.com Subject: [AML] Personal Websites: Advice? Hi all, I don't have a website yet, but I'm actually under the gun right now to set one up for my Buffy the Vampire Slayer book, which is coming out May 7. So, for those of you who have websites, did you do them yourselves or hire someone? If you hired someone, how much did it cost, and would you recommend their services? I'm going to have to hire a website designer -- and fast -- and hope it's not going to be too expensive. Thanks! Jana Riess - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 2 Jan 2004 23:46:20 -0500 From: "Richard Johnson" Subject: RE: [AML] Mormon Speech Patterns I don't know if it shows up in the conference reports, but a year or so ago, in a particularly quirky mood, I heard those exact words from one speaker (I believe it was Pres. Monson, in a Saturday meeting, but I couldn't swear to it) and it stirred curiosity because it bothered me. I pulled out my little pad and pencil and began to make a mark whenever I heard this usage. (It was not always "I feel to tell" it was sometimes " I feel to--other verb). In one conference (Probably a dozen talks), I counted nine such usages. It was a vivid enough experience (and I mentioned it often enough to my friends) that others listen for that usage now. I hope it hasn't spoiled conference for anyone. Richard B. Johnson, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Actor, Director, Puppeteer, Playwright, Writer, Thingmaker, Mormon, Person, Fool. I sometimes think that the last persona is the most important- and most valuable. Http://www.PuppenRich.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 01:29:46 -0700 From: "Kim Madsen" Subject: RE: [AML] Mormons on South Park Susan Malmrose wrote: "I find it kind of exciting to be witnessing the point in time when our religion is getting more and more public attention. My husband thinks it's horrible and evil, South Park making fun of us. I think it's part of the progression that's destined to take place. :)" I watched the episode...several weeks after it aired. A guy from work, who I'm not sure is LDS or not, but who is a huge South Park fan had taped it. Now, I must say from the outset I've always dislike South Park a lot. However, my 23 year old brother and 19 year old son were fans and always watching it. I'd leave the room. Too crass for my taste, for the most part. But you see, this discussion engendered interest, and my son always did make me laugh when he did his "Elder Cartman" routine just before he left on his mission a little over two years ago (yes, he's back now). "Hi, weah missinarwies fum da Church of Jesus Christ of Lattadaysints...get in the kitchen and bake me a pie." So I watched it. There was some crassness in it, some poking fun, but a genuine feeling of exploration, of wondering what made these people tick. It seemed to me just as much fun, if not more, was poked at the dysfunctional family who stared at the TV all the time, whose father was going to give it to the Mormon family for teaching his son about Joseph Smith. (See I don't know the characters well enough to put names to them now.) I laughed a lot. I groaned at the dumbdumbdumbdumb/smartsmart riff. I snorted at the staring into the hat stuff and wondered where they got their information. In the end, I too found it more interesting than offensive. And I thought there were some insightful moments--like the Mormon mother being sincerely upset and apologetic that they were perceived as trying to "convert" their son's friend. The closing monologue the Mormon kid gave about "I just wanted to be your friend" was good...but I could have lived without the last few words. Ode to South Park mindset. Perennially stuck and adolescent male toilet mouth. Kim Madsen - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 01:35:52 -0700 From: "Kim Madsen" Subject: RE: [AML] The BoM Code D. Michael Martindale wrote: "I think anyone that uses the word "hypnopompic" is hypnopompous." I can never quite tell when Michael preceded by a D is being caustic or joking with good friends...it's the strange thing about this medium of communication. Stripped of body language and other visual cues, the message sometimes missed the mark. But I laughed when I read his post, and although thanked Hollow Cluck for posting it, because I looked the word up and learned something new today. Kim Madsen - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2004 08:06:41 -0800 (PST) From: Mark Hansen Subject: Re: [AML] Acting and Movie Directing > Experience with actors is definitely important in > the development of a= > successful film director, but I don't necessarily > see it as a panacea for= > the inadequacies facing young filmmakers today. As > the saying goes, if you= > want to swim you gotta jump into the water. A > director who is= > acting-challenged can overcome that in time with > experience. As for the= > techno side of things. It's true a director can > learn that stuff as he= > goes, but it's just like acting. I think this paragraph is vital to our understanding of the LDS cinema scene. Especially the line, "If you wanna swim you gotta jump in the water". While it might be true that the LDS movies don't fully yet match the quality level of Hollywood, I think that we've lost sight of the fact that it takes a lot of guts to just jump into the water and try something. And to a certain extent, that deserves celebrating. I know I'm going to get into trouble for saying this, but I get really frustrated when I see so many people (who themselves don't want to swim) filling the waters with crabs and sharks. MRKH ===== Mark Hansen +++++ Inspirational Rock Music http://markhansenmusic.com Listen to me and others at http://kzion.com __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 17:51:10 -0600 From: "Preston Hunter" Subject: [AML] LDS-Made Films 2003 2003 feature films by LDS/Mormon filmmakers: The table below lists movies released in commercial theaters during 2003 which were made by Latter-day Saint filmmakers. The director of photography for "The Young Black Stallion" (Disney's first dramatic film made specifically for IMAX release) was Bro. Reed Smoot, whose credits include numerous Church films and IMAX films. All of the other films were made by Latter-day Saint DIRECTORS and/or PRODUCERS. Many also had Latter-day Saints in other key roles such as composer, cinematographer, writer, etc. All of the movies were made by churchgoing Latter-day Saints, except for "Cremaster," whose creator Matthew Barney is a Mormon but not an active Latter-day Saint. Barney's "Cremaster" tetrology features numerous Mormon characters, images and symbols. No box office data is available for "Day of Defense." Of the 9 feature films made by Latter-day Saints in 2003 listed here, 4 are classified as LDS Cinema: "The Book of Mormon Movie", "The R.M.", "Pride and Prejudice" and "The Work and the Story." Nat'l U.S. Box Rank Office Gross Title - ----- ---------- --------------- 26 97,011,510 The Cat in the Hat 191 1,124,502 The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey 192 1,111,615 The R.M. 200 973,659 The Legend of Johnny Lingo 209 732,241 The Shape of Things 212 702,402 The Young Black Stallion 223 513,961 The Cremaster Cycle 309 126,929 Pride and Prejudice 424 8,211 The Work and the Story - - - - - - - - - - - - - A number of films worth mentioning premiered in 2003 which did not make it onto the box office charts. One of the biggest of these, literally, is the IMAX documentary "Texas: The Big Picture," which was directed by Bro. Scott Swofford and photographed by prolific Latter-day Saint cinematographer T.C. Christensen. Although playing in commercial IMAX theaters, box office data for this movie has not been reported. T.C. Christensen also released a new film directly to video/DVD: "A Pioneer Miracle" is a beautifully made short film with a wonderful message, based on a true story. Talented LDS child actress Caitlin E.J. Meyer had the lead role the film. Christensen, along with Gary Cook, also directed two major new films about the First Vision and Church history which began showing this year at Church visitor's centers. Christian Vuissa released his short film "Unfolding," which has already been screened in numerous film festivals nationwide, and taken home a number of awards. "Unfolding" is Vuissa's second commercially available film. "Roots & Wings" is available at LDS bookstores nationwide and at LDS Video Store. "Unfolding" is sold only at LDS Video Store. Vuissa is now preparing his first theatrical release for its early 2004 debut: "Eat, Drink and Get Married." Ryan Little, best known as the director of "Out of Step" and "Saints and Soldiers" released the short film "Freedom on the Water" on a DVD, along with the older film "The Wrong Brother." "Freedom on the Water" stars fan favorite Lincoln Hoppe as a young man in physical therapy after he was injured in an automobile accident he caused while drunk. His non-wayward brother struggles to forgive Hoppe and re-build their relationship. John Lyde, hot on the success of his first commercial release "The Field is White," released "In the Service of God" to video and DVD. Sold nationally in LDS bookstores, Lyde's new film is a romantic comedy about home teaching. Lyde also premiered his feature film "The Collectors" in a single commercial screening at the SCERA Theater in Orem. This science fiction action adventure martial arts film also competed in the Eclipse Film Festival. "The Collectors" will be released on video and DVD during the next few months. Brad Barber premiered his new documentary "Troy Through a Window" in a single commercial theatrical screening in Salt Lake City this year, before releasing the film on video (and now DVD). This highly personal film about Barber's own family and his GLBT brother has garnered strong praise from both GLBT and LDS viewers alike. HaleStorm Entertainment released "It's Latter-day Night!" directly to video and DVD. The program features live comedy by 5 Latter-day Saint comedians. D. Kohl Glass turned heads and won festival awards with his stunning short film "The Promethean," based on the Greco-Roman myth of Prometheus. LDS actor Chris Kendrick starred in the title role, opposite, Dennis Kostecki, one of the most evil, anti-Semitic people in Utah who was well cast as the film's humanity-hating villain. LDS director Eric Hendershot's three new feature films debuted on HBO and HBO Family Channel: "Clubhouse Detectives in: Big Trouble", "Clubhouse Detectives in: Search of a Lost Princess", and "Clubhouse Detectives in: Scavenger Hunt." Tucker Dansie completed his latest short film "The Wooden Bowl," which was available online, and completed a major DVD featuring the LDS pop band Colors. Kevin Mitchell produced a popular new documentary "Last Miracle for Lavell," sold on video and DVD in LDS Bookstores everywhere. One of the best new direct-to-video/DVD releases of the year was the first in a proposed series of musicals known as "Liken the Scriptures." The first release in the series was "I Will Go and Do" a hip, fun, musically accomplished re-telling of the 1st Nephi story, directed by Aaron Edson and Dennis Agle Jr. Also new on video and DVD this year were two award-winning short films by Matthew Janzen, together on one volume: "Funky Town" (a wild film noir musical with incredible music) and "The Salesman" (a very entertaining silent film made in the style of classic Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton films). There are many other movies and films which have been completed but which were not released in 2003, such as "Saints and Soldiers", "The Best Two Years", "Fly Boys", "Where Rivers Meet" and "The Home Teachers." - - - - - - - - - - Chart: Movies released in 2003 starring Latter-day Saint and/or Mormon actors in poster-billed roles: Note that movies with LDS actors in supporting and featured roles who did NOT receive marquee/poster credit ("above the line" credits) are not listed here. The most prominent of these NON-listed films are "Hollywood Homicide" (with Sister Gladys Knight) and "The Cat in the Hat" (with Sister Danielle Chuchran as "Thing One"). Nat'l U.S. Box LDS/Mormon Rank Office Gross Movie Title Actor(s) _____ ___________ ________________________ ___________ 14 127,083,765 2 Fast 2 Furious Paul Walker 58 46,752,141 Final Destination 2 A.J. Cook 83 31,111,260 The Core Aaron Eckhart 93 25,904,967 The Missing Aaron Eckhart 95 23,024,988 Piglet's Big Movie Ken Sansom 103 20,819,000 Paycheck Aaron Eckhart 2 Aaron Eckhart 109 19,043,607 Timeline Paul Walker 117 15,417,771 Wrong Turn Eliza Dushku 129 9,074,550 Le Divorce Matthew Modine 191 1,124,502 Book of Mormon Movie, V1 Bryce Chamberlain; Mark Gollaher; Jan Broberg Felt; Cragun Foulger; Jacque Gray; Kirby Heyborne; Michael Flynn 192 1,111,615 The R.M. Kirby Heyborne; Will Swenson; Britani Bateman 309 126,929 Pride & Prejudice Ben Gourley; Hubbel Palmer; Nicole Hamilton; Carmen Rasmusen 410 13,134 The Slaughter Rule Ryan Gosling 424 8,211 The Work and the Story Nathan Smith Jones; Jennifer Hoskins; Eric Artell; Dan Merkley; Kirby Heyborne; Richard Dutcher Christopher Miller "Day of Defense," which played briefly in theaters and had an all-LDS cast, is not listed because we have no box office data for it. Likewise, we have no box office data for "Suddenly Unexpected," which has been shown in 2 commercial theaters and has a 50/50 mix of LDS and non-LDS leads. As far as I know, all actors listed above are currently practicing Latter-day Saints except for Paul Walker (who served a mission), Matthew Modine (raised in an active family and briefly attended BYU), Eliza Dushku (raised LDS) and Ryan Gosling (raised LDS). No, I don't know how often Eckhart attends church, but he identifies himself as a Church member in media interviews. Also, keep in mind that some of these box office totals (as of 31 Dec. 2003) will change for movies released toward the end of the year. In particular, "Paycheck," which opened on Christmas Day, and "Pride & Prejudice" which opened earlier in December, will change in their box office totals and national rankings. "Timeline" and "The Missing" also opened late in the year (November) and continue to take in money. "The Book of Mormon Movie, Vol. 1: The Journey" is still in theaters. The summary table for all feature films starring Latter-day Saint and/or Mormon actors is at: http://www.ldsfilm.com/lds_box2.html Note that for each movie, a national ranking is provided, indicating the ranking of that movie during the calendar year. That makes it easier to compare top movies from different decades. Rather than just looking at box office gross, which is unadjusted for inflation, you can see that some movies which grossed relatively less in raw dollars actually were among the nation's top movies at the time of their release. For example, "The Big Parade" starring Mormon actor John Gilbert in the lead role was the nation's #1 movie in 1925. National rankings are for TOTAL box office gross, not for the box office gross by the end of the year. So if a movie opened in December and made only $1 million in 2002, but then earned $3 million in 2003, for a total of $4 million, it's national rank would be based on the $4 million total, compared to other movies released in 2002. Keep in mind also that for movies prior to about 1990 the availability of box office data can be somewhat hit-and-miss, with many feature films starring Latter-day Saint actors not listed because we don't know the box office gross. - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 17:58:42 -0600 From: "Preston Hunter" Subject: [AML] LDS Content in "S.W.A.T." *** LDS-related content in "S.W.A.T." (2003) *** * Initial Closing Credits: * Directed by Clark Johnson Screenplay by David Ayer and David McKenna Story by Ron Mita & Jim McClain Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Dan Halsted, Chris Lee Executive Producer: Louis D'Esposito Co-Executive Producer: Todd Black Director of Photography: Gabriel Beristain, ASC/BSC ** First scene with Gus, Colin Farrell's Latter-day Saint co-worker ** [14 minutes into the movie, the main character "Jim Street" (actor Collin Farrell) is shown for the first in his new, demoted position as an officer in the S.W.A.T. division's gun cage.] [Street was previously an officer on the elite Los Angeles S.W.A.T. force, but was demoted and moved off of active duty in the field during the first act of the movie. He was removed from field duty after he was forced to follow his partner ("Gamble") when his partner moved into a bank where hostages were being held, in direct violation of their commander's orders. As a result of Gamble's actions, Gamble and Street were able to rescue all of the hostages, but Gamble shot one of the hostages, who survived threatened to sue the police department. Although Street had actually done nothing wrong, he refused to "give up" his partner and write up a statement blaming his partner for everything that happened.] Now, in the gun cage, Street (Colin Farrell) is sitting at the counter, filling out paper work. His partner in the gun cage is "Gus" (actor James DuMont), a shorter, balding, slightly heavyset man. Gus walks up from behind Street, drinking a can of Dr Pepper and vocalizing "Hmm... mmm," signifying his satisfaction at the flavor and thirst-quenching properties of the beverage. Gus then places the Dr Pepper can (now audibly empty or nearly empty) on the counter next to Street. Street (Colin Farrell): You're a little too attached to that soda, Gus. Gus (James DuMont): Love that stuff!... The wife would have my behind if she busted me suckin' that down. Street (Colin Farrell): Why, is she a Mr. Pibb fan? [referring to a different soda beverage which is in a niche similar to Dr Pepper] Gus (James DuMont): You know the deal, Jim... When we got married I converted to Mormonism. We can't consume anything that alters our state of mind... We treat our bodies with respect. Street (Colin Farrell): An I treat mine like an amusement park... It's the differences that make this country great. ["T.J.," a S.W.A.T. officer, comes to the cage and drops off a pair of boots.] T.J.: Need them cleaned by the morning, boys. Gus (James DuMont): You were supposed to have your gear in a half-hour ago. [The subitles read slightly differently, perhaps reflecting how the line was written in the original script: "You were supposed to have it in a half-hour ago."] T.J.: What, your boy gonna report me to the captain? Street (Colin Farrell): Just for thinking you look good in that mustache. T.J.: [chuckles slightly] Your mom seemed to like it, though. Street (Colin Farrell): So does your sister. ["Hondo" (actor Samuel L. Jackson) walks into the S.W.A.T. equipment/vehicle area. Originally he is seen only from the waist down.] Unseen S.W.A.T. officer: Hey, Sarge, welcome back. Unseen S.W.A.T. officer: Look who's back. Unnamed S.W.A.T. officer: Welcome back, Sarge. Unseen S.W.A.T. officer: What's up, Hondo? Unseen S.W.A.T. officer: Hey, Sarge. ["Hondo" walks up to the gun cage. His upper body and face is now revealed: Samuel L. Jackson is seen for the first time in the movie. He sees "Street" doing paperwork in the gun cage.] Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): Howdy Street (Colin Farrell): What do you need? [Gus walks up to the counter, smiling broadly.] Gus (James DuMont): Sgt. Hondo? You're back. Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): Well, you know what they say, Gus. You're either SWAT or you're not. Gus (James DuMont): [eagerly] Yes, sir. What can I do for you? Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): Oh, just a tune-up. [Street receives the gun from Hondo.] Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): [addressing Street] But please, don't touch my sights... And I made some modifications-- Street (Colin Farrell): --to the trigger too. Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): And you are? Street (Colin Farrell): Jim Street. [nods his head slightly] Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): Street. [Smiles, and nods his head.] Street (Colin Farrell): [Continuing to examine Hondo's gun.] Yeah, we'll leave them intact. Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): I need that back by tomorrow. Gus (James DuMont): Can do, Sergeant. Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): [to Gus] Good to see you. Gus (James DuMont): Good seeing you. [Hondo smiles at Street one last time and walks away.] [Street puts the gun down on the counter and turns to Gus.] Street (Colin Farrell): [looking down at Gus's crotch] Gosh, Gus... Is that a woody? [Street here jokingly implies that Gus is overly excited to meet the legendary Hondo.] Gus (James DuMont): [Following Street's gaze, quickly looks downward, then back at Street.] Heck, yeah. That's Hondo. He's old-school SWAT... The gold standard of ass-kicking... Sorry, butt-kicking. [Rather than rebuff Street's vulgar but good-natured barb, Gus simply acknowledges his professional admiration of Hondo.] Gus (James DuMont): I guess he's back. Street (Collin Farrell): I guess he is. [End of the scene with with Gus and Street in the gun cage. The next scene features Hondo and fellow S.W.A.T. leader Valesquez in the administrative offices.] [Note how in this scene Gus pointedly used the word "heck" instead of "hell," and "behind" instead of "ass," once even correcting himself after using the word "ass." That more common word (and the word used by the other characters in the movie) is the word that Gus previously used before his conversion to the Church and assimilation of Latter-day Saint teachings to refrain from vulgar and profane langauge -- presumably as taught to him by his wife. Precisely which words (if any) are actually "sinful" to utter according to official Church doctrine is beside the point here. The character, a new convert, demonstrates in this scene a sincere desire to follow the tenants of his new faith, as he understands them, even while not around his wife. On the other hand, he sneaks a drink of Dr Pepper, which his wife understands to be against the Word of Wisdom, even there is no such official proscription. Based on how the scene is played, it is possible that Gus is indulging in a slight "guilty pleasure," but it is also possible that he is quite aware that abstaining from Dr Pepper is merely his wife's preference, and not really an official prohibition. Gus's attitude here and elsewhere in the movie suggests that although is is not an intense "zealot," his conversion to Mormonism is sincere and not merely a perfunctory or nominal conversion done to satisfy his wife. Note his brief and positive discussion of doctrine with his co-worker, and his use of the word "we" when speaking of Latter-day Saints.] Audio Commentary The DVD release of "S.W.A.T." features two audio commentaries, one by director Clark Johnson and the other by the writers and other technical crew. In the scene which introduces Gus's character, right after the line about Gus converting to Mormonism, director Clark Johnson says in his commentary track: [QUOTE] And that's the beauty of a summer action movie. You know, you learn a little about other cultures... the Mormon culture. Come to the action movies in the Summer. You'll learn about religion. It was made clear to me, made very clear to me that this was a tentpole movie for the summer. I mean, this is interesting because we're having this conversation in hindsight... err... without the benefit of hindsight, because the movie hasn't come out yet. But, yeah, we are expecting the movie to do really well. We're hoping that you're watching it on DVD for the third time... Sam Jackson is just the coolest man in America. There's just no doubt... [END QUOTE] ** Second scene with Gus, Colin Farrell's Latter-day Saint co-worker ** [18 minutes, 55 seconds into the movie. This scene takes place in the gun cage area, but in the equipment storage area rather than at the front check-in/check-out counter. The scene opens on Gus, kicking a large cylindrical piece of metal with things attached to it. Gus complains about the thing, and Street walks in, and proceeds to show him his "invention." Street calls it the "Key to the City." It has a harpoon-like device inside which can be fired into a wall. Rods then shoot out and secure the harpoon to a wall. The wall can then be pulled down quickly by a vehicle secured to the device. Street envisions using it in hostage situations where S.W.A.T. officers need to quickly gain access to a building. While Street is explaining the device to Gus, Hondo walks in and listens to the conversation, silently admiring Street's inventiveness and initiative. Hondo joins the conversation at the end, and then picks up his tuned-up gun from Street. Gus mostly just smiles and nods during all of this, but says little. ** Third scene with Gus, Colin Farrell's Latter-day Saint co-worker ** [Gus is eating a McDonald's meal of a burger and fries, while sitting at the counter in the gun cage. Street walks up to him.] Street (Colin Farrell): Hey, Gus! Gus (James DuMont): Yeah. Street (Colin Farrell): Isn't that eternal damnation you're chowing down there? Gus (James DuMont): You can't tell Michelle. Street (Colin Farrell): Isn't she gonna smell the fries on your breath? Gus (James DuMont): [Considers this briefly, looking up from his meal.] That's why God invented mouthwash. She'll never know. Street (Colin Farrell): Gus, you're cheating on your wife with fast food. Gus (James DuMont): You're right! You're absolutely right. [Pushes the food away.] [Hondo walks up the cage] Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): "Street, you have driver's license?" Street (Colin Farrell): Got a library card. Hondo (Samuel L. Jackson): That's good enough. So get your uniform on. You're driving me today. Come on. Writer's commentary The second audio commentary, done by writers and other crew members, includes the following comments by one of the writers: [QUOTE] I wrote it... I just wanted to make a little bit, life, a little bit more difficult on, uh, Street... And I wanted to try and create some comedic moments between them for Street to kind of, uh, to understand that he's in two different worlds right now. He's in a world of listening to this Mormon guy, and then he's getting ready to enter a world of World War II. We tried to commit, we tried to kind of create a World War III at the very end. In some respects, it's more like a Vietnam War than World War III, in the streets of Los Angeles. [END QUOTE] - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 5 Jan 2004 13:39:13 -0600 From: "Patricia Wiles" Subject: RE: [AML] Cedar Fort Offer on My Manuscript Hi-- I have heard that with Cedar Fort, an author is expected to help pay for publishing the first book, then if it does well they will pay the expenses if they choose to publish your next ms. Patricia Wiles Executive Editor, latterdayauthors.com http://www.latterdayauthors.com - -- AML-List, a mailing list for the discussion of Mormon literature ------------------------------ End of aml-list-digest V2 #240 ******************************