Archetype? Jesus. Stereotype? Christian.The last scene in the movie says it all. I won't spoil it for you. It is worth the watch.
From my perspective: Yes, more often than I care to admit I'm kind of angry about and embarrassed by the secular culture's perception of Christianity. Sometimes I'm angry about or embarrassed by individuals, or groups calling themselves Christians. Because of that, I admire the choices made by those who developed Blue Like Jazz the movie. It is thought provoking and rebellious, at the same time charming and funny. If some of the things in it make you a uncomfortable, I'm pretty sure you are not the intended audience. I could list the four or five groups this really is not suited for, like kids or Mennonites ..., but more realistically who it is for: everyone else. I like Marshall Allman's character, Don. He acts out on what I so often feel. Although I can't relate to some of his choices, I get it. (I don't want to but I do.)
I'll be honest, I didn't know what to expect. I'm a Kickstarter backer. I was a little worried to endorse this movie. I rarely endorse anything; people just don't make good choices a lot of the time. Someone's judgement call on what is necessary, reflecting Christianity somehow, is kind of scary to me! Reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, that I respect Donald Miller's insights, and knowing he was involved in the movie development is what made the decision to back Blue Like Jazz easy for me.
I really like the outcome. I'm even more proud of the message (so much so that I'm hoping to create a series of artworks inspired by an idea presented in the movie).
I am anxious that Christians will not understand this movie or will call it names. I am anxious that we will remove the joy and honor out of it and what it could mean to popular culture. I guess drama sells tickets, so if that is the case, bring it on! But I would like to see the Church rally around this movie and open their doors wide to the windfall. I would like to see the Church, with no preconceived notions, receive people who have always wanted Jesus but who have not liked Christians. I guess that will be my prayer.
