October 11, 2005

Homogeny-Ain't It Grand?

Sometimes I really dislike living here.

We couldn't get The Constant Gardener* (which, btw, I saw elsewhere) into theaters, but Mobsters and Mormons has been playing for weeks.

There is a whole genre of LD$ films out there that no one outside of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona knows exists. They typically parody their own culture and "good-naturedly" play off of the stereotypes of the world, but the films are didactic and filled with vernacular and inside references familiar only to themselves. It takes living here for several years for the religious colloquialisms to be understood ("Ward"- the congregation you are assigned to according to your geographical location. You can still attend where you wish, but it is discouraged and rarely done. "Singles Ward"- the wards usually in the vicinity of colleges and universities provided for all the unmarried people to attend, thus providing them with opportunities to meet other unmarrieds and find a mate).

What was the point of this post? Oh. Yes. I miss diversity.

It's all about profit. I know.

*I stand corrected. Two weeks after its premiere, it is now showing in a city south of here.

Posted by Rae at October 11, 2005 07:00 AM
Comments

Homogeneity, yes, ain't it grand. Seriously. Would be nice to have a little more difference, and even more enjoyment of it.

Posted by: Altar Girl at October 11, 2005 11:37 PM

That is fascinating, a sub-culture of Mormon cinema. I knew nothing about it.

Posted by: jeff at October 13, 2005 11:21 AM

Hello,
I came across your site from some path or another and am enjoying reading your observations on parenting, faith, writing, etc.
So..... if you don't mind, I put your link on my sidebar.
Hope you're having a variagated, wonderful day.:)
Teri

Posted by: Teri at October 13, 2005 02:28 PM

I'd qualify Idaho in its inclusion by saying "southern Idaho". I'm from central Idaho and the Mormon culture is quite thin there. I remember the first time I visited Salt Lake and kept hearing people refer to "the church" and couldn't figure out what they were talking about.

Good post and take care.

Posted by: Daniel Medley at October 13, 2005 02:37 PM

Jeff- it is fascinating, until your movie choices are limited to only that genre.

Teri- welcome :D Thanks for the link. I'll check out your site, too.

Daniel- how the heck are you? And you are correct: it is more southern Idaho. The northern panhandle has some LDS fundies (polygamists), at least what I have read. I think SLC to be more diverse, at least in culture and ethnicity and in comparison to southern Utah, no? P.S. I love Squatters Apricot Hefe :D Mmmmm....

Posted by: Rae at October 13, 2005 04:30 PM

What about places like Blockbuster? When I was in Grand Junction, I was amazed at all the foreign & independent movies at the local Blockbuster

Posted by: jeff at October 14, 2005 11:55 AM

Jeff, there is quite a selection of independent and foreign films at Hollywo0d video. I am referring to new releases at theaters. I do like to rent and it is often my choice (due to convenience and economics), but I do enjoy the experience associated with viewing a film in the theater.

Posted by: Rae at October 14, 2005 01:15 PM

Maybe they show independent movies in nondescript buildings in unassuming neighborhoods, where people in sunglasses skulk up, knock furtively, say the password, & slink inside

Posted by: jeff at October 16, 2005 05:03 PM

PS Mobsters & Mormons is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard

Posted by: jeff at October 16, 2005 05:33 PM

Hmmm. Perhaps my new connections through the university will lead me to this film "speakeasys." (Should that be -ies? I think maybe it should be).

Yeah, ITA with your assessment of Mobsters and Mormons. I can't decide if I should even contribute by renting it when it comes out.

Posted by: Rae at October 17, 2005 01:13 PM
Post a comment









Remember personal info?