Comments on: Interview with Doug TenNapel (Part II)

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 15:16:21 +0000

Saying “24” is “the best show on television” is like saying the Volga was the best car ever made by Soviet Communism.
I read books. (sniff) And I amuse myself with the predictable but unoffensive Amazing Race.
As for Survivor, they're all deranged sociopaths! I say put a cache of automatic weapons on the island and then the producers would at least be honest about what the point of the show is.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:24:55 +0000

I was ranting so much about the retarded Amazing Race which is nowhere near the actual perfect game that is Survivor, that I didn't comment on your comment;
“He's right to say that Christians confuse gifts with craft, and are too often content with the mediocre in the name of Jesus. The reputation of our faith is not enhanced by its association with half-baked artists, writers, film-makers, etc.”
Confusing gifts with craft could happen to non-Christians too…it's kind of a mistake of entitlement, or thinking that just because I believe something and know that it's right that my audience will also think so. A flaming Communist could get into film thinking his cause so important, so correct and the content of his film such a perfect Manifesto that everyone will automatically like it. He may even sucker some Boston left wing think-tank to fund his screed (Boston left wing think tank is the liberal version of the fundamentalist Texas oil millionaire that funds the bad Christian movies), but his message will have a much greater success if nestled in a beautiful package. Wouldn't you rather watch a masterful, creative well-presented Communist apologetic (every sci-fi movie of the last 35 years) than a poorly made one?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 13:17:50 +0000

Let's put this Amazing Race junk to rest right now, because that show is HORRIBLE. My beloved wife watches it and I sit in torture as I behold this snoozer of a contest, that is the welfare equivalent of the gaming world. One team will be doing excellent (usually has nothing to do with their skill…they just got a taxi that didn't run out of gas) and they are suddenly punished for being ahead by having to wait at a train station for 16 hours before the next departure…meanwhile the last place team catches up. It's the ungame. Then we get to see the second to the last team show up in front of the host and he pauses like they could be last, “Needemeyer family…you're…the SEVENTH team!” Then the family jumps up and down, “We played so well! High five for getting the taxi that didn't blow a tire!”

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 08:30:11 +0000

What about “24” ??? To me, this is the best show on television.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 07:52:39 +0000

Word.
My main issue with the “family edition” is that they just got out of the states and I'm wondering if they'll even get out of the Western hemisphere. Having families of 4 limits what they can do, I just don't think it plays out as great as pairs do. And I was rooting for the guys from Boston…

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 06:13:58 +0000

I really enjoyed this interview. Doug TenNapel has a well-deserved reputation for excellence and creativity, as well as a solid committment to Christianity. This combination isn't exactly rare, but unusual enough that it makes me want to get into his head.
I especially appreciate his challenge to take the hard work and training that is part of art seriously. He's right to say that Christians confuse gifts with craft, and are too often content with the mediocre in the name of Jesus. The reputation of our faith is not enhanced by its association with half-baked artists, writers, film-makers, etc.
Good stuff. Good questions. Thought provoking and inspiring. Thanks!
P.S. Ditto on “The Amazing Race,” but as a parent I'm enjoying the “family edition.”

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 20:31:45 +0000

That and exhange Amazing Race (not “the family edition”) for Survivor.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Oct 2005 19:26:25 +0000

Excellent choice of television shows, Doug…exchange Ebert and Roper for 24 and you've got my usual line-up.
Thanks for the interview!