We've been to the movies.

We've just returned from seeing a movie at the Amherst Cinema with Katie Tolles. The film was National Anthem. It disclosed what is for me a whole new world, but it was very well done. Here is somehing from the "net" -- So many things could have gone wrong in the film. But the humanistic approach in the performances, direction and story makes this film worthwhile as we see a young man learn to find his place in this world. Charlie Plummer as Dylan carries the film on his shoulders. He has screen presence even if his character has a subdued personality at first as we see he becomes a stronger, confident and even more empathetic man over the course of the film. Many will call this a LGBTQ+ movie but it is more than that. There is no coarseness, cockiness or irritating over-the-top histrionic behavior by any the actors. There is a respect among the characters as they relate to each other that will engross and help you understand them. Charlie's home life could have felt like a simplistic TV movie of the week. But director Luke Gilford and screenwriters Kevin Best, David Largman Murray as well as Gilford care about the characters too much to let that happen and they show why, for example, in Charlie's household that despite their problems as a family they are able to live in the same home with care and understanding. His mother played by Robyn Lively is not the stereotypical struggling mother. How she relates to Charlie and his younger brother and how she conducts herself is a revelation that pays off towards the end of the film. The biggest surprises and unexpected moments come when Charlie is hired to work on a ranch for a couple of weeks. He has been working odd jobs to help his family and save up for an RV. That RV is his dream and Plummer pulls us in to his character where we hope his wish for that RV comes true. The ranch job enables him save more money but the job becomes a life experience as he meets a cast of memorable characters. He is enchanted by Sky who lives on the ranch and is beautifully performed by Eve Lindley. She becomes a mentor to Charlie to help him be comfortable in his skin and proud of who he is. She is also a spark in his sexual awakening. Mason Alexander Park as one of the inhabitants of the ranch sparkles with a knowing conviction in pivotal moments to guide Charlie. Even Rene Rosado in a supporting role avoids the conventional expectation of a rancher whose character takes an unpredictable path. This film is one of the most original in its storytelling among recent films with one of the finest ensembles so far this year.

Charlie Plummer in the role of Dylan in "National Anthem."***************** "Queer Rodeo Culture" is unfamilar to me in several ways, but I could very much appreciate the humanity of the film. This week so far has been more comfortable "heat & humidity-Wise" which has been very welcome. We have not yet gotten to the Marlboro Music Festival, but plan to go tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning is my retired clergy gathering, discussing the chapter on "Religion," in Joan Chittister's The Gift of Years." Does the meaning and role of religion in our lives change when we get older? I would say "Yes and No." We'll see what others think. After noon I have an appointment for foot care, and after that - Marlboro. Otherwise, it has been a quiet week. I have been reading a book titled "Religion: An Anthropological View," by Anthony F. C. Wallace, a choice inspired by (1)the fact that Ellen uncovered it when she cleaned out my very crowded bedside stand, and (2) our discussion topic for tomorrow's clergy group is "Religion." It is a very enlightening discussion of just what religion is. I remember a professor of mine saying, "I can't define what religion is but I know it when I see it." I have a feeling that the same thing has been said about other things. Ah - and yesterday, a small group of us went to the home of Sylvia Morse in Guilford and sang for her in celebration of her 98th birthday! Yes - 98 years! She was born a month after my parents were married and eleven months before my brother was born. Almost 40 years ago, Sylvia was a member of a class I taught in Bible for the Vermont Academy of Spiritual Training, a school for lay persons in the Vermont Conference that I helped to start and then was a faculty person in for several years in the 1980's. THat was in Springfield, VT. Since then, Sylvia has moved to Guilford and is very much involved in the Guilford Community Church. It is wonderful to have long relationships like that.

Sylvia Morse and part of our group.