Clergy at the Movies with Abby Olcese

What are the best depictions of clergy in film? Today we swap Top 5 Clergy in Film lists with a celebrated film critic. A recipe for edification and entertainment! We all know of sloppy versions of the movie cleric—priests, monks, nuns, and pastors, either fanatical, evil, or milquetoast, lacking care or nuance on the part of those creating the role. But perhaps you’ve also seen thoughtful, even powerful, depictions of clergy that not only allow you to see a glimpse of yourself reflected sensitively onscreen, but even give you a glimpse of the kingdom. Today we explore depictions of clergy in film with writer, film critic, and erstwhile Episcopalian Abby Olcese. She and host Amber Noel share their Top 5 depictions of clergy in film, spill some behind-the-scenes tea on The Mission and Wake Up Dead Man, and generally have a really good time. They also share what they think Christian leaders might glean from spending time with onscreen clerics. SPOILER ALERT: Today’s conversation alludes to plot twists and endings, so if you’re averse to that, you have been warned! Abby Olcese is a writer and film critic based in Kansas City. She is the author of Films for all Seasons: Experiencing the Church Year at the Movies (https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all..., the film editor for The Pitch Magazine in Kansas City, and contributes to publications including Sojourners Magazine and Rogerebert.com. In today’s bonus segment, we bring together some of the same themes of our film conversation—clergy, calling, suffering, and grace—by talking to one Pentecostal pastor about his own dark night of the soul and the dramatic and kooky interceptions of grace. The Rev. Chuck Noel is teaching pastor at RiverLife Church of God in Bradenton, Florida, and has served in pastoral and diocesan ministry in the Church of God for almost 50 years. His current research is in Pentecostal sacramental theology. (And yes, he is Amber’s dad.) From the episode Abby’s book, Films for All Seasons: https://www.ivpress.com/films-for-all... Amber’s review of First Reformed on Covenant: https://livingchurch.org/covenant/if-... Abby’s Top 5: 5. Calvary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2234003/ 4. The Bishop’s Wife: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0039190/ 3. First Reformed: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6053438/ 2. Wake Up, Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt14364480/ 1. The Mission: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091530/ Amber’s Top 5: 5. Into Temptation: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1232824/... 4. The Apostle: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118632/ 3. The Sound of Music: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059742/... 2. First Reformed: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6053438/ 1. Calvary: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2234003/ From the ads Register for Radiant Pages - Apply TLCPOD10 for 10% off! https://livingchurch.org/events/radia... George Sumner’s book, In Season and Out: https://www.amazon.com/Season-Out-Ref... Join the mission at Saint Francis Ministries: https://saintfrancisministries.org/jo... Give to support this podcast: https://livingchurch.org/give