On this episode of the Reel World Theology Podcast:
This week we return to the realm of new releases and take a look at the thought-provoking independent film from Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Don Jon. The Film is about a New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, his friends, and his church, who develops unrealistic expectations from watching pornography and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love, Barbara (Scarlett Johansson).
The subject matter of this film is quite audacious for any filmmaker, much less, a first time film maker. We have grown to really enjoy Joseph Gordon-Levitt from his roles in movies and TV, like 3rd Rock From the Sun, 500 Days of Summer, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and Looper, but now he takes the next step as an artist by writing and directing his first feature film. We see actors making this transition all the time, but usually, not with such a raw topic and usually not in such an “in your face” way. AND It deserves to be said that, though this film is VERY discussion worthy, it does deal with issues of masturbation, pornography, addiction, and sexual themes in very frank ways that anyone wanting to see the film who hasn’t yet, should use discretion in doing so. But, with that disclaimer, everyone on the panel has seen the film, for better or worse. It proved to be one of our more intentional discussions that we’ve had on the podcast. Addiction, Pornography, Romance, Love, and where the Church fits into all of that, all on this episode…
Download Episode 011 Here:
Reel World Theology #011 – Addictions With Don Jon
This weeks panel included Laura Fissel and Elijah Lovejoy.
Laura Fissel (@laura_fissel)
Writing:
Leaving Teaching Blog
Elijah Lovejoy
http://www.redeemergso.org/
Email:
elijah@redeemergso.org
Podcast Notes and Links:
Don Jon at IMDB
Don Jon on Rotten Tomatoes
Don Jon Trailer on YouTube
Interview with Joseph Godron-Levitt on NPR
Don Jon: Disappointment and Theology of the Body Gone Wrong on 20SomethingCatholic
The Theology of Porn on ZekeFilm
Don Jon‘s Surprising Stance on Porn on ThinkChristian