What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

wow, our faces are HUGE!




The second installment of 'Filmovy vecer'--film night--went on without a hitch. After the resounding success of my first movie night, I knew that I had to pick a film that was a quality match in all categories, from cinematography, to acting, to story line. I feel that I did an ample job in meeting my criteria, when I chose to show What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. The dialogue of this movie is very spare and I knew that it would be manageable for the Czech audience to understand just by listening. In complete contrast to the first, this film is a slow moving, beautifully written story about the meaning of love and human altruism. It takes place in Iowa and the characters are a canvas of mid-western personalities; it is humble, unassuming, kind and not showy. In a strange way, it is much like the Czech people themselves, but that is for another time.

I really had no idea what size of a crowd I would receive; I was hoping for 20, like the first time, but knew that it would be much less. I was really worried that no one would come at all. Consequently, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw 10 people sitting in their chairs waiting for the show to start: it was half as much as the first time, but a respectable number nonetheless. The movie began at 7:15 and ended at 9:10, which made me nervous for the last 20 minutes, as I had promised the crowd that we would be out of the room by 9. Every time I heard an exhalation of air or a rustle in the seat behind me, I took it as displeasure and frustration; it was not a fun feeling. When the movie finally ended, I turned on the lights and apologized immediately for the tardiness of my program. But, when I looked at the crowd, I noticed that three people were crying and none of them seemed to mind that it was ten minutes past their expected departure. I gave a very brief closing remark and then told them good night, and as they left, many described the film as "beautiful" and "touching." Needless to say, I was happy with their reaction: 2 movies; 2 positive reviews!

Many of the adults at the movie were not members of the church. I can't explain how important it is that they are coming to this building and staying late into the night. This is our mission here: to show the community that Christians and the Church are places of art, of music, of relevant conversation, of care and of camaraderie.

This week I am having mini Christmas parties with the adult classes. I asked them to bring in some sweets that they bake during the holiday season, and many of them did. I ate so many sweet cookies that I did feel sick afterwards; but, it was worth it. I baked some peanut butter cookies and gave them to the class; they were very new for the Czech adults. Some didn't like the taste all that much, but the salty/sweet combination was a big hit with others. I was pleased.

If you are struggling to figure out what to get Jamie and I for Christmas, then let me help you: A monetary donation to this ministry would be great for us! But, if you want to give something more personal, a good letter of encouragement will go a long way! Check out the addresses and information on how to send donations and letters on the right side of this blog.