by Krissy Proctor
Staff Writer
From a philosophical fish store and the portrayal of fantastical, psychedelic highs to the story of a man awaiting the return of his single, picture-framed heart, students last week laughed, cried and left impressed with the films shown in the Monday and Wednesday chapels.
“I thought it was great, I would like to see more,” junior Glenna Gibbs said Wednesday.
The two creative film projects, consisting of “Animals” and “Maxwell Beasley’s Heart”, were written and produced by students in the film department. The series was meant to expand upon this semester’s chapel theme, Christ Through Culture and the Arts. Jessie Trigger, associate for worship and discipleship, says she wants the shorts to “inspire [students] to consider the powerful medium of film.”
In a poll of 45 students taken after the showing of “Maxwell Beasley’s Heart” 40 said that the films caused them to do just that, and that they would like to see more.
“I liked them,” Kesse Robinson, a junior, said just after “Maxwell Beasley’s Heart”. “It’s hard to put a full message in a short film, but it was like a reminder. They were very good.”
Monday’s film, “Animals”, divided into three sub-films entitled “Frog”, “Fish”, and “Snake”. “Frog” was written and produced by senior Colton Davie and “Snake” by junior Bryce McGuire, while “Fish” was written by senior Elijah Ammen and directed by senior Phillip Johnston.
Freshman Anna LiCausi was most impressed by “Animals: Fish”, the film a majority of students, 35 percent considered to have the best message when questioned for the poll.
“It seemed to me it was ironic,” she said. “’Who doesn’t want to be God from time to time’ is one of the lines from the film and though the main character wants to possess the fish, it falls into the sewer and is probably happily swimming somewhere in the Chesapeake by now. It was like it was God’s reminder that He ultimately possesses our talents and controls our lives.”
“Maxwell Beasley’s Heart” was written and directed by juniors Bryan Saylor and Jordan Pilgrim.
When asked which film students found more appealing, over 55 percent said that “Maxwell Beasley’s Heart” was more to their liking. Freshman Chloe Nardone liked both.
“The message of both films seemed to be that we need to get out of ourselves and live life the way God meant for it to be lived. With “Frog”, it showed how you need to help those who can’t help themselves and with “Mr. Beasley’s Heart” it showed how you shouldn’t be afraid to fulfill your purpose and get out of your comfort zone, even if your heart does temporarily get stolen,” said Nardone.
High numbers of students declined to comment on both questions, saying it was too difficult to choose between the two films.
“They were both so well done,” junior Julia Pugh said. “I hope the series continues…but I can’t choose.”