In the opening chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes King Solomon preps us for a simple fact about life, “There is nothing new under the sun….”
In regard to film and Hollywood’s 36 basic plots that rehash every story out there, from comic book heroes to fairy tales, we would have to agree with the wisest man who ever lived.
It’s all been done.
But … every once in a while a film comes along that actually does try some new technique or fresh idea that revives a familiar story. And when you have a good story told well, with genuine acting and a solid soundtrack, it’s a sign of hope on the creative landscape.
Such is the new film from Samuel Goldwyn Films (with City On A Hill Studios), THE SONG. The movie has a strong trailer (see below) that teases with the American Roots music featured in the film.
Critics have been tough on movies coming out of the faith market—and sometimes rightfully so. With THE SONG, we have moved beyond what some think are “cheesy Christian movies.” Thankfully.
The way THE SONG is told, however, is what sets it apart from other films. It should resonate well with and churches, pastors, and the mainstream market. For churches, there’s a great opportunity to use this film to bring hope and help to marriages and families. THE SONG is described as a cautionary tale because it depicts the real consequences of choices—especially those that have us chasing after empty things like fame and fortune. City on a Hill has created tools for use in local congregations to help married couples.
Just imagine if you could get anyone in history to narrate your film, how much more powerful it would be! Would you ask Napoleon, Washington, or Alexander the Great to tell your story? Richard Ramsey, award-winning director and writer for THE SONG, aptly chose the son of King David to provide the script for the voiceover, the wisest man who ever lived—King Solomon!
Jed King (Alan Powell, lead singer of Anthem Lights) is a struggling songwriter with a past that he cannot shake or live up to, thanks to his famous father’s failures, but when he meets Rose (Ali Faulkner) sparks fly in a whirlwind romance that results in a hit song … The Song … that propels him to fame and fortune. Like King Solomon, he learns the hard lessons about fame, fortune and failure.
Although this story has been told before and even lived by countless singers from Johnny Cash to Elvis, what is truly remarkable is the way Ramsey tells the story, using the wisdom of King Solomon to narrate the bigger picture in Jed and Rose’s saga, something we can all relate to: searching for love and meaning in our own crazy world.
As the couple go their way in this romantic drama, Solomon interprets the events on the screen in such a way that we are transported by God’s universal wisdom about life to a brilliant learning level for ourselves.
Their life story, no matter how successful or warped, makes sense to us, the pupil, when seen through God’s lens of biblical wisdom.
THE SONG opens nationwide on September 26. Producers are hoping the story will help pastors and couples trying to make sense of love, life and the pitfalls that are “nothing new under the sun.” As a cautionary tale, couples may see their decisions and the risks ahead in the lives of Jed and Rose.
“Even the wisest of men is a fool for love.”
Learn more about the film at http://thesongmovie.com.
