On this episode of Cinema Verbi, Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt dive into the futuristic universe of Dune. They share some of their critical views on the films and unpack the commentary on religion, power, and control found in the narrative. They discuss where they find truth, goodness, and beauty in the movies and also note some important distinctions between religion found in these stories versus the life of the disciple. 

(01:00) Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian introduce this month’s topic: Dune, Parts 1 and 2. They share about their familiarity with the books written by Frank Herbert and briefly describe the universe in which the movies take place. They also share the main premise and key plot points of the narrative. 

(08:03) They both share their initial reactions to seeing Dune for the first time. They mention the potential for more movies in this franchise, given that there are more books in the series. They highlight the actors and their performances, share important terminology in the films, and discuss where they find the good, true, and beautiful in the movies. 

(14:01) They highlight the role of the religious leaders in the film, the Bene Gesserit, and discuss the origin of their name as coming from the term “Jesuit.” They discuss Frank Herbert’s choice for this title and what it implies about his perspective on religion and religious leaders. 

(16:12) Fr. Brian notes the overtones of call and vocation he finds in the film and draws parallels to the sacrament of Baptism. They discuss various plot points and the themes of good, evil, power, and control found in the narrative.

(20:46) They contrast the religious figures found in the film who seek power and control with those who faithfully live out the Christian faith, highlighting the life of sacrifice, humility, and even suffering found in Christianity. They discuss the fact that themes of love and sacrifice also seem to be missing. 

(25:14) They discuss some of the choices Frank Herbert made that highlight his criticisms of religion, and the way in which authentic discipleship differs from his portrayal of religion as purely a pursuit of power. 

(27:18) Both give their “seed rating” on the movies, sharing what they liked about the movies. 

(29:05) Fr. Brian challenges Fr. Matt to a game of “Dune or Deuteronomy,” in which Fr. Matt must determine whether a short phrase came from Dune or the original Hebrew text of Deuteronomy. 

(35:34) They give a short preview into next month’s episode, which will be on The Holdovers, a favorite of both Fr. Matt and Fr. Brian. 

On this inaugural episode of Cinema Verbi, Fr. Brian Meldrum and Fr. Matt Hood, priests of the Archdiocese, get together to share some of the inspiration behind the podcast, why it’s called “Cinema Verbi” in the first place, and their favorite films. Both share their favorite movies, unpacking why he is drawn to each film and citing some of the “seeds of the Word” found in them. 

(00:27) Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt introduce themselves, sharing about their roles as priests in the Archdiocese of Detroit and their shared love for movies. They share a bit about why they decided to start this podcast and how they selected the name. They highlight how the seeds of the Gospel can be found in culture and how they seek to find them in the movies they enjoy. 

(08:56) They share that the goal of this particular podcast is to look more deeply at the meaning of films and the seeds of the Word found in them, not purely offering critical reviews of movies. They draw a parallel between the interpretation of Scripture and the interpretation of films, noting the primacy of the literal sense. 

(13:34) Fr. Brian and Fr. Matt introduce the topic for their first episode: their favorite movies. Fr. Brian shares about going to the movies weekly with his friends as a young person before diving into his favorite movies. 

(18:53) Fr. Brian also shares his love for musical theater, and the two discuss the value of having an active theater program to participate in at the seminary.

(21:35) Fr. Brian discusses his favorite movies: The Pirates of the Caribbean, Fiddler on the Roof, and Indiana Jones: the Last Crusade. 

(28:37) Fr. Matt discusses his favorite movies, Life is Beautiful and Babette’s Feast, unpacking the plots of both and why he is drawn to them. 

(43:10) The two wrap up this episode and share their enthusiasm for all that’s to come in this season of Cinema Verbi! 

Discover what’s found between the silver screen and the sacred! Each month on Cinema Verbi, Fr. Matt Hood and Fr. Brian Meldrum, priests of the Archdiocese of Detroit, discuss a popular film and unpack the truth, goodness, and beauty found within it. Listen to find the seeds of God’s Word in the movies you love.