Final Essay - Hollywood Movie: The Book of Mormon

Although I was exposed to a lot more LDS literature than I ever have been (at least works outside the church cannon) I feel there are a lot of genres, topics or approaches that I am not familiar with or haven’t encountered within LDS literature or LDS creative arts. With that said, I feel that a Hollywood interpretation of the Book of Mormon would be very interesting, and I believe it hasn’t been done. I say Hollywood, because that would allow for dramatization and exploration outside the book itself. Currently, there is a production from the Church remaking the Book of Mormon, but its audience seems to draw towards those already familiar with the gospel and principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Many would possibly agree that a misrepresentation of the Book of Mormon and its stories could be harmful to the Church; however, I would disagree. I think any exposure to the Book of Mormon is a move in the right direction, even if directors produce such pieces as try to and demean the religion – they’ve tried and failed before with the Book of Mormon Broadway.

I would suggest that each book or so within the Book of Mormon be made into a series as to include many of the events and elements. I understand that Hollywood doesn’t do justice to many book-to-movie productions, but if there was a very well-done production, I think it would have an incredible impact on the story. Yes, there are areas that would be considered ‘R’ rated, but this future historical fiction film has enough action, romance, etc. that would draw the attention of many outside the Church. Although a Hollywood version would bring in a lot more fiction, attention to the book could also draw curiosity. I am not implying that the movie be created for the sole purpose of missionary efforts, but I think the stories hold incredible accounts that are often misrepresented or misunderstood because of lack of dramatization.

As a subgroup to LDS creative arts and literature, I feel that many of our films are directed towards LDS audiences. My question is, what if we (or someone outside the church) created them for a general audience? Movies such as Exodus, Prince of Egypt, The Passion of Christ, and Noah have all expanded on Biblical stories – some with more success than others. Many audiences are familiar with these stories which may be the cause of success or failure for each of them, but the Book of Mormon could be displayed in a manner that doesn’t focus on a Mormon audience. Imagine exciting trailers retelling the Book of Mormon – I think it would be an interesting form of media that hasn’t been done before – well at least, not quite like Hollywood.

Mormon Drama: Morrison's "Adam and Eve"

Davey Morrison’s Adam and Eve puts a little spin on what came after Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden. Many people don’t think about Adam and Eve’s reaction, instead, all of the attention is placed on the moment Adam and Eve partook of the fruit.

Morrison give deep thought on how they would’ve reacted during the first few hours after they were driven out. The experience was new for them, so they had to figure everything out on their own. One aspect of life that was new to them was romance. Morrison described the romance between Adam and Eve perfectly. Before being cast out, they didn’t really understand their relationship as they would’ve after partaking of the fruit. For example, when Adam tries to hold Eve’s hand, she doesn’t like it at first, but tells him that it felt good and didn’t know why. That type of connection would feel foreign to them, as they were in a state of innocence in Eden. Adam wants to keep trying that type of affection, as it also feels good to him and he believes it can comfort her.

One thing I found interesting is how Adam wants to get right into fulfilling the next commandment (multiply and replenish the earth), and Eve is hesitant. She wants to figure things out first. I think that sort of comparison is a very humanly trait, especially when it comes to creating families. Both spouses need to be on board in order to have success in their newly-formed family.

Another aspect of Morrison’s story that through me for a loop was how Eve knew what a “pet” was right away. Her understanding the nature of predators wasn’t that shocking, but it was interesting that she immediately wanted a pet, when Adam and Eve were still trying to figure things out.

   

Morrison also added humor into the story, which made it more relatable. Adam and Eve would tease one another in several places (such as the word “apple”, which Eve found to be funny). Morrison’s type of humor that he gives to the couple is similar to the way I tease members of my family, so I found myself laughing throughout the piece.

Adam and Eve is a play that can help people understand what Adam and Eve would have experienced after being driving out of their paradise. It helps us relate to them on a different level.