From Deseret News archives:
Americans say darndest things about Mormons
Well, actually, "Mobsters and Mormons" is the latest Mormon movie, and it is in theaters.
And the next Mormon movies "God's Army 2" and "The Work and the Glory 2," with their respective subtitles will be in theaters, too.
OK, so the latest Mormon movies ARE going to be in theaters, but there's also another new Mormon movie that's not going to be in theaters. It's on DVD.
Well, except that it's not really a movie; it's more of a featurette.
OK. Can I start this column again?
Anyway, it's called "American Mormon," and it landed on DVD this week a brief, light-hearted documentary that asks people around the country what they know about the LDS Church.
And no, it doesn't ask, "would they like to know more?" Well, mostly.
Daryn Tufts and Jed Knudsen didn't go out as LDS missionaries. They went out as documentary filmmakers. Although a bit of missionary work did apparently follow some of the interviews (as explained in their audio commentary).
"American Mormon" (Excel, 35 minutes, $19.98) was obviously a labor of love for Tufts and Knudsen, and also a working vacation of sorts.
Tufts is the on-camera guy with the microphone; Knudsen held the camera and monitored the sound equipment. (You may recognize Tufts from his supporting role in "The Singles Ward" as did a few interviewees, to his great surprise.)
Tufts apparently started off the interviews by explaining that he was doing a documentary, but without revealing the subject. On-camera, he amiably asks general questions, then works "Utah" into the conversation, and before you know it, they're talking about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons).
The idea behind this film is a simple one, and it's not anything new. It's more or less a variation on Art Linkletter's interview style from his '50s and '60s TV shows, which reached its zenith during segments with children, gaining popularity under the title "Kids Say the Darndest Things."
Which begat everything from "Street Smarts" to Jay Leno's "Jaywalking" segments on "The Tonight Show."
Only nicer.
Adults also say the darndest things, although a few of the people approached by Tufts are pretty savvy about the LDS faith especially a well-read guy in New Orleans who did "vampire" tours. (Which may be viewed with a bit of melancholy now that New Orleans is under water.)
But most of Tufts' subjects don't know much about Mormons, and what they do know could most kindly be described as mythology.
Of course, one topic can't be avoided: Polygamy pops up repeatedly.
Comments
- Tiger opens with a 66 in Australia 1:18 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- Alpine District school honored 12:59 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
242 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
91
f you don't have an Xbox 360 and always wanted one, Saturday is your day.
Dashboard Confessional has scheduled a new show at In the …
Was Kanye invited to this event?
It's a lot of hard work but worth it, like anything else, if you're willing...
I have watched the exhibition games and I have noticed a slimmer JT. He looks...
I am a life long BYU fan and I must say ya it's hurt pretty bad this season,...
Upset of the Year! Wasps 42 JD 35
Some of you are crazy - what's this crush with the Mountain West Conference?...
I have been anticipating this game for weeks. This is as good as it...
I have enjoyed these stars in other films and was looking forward to an...
The pressure isn't on Utah, it's on TCU. Tcu has nothing to gain by beating...
Where are you getting your information about the 23 players that played...



You can be the first to comment on this story.