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
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies 4:19 a.m.
- College football: Big-5 glance 12:34 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:14 a.m.
- Missions teach players perseverance 12:08 a.m.
- Scout answer to church's prayers 12:08 a.m.
- Project helps Guatemalan kids 12:07 a.m.
- No expiration date on gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Nursery Rhymes' gratitude 12:07 a.m.
- Temple Square to use LEDs 12:06 a.m.
- Mormon mom helps hungry children 12:05 a.m.
- Cave rescuers committed to free man
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.'
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Y. focused on 10-win season
- BYU has slim shot at BCS
- Thunder rolls by Jazz
- BYU ties give Utes an edge
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
259 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
227 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
209 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
139 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
129 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
110 - Boys basketball rankings
110 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
103
When "Dancing With The Stars" began more than two months ago, 16 couples...
Comedian Brian Regan, who is scheduled to perform at Abravanel Hall on...
Game Crazy is the nation's second largest video game retailer and they...
Wouldn't this be a good way to get rid of the carp in Utah Lake? Provide some...
Unlike its general membership, the church is known worldwide for their love...
to two fine women with outstanding husbands and coaches. GO UTES!
This may be true but it only works when grocery shopping. By Black Friday...
I hope some of our Utah state legislators are reading this report and maybe...
What a waste. I'm an American living and working with the rural poor in...
Next three years Syracuse girls state champs! Young and very talented!!!!!...
I'm sorry for the loss this man's family will experience. What was to be an...
Finally a president that does something constructive. Dave, stop telling...
I hope they get him out as soon as possible. What a horrible experience for...


You can be the first to comment on this story.