Comments about ‘Will Dutcher's 'Falling' be a lightning rod?’

Richard, I read an article about you in CityWeekly Magazine that suggested you had a difficult time with having people discuss the artistic elements of your films v.s. the financials. I'm a film graduate from the University of Utah who spoke with you briefly at one time. - - - I've attempted to aid fellow film makers in gathering capital for different films, and I myself have refused to move forward in my own independant film making until I can meet respectable investment, and have the $'s in place to carry something through. - I'd go into further detail but I don't think this comment board isn't appropriate for that. - - - I will submit that I think it's odd that you've gone from nearly producing & directing a movie about Joseph Smith to being so open about a distancing to the church he restored. - - - I certainly didn't go without experiencing a polar political spectrum at the University of Utah in regards to spirituality and film. One thing is certain though and that's that I'd kill to've had the opportunity you did with Larry H. Miller's financial backing. Best to you regardless.

I look forward to "Falling" R-rated or not.

Dutcher has proven himself to be a quality film maker and deserves the opportunity to expand his audience beyond strictly LDS films. As a long time fan, I really got hooked when he released "Brigham City." A film I feel is far better than most of the trash coming out of Hollyweird.

Keep up the good work Richard and don't let any backlash get you down. You no longer prove yourself to anyone.

Great. Another film about losing one's faith. There are gazillions of shows on TV and in the movies about this topic in all degrees. How is this groundbreaking??

What is missing is a film with thoughtful exploration of how difficult it is to stay faithful for a lifetime, to forgive in the face of hate, to serve those who are ungrateful, and to find positive lessons in life's trials. The path of 'Falling' is one of least resistance, camouflaged as intellectualism. At the same time, we see religious people portrayed as simplistic, plastic, mindless drones.

I feel sorry for Dutcher and those he influences. We would all be better off as a society if people would spend less time on the fringes of faith and more time serving, sacrificing and contributing. Cynicism does nothing to build us up...

I didn't realize he left the church. Sad...

I wish the article had stated the reason why States of Grace was protested in California. The movie is great! What is there to protest? Does anybody know what the issue was?

I guess everyone is free to have a "spiritual journey" that may even lead them out of the Church as Richard reported his did. What disgusts me (and I am sure most partons of his Mormon themed films feel this way) is how I feel he used the mass Mormon marketplace to propel his film making just to turn his back on those who got him where he is. God's Army ignited something in many people who were glad someone could articulate mission life so accurately and still be true to their spiritual selves. Richard, your fans were sorry to see you leave the church and pray you'll soon return. In the meantime, do you have to kick against that which you so whole heartedly wanted the world to embrace? After 'Falling', what is next? Are we going to be seeing a future colaboration with Ed Decker for a feature production of "THE GODMAKERS III" ??? - Don't worry Richard, I'll hold on to my DVD's of your films. It angers me too much to watch them right now, but it's better than them collecting dust on the shelves at the D.I.

Very sad.

What a loser. He seems to be aimlessly trying to seek attention by being controversial. First he needed the church by being one of the first in his genre. Now he needs the church to earn him his pathetic "rebel" status. Like most who leave the church... they can't really seem to leave the church alone. Richard acting as the main character in several of his films demonstrates his desperate need for attention. Bad actor - bad directing. Someone who outwardly is begging for such attention must inwardly have a weak self esteem. What a loser.

Congratulations to Richard Dutcher for exercising his free agency and leaving the LDS Church.
I am sure he knew the flak that awaited him upon his decision and the nastiness (such as the postings above) that was sure to follow. (What else is new?)

Way to go, Richard!

I say whatever. His words, etc strike me as a typical deep artist. Almost predictable and I am just fine with that. And my own faith is more than strong enough to see his public crisis of faith. Joseph Smith would allow preachers from other churches to preach in LDS churches, just to keep us on our toes.

I really don't like his shows but agree that they are pretty solid quality.

As for his leaving the church, I am amazed at the very unChristian response many have to it. We Mormons tend to be very judgemental. We condemn people to hell and ignorance at the drop of a hat. We should worry less about who is going to hell and worry more about how we serve others. I am personally glad for his lifes personal journey. It is obvious he is searching for answers and I hope he finds them. So much of that is between he and his Maker.

Next subject.

What's truly sad is the character assassination many otherwise wonderful Church members direct at any one who chooses to leave the Church.

Why can't we appreciate Richard's independence and abundant creativity, without slapping him down because he now sees the world a bit differently than some of the rest of us?

Why is it so difficult for us to allow others to grow anywhere outside of our own chosen mold?

As for me, I've seen and enjoyed all of Richard's previous movies, and I'm very anxious to see what he's come up with this time.

...that Dutcher got weary of the petty judgments hurled at him by many in this community. The personal insults by several on this board validate to me the challenging climate that makes Utah stifling to so many. "Fool?" "Loser?" Comments like those reveal your insecurities, people.

Richard felt the Mormons turned on him because they quit paying to see his movies in throngs. So he said heck with it (sort of). But what he didn't (doesn't) realize is his films have such a small market that there is no possible chance to have an audience. States of Grace was an amazing film, but "who is he talking to here?" Mormons won't like that film because it goes against the grain and non-mormons won't like it because it centers around missionaries. That is his problem. No real audience interest in his pictures. Now he thinks to go the other way. If so, then leave the Church out of it. No one is ever successful tearing down and destroying, especially the Church. It is fun as a child to knock things down, but perhaps it is time to grow up. Time to build. So Richard, go to Hollywood and make all the films you want and get them rated any way you want. Play the Art House circuit. Make that your niche if you want. But don't do any more stories about the Church, please. It really doesn't seem to be where your illusive dollar is at.

I have enjoyed his films in the past. I, too, am surprised by his direction. I agree we shouldn't call him a "loser" as some have, but I think there is a real visceral response when someone who has served an LDS mission later leaves the LDS church (or maybe I'm alone in that). That is a life defining time and many people put their trust in you. It sends an uncertain message to those you taught. I am saddened by his choices, and now seeing he next 2 films are titled "fallen" and "evil angel," and rated R, it is clear he is redefining his life in a way that is unlikely to bring him back.

Richard is just using the press to get publicity for his new film. There really should not be any backlash for the film, because it is rated R and we can't see it. There is nothing noble or shocking about what Dutcher is doing, he is just milking publicity which is common in his business. So people, just let it go. It will join his other films in the nice price bin, when it draws small crowds. He will have to branch out of his niche before he really becomes a noted director. And honestly, we should hope he does well, but as long as he stays with his current subject, no one will care.

Dutchers films showed his distain for LDS culture missionary hype, the exceptions to the strict cultural rules and how he feels church members do things for the wrong reasons. I felt chided with the first two movies, they portrayed a very different experience than my experience as a member. It seems like an addict, Dutcher is spiralling down farther into the mists of darkness trying to "educate" those holding to the rod with portrayal of characters who's worldly vices are justified, or human . And Dutcher lives/works in Provo. I visit there and often end up home teaching my friends in Utah who are living too close to the flagpole to see the glory of the flag. Their disgust with the church cultural elite and the mistaken pride in being an exception to the rule. Dutcher's talent in story-telling and film technique and project money raising won't profit him, until he bottoms out and seeks with a sincere heart the Lord's will for him. True a talent is developing. I say he needs to move away from the LDS culture he hates, and live the potential the Lord sees in him. Until then, I am not watching.

Literally. If you don't like his movies, don't go to them. If you don't like him, don't give him attention. He can do whatever he wants, and if he wants to market to the fringes of mormonism, or those who have left the faith, or even the active LDS, he can. It's your choice to go see the movie or not. In our society, he could go out an make x rated movies if he wanted. That's why we live in America. His life experience is like many others I have seen, waivering throughout his life. Richard, keep doing whatever you want. Who cares? You should be accountable to what you believe, if you have no beliefs, or are different than others, great! You are accountable to what you believe. If you can sleep with a clear concience at night, great. Go about your business. Go make your movie with violence, profanity, and nudity, just leave the LDS out of it. Most LDS people wont go anyway. As for your other movies, I like them, and still do. Everybody makes good and bad decisions throughout their lives. The only difference is you put yours on 60 foot screens.

I'll bet the point of 'Falling' is that the character was justified and wise in his choices. Everyone will see that.
Richard will soon be labeled a 'good filmmaker', with it stamped firmly in his life's 'passport'. The sadness will be when he finds it to be very hollow and un-fulfilling. It's telling that the script for God's Army and Falling were written near the same time.
Hurling hate at Richard is wrong. We see it fulfilled again and again; 'they can leave the church, but they can't leave the church alone'.
Why is that?
I don't hate Richard. I have seen God's Army, but
then, only reluctantly. Just hearing the title, "God's Army" made my spirit cold. It didn't portray my mission experience, at all. I thought to myself, "Great, now look at what all mission presidents are going to have to do to straighten out missionaries that think God's Army is how it is."
I'd say that what's missing is the Spirit. Richard seems to have stopped seeking to convey the Spirit in his work, and rather is trying to touch people's emotions and then get praise. He's setting himself up as a light.

I fail to understand how all these so-called faithful mormons can so easily castigate and judge someone without having walked in his shoes. Maybe instead of flinging mud at him, or expressing such patronizing "disappointment," they could actually practice what they pretend to believe, and show unconditional kindness, leaving the "judgment" to their God.

I fail to see why one person's honest personal journey gives anyone the right to judge him or her for it? Are we really no better than the ignorant mobs that drove mormon ancestors from their homes over and over again? Is bashing someone with words really any more justified than hitting him with a stick?

Is this filmmaker really so threatening to your "testimonies" that you have to publicly berate him in order to feel "righteous?"

He's telling the stories he feels compelled to tell. See his films, or not. Appreciate him, or not. But these personal attacks by professed mormons and christians are childish and mean. And what if it is exactly this "darker side" of mormonism which drove him out in the first place? Ever think of that? What if your own intolerance continues to drive people from your faith? What then?

Richard Dutcher talked in an interview about God's Army pf his own conversion experience, related by one of the film's characters, which occurred at the Carthage Jail. He, and the movie character, said that was an overpowering spiritual witness. I hope Bro. Dutcher will hold onto, and return to, that experience and the knowledge he gained from it. Anyone who forgets their conversion experience, and moves away from it, will never be truly happy.