That Pesky Conscience

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teddy1

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To start, you may have seen some of my other posts, and it might be a mystery to some of you, but I am a writer and an actor by trade. I don’t want to give my name away, but have been in a few big productions. I just wrote my next project that I am planning on portraying one of the characters (just getting the financial stuff secured). I have never questioned my roles or characters before, but now that I have gotten back in touch with the church a bit, I have these thoughts flying around my head. See, in the script I wrote a love scene, where it is I that has to perform it. I wrote the scene, which is a pivotal point in the characters development. I don’t want to go into my whole artistic process, but it is fairly unconscious when I am flowing, and get lost in the world of my work. It’s not me but the character. Is that still ok?
 
I don’t think that acting or writing about a certain topic, or engaging in certain actions as an actor, is sinful as long as you are not doing so to glorify the sin portrayed. Nobody has an obligation to actually watch what you make, and even if they do, they then have their own conscience to discern your artistic interpretation. But I do think the key is that the artistic work, if it portrays an essentially sinful character for example, does not romanticize or come across as condoning the actor’s sinful lifestyle.

Personally, I try to watch certain works through a “Catholic lens,” thinking the while to myself: is what this person is doing moral? Is it bringing them happiness as God intends? Are they trying to live a holy life? How are the affecting the people around them? etc. So something like “The Sopranos” or “Breaking Bad,” while portraying violent criminals, crimes, moral depravity, etc. do not necessarily glorify these behaviors, because the people around the main characters have to live with the ugly aftermaths of their choices. And by the time those series ended, it was clear that the shows were not “suggesting” that anyone live such lives.

I would contrast these shows to something like the “Bachelor” series where marriage is seen as a cheap, meaningless trial; “Sex and the City” where happiness is found by consumerism many times; or “Modern Family” which undermines the true nature of marriage and family, just to give some examples.

Again, is the intent of the artist to persuade the viewer to “accept” sins as normal; or does the work instead show the ugly side of sinful choices made?
 
As a skilled writer and performer and now having your conscience remind you…I would say change the script to omit or pass by the details at very least of the love scene.As a catholic I always avert my eyes and skip the page if a love scene suddenly crops up.
Your conscience becomes a moral compass when you become a determined catholic.
God bless.
 
teddy1 said:
To start, you may have seen some of my other posts, and it might be a mystery to some of you, but I am a writer and an actor by trade. I don’t want to give my name away, but have been in a few big productions. I just wrote my next project that I am planning on portraying one of the characters (just getting the financial stuff secured). I have never questioned my roles or characters before, but now that I have gotten back in touch with the church a bit, I have these thoughts flying around my head. See, in the script I wrote a love scene, where it is I that has to perform it. I wrote the scene, which is a pivotal point in the characters development. I don’t want to go into my whole artistic process, but it is fairly unconscious when I am flowing, and get lost in the world of my work. It’s not me but the character. Is that still ok?
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Catechism
2525 Christian purity requires a purification of the social climate. It requires of the communications media that their presentations show concern for respect and restraint. Purity of heart brings freedom from widespread eroticism and avoids entertainment inclined to voyeurism and illusion.
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I’m following this thread with interest–I’ve wondered the same thing too
 
I am not sure what you mean by “a love scene”. Is this a normal romantic scene, or is it a sex scene, or a porn scene, or what?

Are you telling a story or glorifying immoral behavior? There is a difference.
 
If what you mean by love scene is sex scene, then I’d suggest that you rework it.

For me, the most impactful love scenes/sex scenes are those were the sexual relations are only alluded to. For me, those scene have a lot more artistic value than the “sex on scene” kinds of love scenes.
 
Is there a way you could portray a sex scene without simulating it?

Like you know how there are sitcoms/shows etc that would show the build up and only the end, where the couple is in bed or something. I figure that would be a lot better than a raunchy scene.
mrsdizzyd said:
For me, the most impactful love scenes/sex scenes are those were the sexual relations are only alluded to
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I agree, actually. Sometimes raunchy scenes just distract the audience from the overall film and it becomes a mini porno, lol. I like the alluded scene in Wonder Woman where the couple simply kiss even though you know what happened after.
 
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Your ‘pesky conscience’ is God living in you, talking so listen or not your choice.
I agree with the others if it’s a sex scene you are talking about edit out the actual event, no one needs to see that and just have the build up and end bit. Or even better leave our the sex altogether and just have the love scene, lol. I know, the modern world doesn’t like that.
 
angel12 said:
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Seagull:
Jesus wasn’t an actor.
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He wasn’t a CAF poster, either.
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⭐ Post of the day!
 
If you have to ask about it, you may want to change it. God bless you. If you are who I think you are I really admire what you have been doing lately.
 
That’s true about CAFposters.
I’ve read enough to piece together who people are too - lol
But no wonder he’s having financial difficulties -
“ I have these thoughts flying around my head “

Judas was an actor. Kissing Jesus !
That’s when Jesus drew the line.

Or king David, kissing Bathsheba -
while writing a note - concerning Uriah.
 
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