Bill Maher's "Religulous"

[CaptJack]

I have just come back from seeing this movie, and I'm wondering if anyone else around here has seen it and wishes to share their reaction.

Given that this could become a very touchy subject, I would ask that anyone involved in this discussion be respectful and civil towards other posters who have different views. As this board is composed of a lot of highly intelligent people, I think it is one of the few places where this kind of discussion could be held without disintegrating into chaos.

As an athiest American, I am quite impressed by how effectively Maher makes his points about the ridiculous and often contradictory nature of religious belief. The movie is clearly not intended as a balanced piece, and as such will not likely reach beyond those who already see things as Maher does. Yet, despite a great deal of editing for effect, the impact of scene after scene of contradiction, confusion, and intolerance on the part of preachers and believers is a great one in itself. Sadly, given the film's nature I think that the vast majority of people in the U.S. will refuse to even consider its legitimacy, and that it won't be presented in enough markets to even allow more than a handful of my countrymen-and-women to do so.

I am interested in the general reaction to this film, and especially the reaction of those I consider above average in intelligence. So, anyone here have anything they'd like to add?

 

[OdoWanKenobi]

I saw it earlier this week. I thought it was very funny, and made a lot of good points, though I agree that it was not at all balanced. My biggest gripe is that I wish he had spent more time showing the problems with Judaism (I'm Jewish.) The only things he showed were two people that would be considered daffy even by Jews. Certainly neither of them are representative of the Jewish faith, and I'm sure that there are plenty of better things he could have made fun of us for.

 

[TGTheodore]

Actually, it was a lot MILDER and more respectful than I thought it was going to be. The audience just howled at a lot of the most idiotic spots (meaning interviewees' "answers" not Maher).

And I really liked his moments with his mom and sister.

I never felt he "invaded" anywhere, and for the most part he handled people with straight-forward but kit gloves. I was never embarrassed for those being interviewed nor by Maher himself. I loved the brief shot inside the Vatican and the cut to the next shot following it.

And the rabbi who was allying himself with those who deny the Holocaust ... wow! I thought Maher was incredibly patient for MUCH longer than I would have been. "Let me finish .... let me finish."

I agree, the same people who think "Michael Moore? Hate the man hate his films" (without ever seeing any) will probably feel the same way about Maher.

Too bad. A well done and incredibly thought provoking movie. And yes, extremely funny in many parts. I DID think the very end was a bit much, but since he held back for so long, he had to let loose SOMEwhere.

--Ted