With the release of Harmless, it appears the Christian film genre has come a long way since the popular “Left Behind” series.
Onslaught Media recently announced the completion of a ‘faith based horror film’ “Harmless.” The premise involves how the demonic bondage of pornography unleashes spirits that terrorizes a family. The following is the synopsis:
‘Harmless’ is the story of a husband and father and his battle with pornography. He unknowingly releases an entity that begins to torture his family, friends and relationships. ‘Harmless’ is a social commentary on how pornography can destroy someone’s life.
Shot in Colorado utilizing the ‘found-footage’ style, “Harmless” looks to be one of the most edgy Christian films to date. Pornography is taboo subject that is very risky for the particular Christian film genre. Recent play-it-safe, faith based films “October Baby” and “Courageous” were box office hits, but a film such as “Blue Like Jazz” which thinks outside the box has struggled to connect with the faith-based audience. Though a faith-based, found footage horror film about pornography should garner a lot of attention. How could it not?
One interesting perspective producer/director Rich Praytor conveys is to not show the pornographic images themselves keeping it appropriate for congregational viewing. “We had to be very creative on how we portrayed the pornography in the film, Praytor said. “We couldn’t just show images of magazines and video. We took a page from the Steven Spielberg’s school and didn’t show the monster, just eluded to it like in Jaws.”
Not showing pornography in “Harmless” is stylistically consistent with other ‘found footage’ film that builds tension to acquire audience attention. No flashes of shock images are necessary for cheap thrills. Besides, keeping it clean of smut would be an obvious requirement for the horror film to be suitable for the intended audience.
Onslaught Media plans a limited release in theaters during the fall of 2012 with a worldwide DVD release to follow early 2013.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Kickstarter campaign: http://www.kickstarter.com/
This looks like a real winner in the unintentionally hilarious and cluelessly ironic genre. Plus the chick playing the mom is kinda cute
This film is shrouded with fear tactics and shaming a part of our culture. I watch porn, it does not harm me, it does not taint my values or intimacy with those who are close to me. I am not ashamed of my body, I’m not ashamed of my exposure to nude images, the ‘obscene’, or the notion of discussing sex, however erotic it may be. I do not hide my sinful actions and interests in a box to hide from the word. Neither does many people. Talk about sex, talk about your kinks, talk about what turns you on. Connect with someone spiritually who embraces your body and the identity connected to it. Someone who doesn’t want to hide any part of it in the closet. Shaming sex out of discourse will not happen.
There are feminists out there who completely disagree with Beverly Taylor, and Rich Praytor. Pornography can be empowering, pornography can be relieving, and as Annie Sprinkles has said, pornography can be spiritual. But if Rich is looking for something to demonize for this wonderful culture war on moral values, so be it.
Just know this: it is a complete disregard to countless individuals who do have a healthy normal life, who also have a non-destructive place for pornography in their life.
Yay! Just what we all need.. more puritanical BS from the Christian right. An evil box of GMO and pesticide laced cereal chasing you around, with flouride and high fructose corn syrup killing your kids slowly would be WAYY better playing the evil monster in this stupid film.
The Puritans came to the USA and never left. Their proud legacy of sexual repression lives on.
Also, the author of this article should learn the difference between ‘eluded’ and ‘alluded.’
This looks like utter garbage
wow- great article- this movie is worth checking out for sure