Berry Interesting…

If  you saw the movie Julie and Julia then you know that this  movie was based on the true life story of a young woman (an underdog in a dead-end job) named “Julie” whose kitchen idol was–who else–Julia Child, chef extraordinaire. 

Julie sets out on a mission to master the art of French cooking within a certain amount of time.  She posts about her progress on her blog while attempting to create the same fabulous recipes from a Julia Child cookbook.  The movie chronicles Julie’s ups and downs during this process, and we are caught up in her life as she experiences some failures and disappointments, as well as some great successes, too.

It’s a fun movie that has a bit of everything:  romance, comedy, drama, and of course, cooking!  For me, the one drawback is the use of bad language.  Though not excessive,  I felt it just wasn’t necessary to make it interesting or a good movie.

When I’m in my writing mode, I’m very conscious of creating realistic dialogue to go with my characters.  Some folks in my novels may be a little more rough around the edges than others.  And as I’ve said before, some may speak gruffly, make poor choices, or  live a morally unsound life if they’re struggling in their Christian walk, or are perhaps, non-believers and haven’t committed their lives to Christ.  (Even as Christians, there are days–sadly–that we don’t always act, think, or speak as we should.  That is, indeed, reality.) 

I guess I’m wondering, though, why producers think it necessary to throw in a curse word (or ten) in what is touted as a “family” movie.  Even cartoons, and shows on children’s networks, have off-color humor and double-meaning euphemisms that are totally inappropriate for youngsters. 

No, I’m not completely naive, and yes, I do understand it’s all about the marketing aspect.  Trying to get shows/movies to appeal to adults, as well as their children, generates more sales.  I totally get that.  It doesn’t mean I like it.  

It’s just interesting how watered down certain things in television shows and movies have become over the years, and now we “accept” what used to be deemed unacceptable.  We’ve almost become desensitized to certain things because it is so “normal” to hear it (practically everywhere) on a daily basis. 

And let me just say, in referencing the movie above, no, this wasn’t a kiddo’s movie.  I believe Julie and Julia was rated PG-13.  It would have been just as great, IMHO, if it had been rated G or PG, without the curse words.

I’m not a prude.  I write inspirational romance with gentle love scenes, romantic tension, drama, comedy, and sometimes, terse exchanges.  My novels reflect “real life” without use of the in-your-face language and sensationalism that we see elsewhere on a daily basis.

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A question for you to think about:  For those of you who read (and write) Christian fiction, do you ever struggle with the “fine lines?”