The Cinema of Kerry Shirts

[_The Nehor]

I was assuming a Danite hitman got Scratch. Disappointment is so bitter.

[_Doctor Scratch]

I enjoyed the interview with Dr. Peterson. Talk about a nasty piece of work. I have never seen the likes of such diabolical, cynical evil. All I could do was gasp in horror.

Trevor,

I somewhat agree with this. I especially liked the part where DCP said that he respects non-scholars' readings of the Book of Mormon just as much as Ph.D.-holding scholars, since, you know---they might see something he didn't see before. So, I generally enjoyed the diabolical cynicism of the interview, though I didn't find it to be quite as revelatory as last year's DCP interview. This time around, both he and Shirts have gotten far more skilled at restraining their anger. Last time, as you'll recall, DCP slipped up and allowed his grimly resolved hatred to penetrate the normally jovial facade. ("I take apologetics and defending the Chuch very seriously," he said, as the Lou Gentine smile evaporated from his face.) Shirts was angry in the '08 interview, too, practically frothing at the mouth when he slipped up and mentioned "Shades' board."

In any event, though I had intended to save it for later or to skip it altogether, I suppose I'll offer up another review:

The FAIR Conference 2009, Pts. VII-IX: one star.

A massive disappointment after the success of the previous installment. These episodes feature interviews with Allen "The Slug" Wyatt, and Daniel C. Peterson. Both of the interview subjects are reasonably interesting, but the conversation is ultimately so static that it's hard to muster up much enthusiasm. Shirts's energy---despite all the cookies---is pretty much nil here, and thus the interviews, filmed once again up against a drab, gray, concrete background, are about as exciting as watching somebody's ant farm.

Pt. X promises an appearance from Steve "Rommelator" Smoot, though, so perhaps good things are in store.

[_Paul Osborne]

Yeah, that was scary -- the red eye! Some of the facials were just creepy.

DCP appears to be a likable person who likes to have fun. My kind of guy.

Then, when Gee walked in it was as if the cold chill of the graveyard entered the scene. Oh, my, gosh. If looks could kill! Kerry didn't get much of a response from Gee about his papers. Gee flew out of there like a bat out of hell! You'd think he was the count himself!



Paul O

[_Yoda]

I was assuming a Danite hitman got Scratch. Disappointment is so bitter.

Weren't you the hitman in charge of that assignment? I don't envy you. There's going to be hell to pay back at headquarters.

[_Gadianton]

Professor,

On your warm recommendation I revisited episode 6. I agree that this is the climax of the series, though still, not as good as the Tarantino film yesterday. What seemed to thread the cloth together in this segment was the near universal enjoyment of ice cream bars and junk food. No fancy hor dourves and delicacies here. Along with the lifeless interior space, the forced laughter, and the disturbing "eye jokes" that you point out, I'd have thought John Waters was in command of the scene. But he definitely draws the viewer in here, it was a quick ten minutes.

There were some interesting revelations. For instance, the apologists pretending they don't know how to pronounce "Mopologetics". And then Gee skirting the issue and fleeing the scene when asked if the Book of Abraham was revelation. Kerry's lead in here failed in a fantastically revealing way, i think. As opposed to the same tactic which worked predictably with DCP. Is the Book of Mormon still relevant? Oh yes, yes it is! Oh, it's fantastic!

[_KimberlyAnn]

Doctor Scratch, your reviews of Shirts's videos are nothing less than exquisite.

They are a joy to read.

KimberlyAnn

[_LifeOnaPlate]

Just as a friendly heads-up, Kerry lost his brother in an automobile accident last month and it might do well to lay off for a little while.

[_Gadianton Plumber]

Just as a friendly heads-up, Kerry lost his brother in an automobile accident last month and it might do well to lay off for a little while.

Did you speak with his family last week?

[_LifeOnaPlate]

Did you speak with his family last week?

No, just Kerry.

[_John Larsen]

Just as a friendly heads-up, Kerry lost his brother in an automobile accident last month and it might do well to lay off for a little while.

By posting the videos on the internet, Shirts is making himself a public figure. Although I find the personal attacks distasteful--that is the price of opting in. If Shirts needs time to mourn, than he should disengage. He can't keep up his same old routine and except deferential treatment.

That being said, I am sorry to hear about his loss and wish him and his family the best.