by Midnight Freemasons Contributor
Bro. Robert Johnson 32°
As a new member
of The Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite NMJ, I am always pleased with the events
that are going on. This past few weeks the Valley of Chicago is hosting a
Masonic film festival which include three films which tie into Freemasonry. The
first was The Man Who Would Be King, which I missed but
I will end up watching eventually. The second was Murder By Decree. I also
couldn't make this one, however I did rent it as to see what it was about and
the Masonic influence contained within. I have to say it was a good movie, and
the Freemasonry which is portrayed in the movie was neat.
Although
I liked the movie, overall I felt it portrayed us as a murderous secret society
bent on protecting members, no matter the cost. In this film, signs were given,
the Tyrians were named and other information was acted out. The third in this
series I did make arrangements to attend.
The movie National Treasure starring
Nicholas Cage was a box office smash. I loved the Masonic influence in it and I
am excited to attend, watch and discuss the film. Freemasonry in movies and
pop-culture is something that I love. If you remember I had a post some time
ago about Freemasonry in comic books, in which I mentioned The League of
Extraordinary Gentleman which is laden with symbols and ideas.
In
my research I had also uncovered that Captain America or as his Brothers know
him Steve Rodgers was also a member, as it makes mention of it in one of the
books. But returning to films, I researched several movies and scenes which
lend themselves to propagating the craft.
From
the quick scene in Aliens (1986) where a Sergeant is wearing a masonic ring to
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009) which is said to be in whole Masonic
in nature. The later I cannot confirm or deny as I have not seen it. One thing
is for sure, as some people like to listen to Pink Floyd's The Wall and see if
it syncs up with The Wizard of OZ, I know Freemasons everywhere keep our
watchful eyes out in order to catch these Masonic cameos. As the winter months
slowly pass, take some time and watch a movie or two. See what you can find.
~SKRJ
Sir Knight Robert Johnson, 32° is
a Freemason out of the First North-East District of Illinois. He
belongs to Waukegan Lodge No. 78. He is also a member of the York Rite
bodies Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and Knights Templar, and a member of
the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago. Brother Johnson currently produces
and hosts a weekly Podcast (internet radio program) Whence Came You?
which focuses on topics relating to Freemasonry. In addition, he
produces video shorts focusing on driving interest in the Fraternity and
writes original Masonic papers from time to time. He is a husband and
father of three. He works full time in the safety industry and is also a
photographer on the side as well as an avid home brewer. He is also
working on two books, one is of a Masonic nature.
I'm currently researching real Masonic treasure (supposedly real, anyway). I've seen both "National Treasure" films, but the research has inspired me to watch them again. So I checked them out of the library and this weekend my wife and I will be having a "National Treasure" marathon. I'll look into some of the others you mentioned, too. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreat article, Brother. I had not heard of a Masonic connection in Doctor Parnassus; this has reminded me I have yet to watch it!
ReplyDeleteI have also yet to watch the film of The Man Who Would Be King. It has a good cast, though.
An interesting example of Freemasonry in popular culture is the Assassin's Creed video game series. The plot revolves around the struggle between two secret societies through history, one which seeks to maintain (and enforce) order in society by any means necessary, and the other which opposes the controlling methods of the former. Both groups show elements of Masonry (primarily in a fantastical version of popular speculation), and one is even the Knights Templar (the originals). The third game is set in Revolutionary America, and features Freemasonry itself in the plot. I haven't played it yet, but from my understanding the Fraternity is portrayed in a largely accurate manner (which is a humorous contrast to the actual secret societies in the story).
By the way, it is Dark Side of the Moon which supposedly synchronizes with Oz. Although The Wall would make a much more disturbing contrast!
Jesse Slater
J.W. Wade Barney #512
Nothing is as much fun as getting together with your entire family in front of the couch, popcorn fully popped, snacks on the coffee table, and everyone hunkers down for family solar movies night. Now, most family movies tend to be animated or involve puppets, but for this upcoming movie night, you've chosen a fine selection of action movies to help the stress of the week just melt away!
ReplyDelete