What is art?

    I've heard of people who say art doesn't try to say anything. That true art is ambiguous and doesn't try to tell us anything, leaving the interpretation up to the viewer. I personally disagree.
    Sure in movies you have to be restrained in how you deliver your message, but as Christians, if we have nothing to say at all, or we just hope people will come to the right conclusions to the movies we make, then what's the point? I know the movie Fireproof was hardly subtle in it's message. There were plenty of spots where people are just sitting around, talking, and boring the heck out of the audiences who aren't interested in the message. Also, there wasn't much in the way of entertainment in the movie; just a few scenes.
    Batman Begins, on the other hand is also full of messages. It just isn't as obvious as having Bruce and Alfred sit down and talk for 10 minutes about justice. However, the movie takes an in-depth look at two sides and beliefs about justice. Bruce Wayne wants to punish the bad people and inspire the good people towards moral reform, while his mentor, Henri Ducard, wants to eliminate the whole city as it is "beyond saving."
    As Christians, this should make us think. Is anyone "beyond saving?"
    Only by their own choice.
    Does God give us a chance to reform, or just wipe us out?
    Thankfully, we all know the answer to that one.

    As we see, just about every movie has something to say. Art doesn't have to be ambiguous. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is full of Christian themes, none of which are stated explicitly. Instead of hearing sermons about courage, friendship, and self-sacrifice, we see these traits played out and done by flawed people.
    That's how I think Christians should make art.