If it makes sense in the context, no.

I don’t think so either.

Not at all!

Maybe a bit? I had to go look up the definition. (Not that that’s a bad thing. It’s always good to learn something new.) But being that this is a movie, and not a book (where you could stop, go look up a word’s meaning, and come back), you might want to consider that some folks won’t know what ‘anathema’ means.

Anathema:
1. A formal ecclesiastical ban, curse, or excommunication.
2. A vehement denunciation; a curse: “the sound of a witch’s anathemas in some unknown tongue” (Nathaniel Hawthorne).
3. One that is cursed or damned.
4. One that is greatly reviled, loathed, or shunned

Course, now that I know what it means, s’okay.

I don’t think so, it doesn’t really have the religious conotation any more so the D’ni don’t have to be Catholics to say it;-p

And yes, now I’m trying to imagine the context where such a word might be spoken…

Usually I hear it in the sense of “something that someone really dislikes”, as in “Obfuscation is anathema to me.” (Though of course, if that’s true about me I could never say it. :))

Well, it wouldn’t be the first time..

It always bugs me that big words are anathema to anything produced for the general public…

Perhaps you should sedulously eschew hyperverbosity or prolivity.

I use words like anathema in ordinary conversations. It drives my friends bonkers. Try using the word “chthonic” in a casual conversation. Well, first find out how to pronounce it (and don’t go with the sissy modern pronunciation…get both the “kh” and “th” sounds in there). Then use it to describe something, and let the befuddled expressions ensue. “Machiavellian” is another good one.

Obscure, obtuse, and archaic words are fun.

So no, it’s not pretentious.

@ Hawkin, same here. Only I had to look up chthonic (which is an awesome word and I thank you).

“Chthonic”…hmmmm…someone’s been reading H.P. Lovecraft.

An interestingly applicable word.

People interested in Myst aren’t the bottom of the intellectual barrel. XD Big words are fun, even if it sounds like you’ve swallowed a dictionary!

Woahh, Chthonic is really appropriate o_O

It sounds like something Atrus would say to me. So if it’s Atrus that says it, I’m certainly ok with it.

This is interesting: now we know part of the plot of the movie! Since there is some kind of curse or dislike, it must involve some type of conflict. Be careful, Mysteriacs: don’t give away too much of the plot at once.

You got me. Okay, everyone, I’ll admit it - this movie has conflict.

Way to spoil the fun for everyone, Gorobay. We may as well show our hand.

Patrick, commence the commencing of the releasing of the script.

Conflict? In a Myst film? I dunno… seems like a departure from tradition. Well, I mean except for the Atrus vs sons thing. And the Atrus vs Ghen thing. And the Savaadro vs Atrus thing. And…

mmmm. Big words.

Well, the whole Terahnee disaster was pretty bloody.

No worse than “pariah”, both of which I have used in the past.

Words in blog entry: 12
Key words: 3
THAT ratio could be pretentious; I dunno…

Anathema?! I love that band!

I personally love the word “callipygian,” but good luck finding the means to casually place it in conversation.

“I personally love the word “callipygian,” but good luck finding the means to casually place it in conversation.”

Speaking of showoffs Yale, you’re kind of my hero.