Films and faith in 2009
With 2009 almost at the door, I got to wondering what kind of films about faith and spirituality we might be treated to in the next twelve months. After all, there's only so many times you can watch Keisha Castle Hughes in 'The Nativity Story' or Steve Carrell in 'Evan Almighty'. Will 2009 bring anything a little deeper and more meaningful?
'Doubt' is top of my list. Set in 1964, it centres on a powerful confrontation between a nun, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), Principal of St Nicholas in the Bronx, and Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) who wants to see the school impacted by some of the political and social change sweeping the country. When another nun, the young and innocent Sister James raises suspicion that Father Flynn is abusing a black student, a titanic struggle begins between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn. He denies the charges, and much of the film's quick-fire dialogue tackles themes of religion, morality and authority.
The origins of the film is a stage play of the same name by the film's director John Patrick Shanley and I get the sense from the trailer that the film still feels very much like a play, with dialogue taking priority over action. Even more refreshingly, the director leaves the decision of who is guilty, and of what, open and allows us, as the audience to make our own judgements.
Not that this approach seems to be at fault: reaction to the film in the US, where is has been out for a few weeks, has been incredibly positive. Metacritic rates it as 70 with especially good reviews from Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) and Peter Travers at Rolling Stone. David Bruce also has some interesting thoughts on the spiritual dimensions of the film over at Hollywood Jesus.
Although the 'doubt' of the title is more about the question of what, if anything has been done by Father Flynn, the themes are much wider. In particular - and I have to say this is without seeing the film - the challenge to the authority and beliefs of Sister Aloysius seems to reflect the very same challenges to the Christian faith in Western society that had such an impact in the 1960's. As James Berardinelli points out in his excellent review, there is a peculiar lack of compassion and a coldness that often accompanies moral certainty. And that's something that has sadly accompanied Christian faith more than it should in these past decades. It should make for compelling viewing, both as a film and as a discussion starter for a whole host of spiritual questions.
** The exact number they can be endured is to be found somewhere between 0 and -1 depending on your level of tolerance.
