Unification News Movie Reviews - September 2009
September is a fascinating month, in that it brings with it a sense of change and progression. From schools beginning another academic year, to the drop in temperature, to the bursts of autumnal color on the trees, everything about September feels like change. So it is only fitting that we discuss the idea of change, of making progress and moving forward.
This is a fairly broad topic in the cinema world, for all stories involve progress and change - otherwise there would be no story. Certainly all of the films I have recommended to you previously have involved profound internal or external progress. What I aim to do with the following reviews is provide you with clear yet interesting examples of change and progress, from opposite ends of the scale of activity and reactivity.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Directed by Robert Mulligan
Starring Gregory Peck
Not Rated
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Based on Harper Lee's acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird centers upon the Finch family - 10 year old Jem, his 6 year old tomboy sister Jean-Louise “Scout”, and their father Atticus, a lawyer. They live in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930's. Life is uncomplicated for the children, until they witness various forms of intense bigotry and stigma, especially as Atticus is assigned to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman. Will the Finch family be able to alter the town's hateful opinions?
To Kill a Mockingbird is ranked at number two in the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Most Inspiring Movies of All Time. But why? What is it about this simple movie in a dusty southern town during the Great Depression that makes it second only to It's a Wonderful Life in inspirational value? To answer this, I would like to refer to a quote from one of Rev. Moon's speeches entitled For the Future: “the people who live for the future are prepared to sacrifice everything if they see it is adverse to mankind's best interests. They are better than those who cling to their old ways but have no vision.”
Though told primarily through the eyes of Scout, this film is actually a character analysis of Atticus Finch, who perfectly fits the description in the above quote as a man who shapes the future in everything he does. For example, he is a model father, as can be seen in the conversations he has with his children about differing perspectives, and his desire to protect them from the world's evils. He is a model citizen, as his neighbor points out, saying of Atticus “some men in this world are born to do our unpleasant jobs for us.” Atticus is also a model advocate for peace and justice, as shown in his impassioned closing statement of the trial. Like in True Father's quote, Atticus sacrifices his good favor from the rest of the town as he agrees to sincerely defend Tom Robinson.
But to go back to our original theme, what does Atticus have to do with change? He himself changes little throughout the course of the film. What Atticus represents is how, in remaining true to one's ideals and integrity, such ideals can permeate to others and cause change. And even more profound, he begins this progress within his family; it is his children who perpetuate the ripple effect through the community. It is a quiet change, and Atticus is a quiet hero. But the change, and the hero, absolutely exist.
Discussion Questions
After the trial, the black Pastor says to Scout, "Jean-Louise, stand up... your father is passing." What does this signify? What does Atticus mean to the black community of Maycomb?
Think back to the scene outside of the jail house. Note Scout's monologue to Mr. Cunningham. How has she changed from the beginning of the film to this point? Would you consider Scout another example of the change caused by Atticus?
From a historical standpoint, why did such an unfair case even come to trial, let alone a trial by jury? Try looking up similar cases (such as the Emmett Till case) for more information on trials of this era.
The Visitor (2008)
Directed by Tom McCarthy
Starring Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Jekesai Gurira & Hiam Abass
Rated PG-13 for some strong language
Running time: 104 minutes
Walter Vale is leads a comfortable but lonely life. He is an Economics professor at Connecticut College and a widower. He leads a life that essentially guarantees comfort and security, but he has nothing to live for. In comes the disordering event – a request to present a colleague's paper at a conference in New York City. He grudgingly accepts. When he arrived, he stumbles upon two unexpected house guests - Tarik, a Syrian djembe drummer, and Zainab, a Senegalese jewelry maker. - illegal immigrants living in his New York apartment. He hesitantly makes the choice to let them stay – a choice which will leave a definitive mark on his life.
This is a brilliant film, with an excellent screenplay, beautiful cinematography and very strong, deliberate acting, likely due to outstanding direction from Tom McCarthy. Perhaps the most fascinating scenes are the short scenes scattered around the film (such as Walter's neighbor and “Sprinkles”, the woman buying jewelry, etc). These small moments deliver some of the biggest emotional blows of the film; this is a sign of a fully realized screenplay.
But for the purposes of this review, let us discuss the development of the characters, especially that of Walter. Clearly, he is the biggest recipient of internal transformation; he goes from being a lifeless curmudgeon to someone who lives beyond himself. Walter's growing friendship with Tarik and Zainab transports him to a new world, and a new life – one with meaning. It's as if Tarik's drumbeat somehow infuses Walter's sleepwalk of a life with an actual beat and pulse, a newfound heartbeat.
Discussion Questions
Walter confesses that he pretends to be busy, when he really just has no desire to give of himself. Have you ever experienced this in your life?
The cinematography of The Visitor tells a story of its own. Take note of the various patriotic imagery throughout the film (American flags, the Statue of Liberty, various phrases, etc.) What do these images say to you?
Bonus Question – Find the part in the movie where Mouna says “Feels like Syria.” What is she referring to? Why does she draw the comparison? Is there truly a difference between the one place, and the other?
The Visitor differs from To Kill a Mockingbird in that, while the latter focuses on how one man (the “changer”) alters the world around him, the former concentrates on the recipient of an internal renaissance (the “changed”). While Atticus Finch remains steadfast in his character and thus revolutionizes his community, Walter Vale experiences a dramatic change brought upon him by others. By watching these two films, we see illustrations of both ends of the spectrum – the give and take action, if you will. And in doing so, we can see the value and necessity to both change and be changed. We must remember the importance of standing by our values for the sake of positively affecting others; on the other hand, we must be open to the ways others can positively change us. If we learn to strike the correct balance between the two, we can look forward to a life of many beautiful changes.
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