Salt n Pepper

In the last issue of The Catholic News, the article, Pornography Plague, touched on the concerns and effects of pornography to marriage. In an upcoming adult film, Little Children, we see that effect on the big screen when neglected wife, Sarah (Kate Winslet) discovers that the waning of her husband’s interest in her is largely due to his addiction to a pornographic website. Frustrated with her life (she also dropped out of graduate school), she begins an adulterous affair with Brad (Patrick Wilson), a stay-at-home father who struggles with his own insecurities as his wife (Jennifer Connelly) brings home the bacon and centres her affections on their young son.

A sub-plot portrays Ronnie (Jackie Earle Haley), a convicted paedophile, now living with his mother in the neighbourhood, but who is harassed by a former cop, Larry Hedges (Noah Emmerich). As Larry vandalises Ronnie’s property and wakes the neighbours at night with his tirades, some observers may rightly attribute Larry’s “war on terror” against Ronnie as the film’s political comment on the rash violence inflicted upon another nation in the name of security.

In their struggle for identity, Ronnie becomes a distraction and excuse for the other characters to rationalise their own fears without looking within their true selves. It is only when disaster strikes that each person learns to take responsibility for their actions, start to grow up, and discover who they are. Although the end is not a neat fairy tale ending, it strongly hints at redemption for the characters.

Yet the film invites us to go deeper. While we may not indulge in adulterous affairs or harass criminals, each of us too is flawed and sinful. Yet do we self-righteously condemn others or do we offer them the compassion and gentleness of Christ?  At a Book Club meeting in the film, Sarah comments on what led the title character of Madam Bovary (thus also implying herself) to lead a life of infidelity, “It’s the hunger for an alternative and the refusal to accept a life of unhappiness.” It was from unhappy homes where love and understanding were somewhat lacking that led Sarah and Brad to each other’s arms. When we honestly question our own sinfulness and that of others, we realise that as one body in Christ, what we do (or don’t do) affects others. We are responsible for not only our actions but indirectly that of others. In our search for happiness and love, we make choices that can be made responsibly and maturely or childishly and selfishly. But even as we behave like children who are never satisfied as Jesus comments in Matt 11:16-19, we are assured that he also says, “let the little children come to me” in Mark 10:14. It is only when we turn to God through prayer and discernment that we can be assured that our choices and actions lead not to fleeting happiness but lasting joy.

Directed by Todd Field, Little Children will be released in Singapore on Feb 8, 2006. With adult themes and scenes the film has been rated M18. Caution is advised as some scenes could be offensive to viewers.

(published in The CatholicNews Feb 12, 2007)

Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Oscar Isaac, Shohreh Aghdashloo
Director: Catherine Harwicke
Screenplay: Mike Rich
Producers: Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen.
Genre: Drama, Bibilical, Christmas
Rating: PG
Duration: 101 mins

Synopsis:
The Nativity Story chronicles the arduous journey of two people, Mary and Joseph, a miraculous pregnancy, and the history-defining birth of Jesus. The dramatic and compelling film traces the perilous journey of a young couple who must travel from their home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral home, to register for a census ordered by King Herod. It is a journey of over 100 miles, through treacherous terrain, made much more difficult by the fact that Mary is nine months pregnant.

Perhaps for the first time in film history in the biblical genre, we find a film that portrays Joseph and Mary on a very human level. Many Catholics often place both Joseph and Mary on high pedestals - saintly figures whose holiness are beyond the ordinary person’s reach. The Nativity Story commendably sets them with down-to-earth humanity as ordinary persons, reminding us that saints are also very human and it is in their human struggles that they find holiness.

Combining the infancy narratives found in the gospels of Matthew and Luke, the film also expands and infers what is not found in scripture verses, imagining probable scenarios in the lives of the teenage Mary, “God’s favoured one,” and Joseph, a “righteous man,” whose lives are turned upside down when they are called to be parents of the Son of God.

The physical and spiritual journey that Joseph and Mary undergo in the film can be a parallel reflection of our own inner life journeys. Despite their fears, doubts, struggles and uncertainties of the future, their faith in God and his promises pull them through. Models of faith, hope and love, they provide inspiration for anyone experiencing trails, hardships, and misunderstandings. It is a difficult and challenging journey that they endure but one which eventually leads them to wonder and joy, as they welcome into their lives Emmanuel, God with us.

Like Mary who finds consolation in her cousin Elizabeth, we see the importance of spiritual friends or mentors, who can provide us with encouragement, guidance and friendship along our journey in life. And we too are invited to be friend and mentor to our fellow travellers.

In Joseph, we find a steadfast human love that is sacrificing, patient and kind (just as described in 1 Cor 13) as he struggles first over what is the most loving thing to do with Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, and then being her source of strength and faith-companion when he decides to abide by the angel’s call to take Mary as his wife.
The Magi in the film provide some comic relief to the tense emotions found in Mary and Joseph though at times their scenes tend to drag. The portrayal of Angel Gabriel is perhaps the most disappointing depiction of an angel and it is hoped that audiences will not imagine celestial beings as represented in this film. Great effort went into finding appropriate locations and the design of sets in this film to recreate conditions and situations of the time, from the domesticity of making cheese to the use of ancient construction tools. The result is an authentic peek into life of first century Israel.

This peek also includes the oppression that the Jews suffered under the Romans, an oppression that many continue to face today under varied and diverse forms, and from which true redemption is found only in the Messiah.

This is a film that is a wonderful vehicle to spur on discussions with non-Catholics on how we regard Mary and Joseph and their roles in the Church. It is also a chance to share with non-Christians the true meaning of Christmas, and that “with God, nothing is impossible.” Most of all, it is a film that can help us reflect on how our faith and trust in God can result in our own magnificat where we cay say as Mary did, “the Mighty One has done great things for me and holy is his name.” (Luke 1:49)

Suggested Scripture Readings before watching the film: Matthew 1-2; Luke 1-2

Sr Wendy Ooi, fsp

A Christian Appreciation

                                            

Harry is in his fourth year at Hogwarts which opens its doors to host the international Triwizard Tournament. Although officially under aged, he is named the 4^th champion to compete in the tournament and faces the greatest challenge of his life.