The morning started off wrong.
After I ate a breakfast of previously received Dove chocolates, my family (which consists of my twin sister Eileen and our mother) promptly delved into a heated dispute which lasted more than four hours and of course, had no relevancy whatsoever to the holiday we were supposed to be celebrating!
We retreated to our individuals bedrooms in angry huffs, only to emerge a little later having calmed down and ready to celebrate.
So, how did we three single women celebrate?
Well, first we dressed as warmly and fashionable as possible. I wore dark dramatic make-up (complete with festive red lip gloss), and my black boots. Then we headed out to My Big Fat Greek Restaurant, where we dined on affordable appetizers and waited for our movie of choice to start playing at the adjacent AMC Theater.
The movie of choice? Doubt, directed by John Patrick Shanley, which I'd been itching to see since the trailer was released last year. My mother and sister saw it last week, and have been eagerly waiting for me to have spare time to see it also (I've been busy rehearsing for my school's newest theatre production and the dance recital).
Reasons why you should see Doubt:
Reason #1: It stars Meryl Streep.
Reason #2: It stars Meryl Streep.
Another reason to see Doubt is because it is one of the best recently made movies I've seen in a long time! The acting, direction, script, and score is just top-notch and nothing short than a work of well-executed, raw brilliance! From the start of the movie, I was fully enthralled and in my full film-analyzing mode. My arms were a constant tidal wave of goosebumps, my jaw either set in concentration or agape in reverent awe, and my hand permanently paused over the popcorn (which is saying something, 'cause that theatre popcorn is the BOMB!).
Doubt somehow combines and tackles multiple hot-button themes, such as church/organized religion vs. God, doubt vs. faith/certainty, man vs. woman (sexism), black vs. white (regarding views and race), old vs. new, and sexuality.
The film treats the audience with respect, allowing multiple interpretations and conclusions making it a rare, universal film. The ending in particular raises heated, strong debates. The only other films that I feel have this same multi-interpretation aspect are Donnie Darko and Mulholland Drive.
As soon as the film ended, my festive, dramatic make-up was streaked with tears, and I sat glued in my seat, a million thoughts rushing through my mind. Even when we ladies hit the restroom, we couldn't help standing around to excitedly chatter our opinions.
Eileen and I quickly purchased some Sour Drops that we thoughtfully devoured during the car ride home.
As someone who was born and raised in the Catholic religion (indeed, I myself was an altar server for years!), I have a special affinity with Doubt's themes. I am glad that it tackles the issue of priests being accused of sexual abuse, but in a whole new fresh, intelligent way.
I like that the multiple views of Doubt's characters show that the Catholic religion itself is not to be represented by this occurence, as there are some in the religion, like Sister Aloysius, who have a strong sense of justice and do not condone those actions.
Speaking of Sister Aloysius, the multi-layered and fascinating character played by Meryl Streep; she specifically symbolizes the fact that everyone questions their faith, and will always do so; it is human nature (at least, intelligent human nature which learns and creates belief systems through questions). Aloysius questions her belief in God vs. her belief in the Catholic Church itself, which she as a strict nun has spent years serving both.
Look, corruption occurs in every organized religion; for they consist of flawed people.
The Catholic Church is just one of the few that takes responsibility for it.
After the film, as we were debating in the bathroom, I was confronted by a group of kids from my school. When we told them which film we saw, one asked "So, do you think that the priest did it?" To which my sister wryly replied, "It's not that kind of movie."
That statement best describes Doubt; it is not a who's dunnit popcorn film.
It is a highly intelligent, provocative story that will have you questioning everything.
It is everything I believe a good film should be.
I highly recommend this movie, and if you have seen it already, please send me your thoughts/reviews!
Doubt Movie Wikipedia
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2 comments:
Grace I saw doubt a while ago and I loved it. How funny, before I watched it I got in a fight with my sister! So I was really pissed off and was crying for the first 10 minutes of the film.
I loved the film. However I went and saw it with Loretta and Sara who didn't like much it because they couldn't find out the truth.
But I agree with Eileen. It really isn't that kind of film. There are some things that you don't need to question. Mulholland Drive is a great example. I think it was more of an art peice than just a film. There is more to it than just a plot. And I think the fact that it keeps you wondering is what is so good about it.
And plus everyone in the film did a phenonminal job. Phillip Semor Hoffan, Meryl Streep, and Amy Adams I think are some of the greatest actors of our time. And I also think that the boy's mom was amazing. Hands down. Awesome
I totally agree with you, Jude! :-D There are some films that break the usual guidelines and boundaries, and become more than just a plot. Doubt is one of them. And the acting, like you said, was incredible. I was also struck by the mother's character.
I am just really glad that I know you, Jude-I feel like you're one of the only people who feels and thinks the way I do about film! It's nice to be understood, and to know someone like you who has such a passion for film. :-]
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