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Trying To Catch The Wind… Groundhog Day

7/27/2020

Please note: The following text contains spoilers

“Let me ask you guys a question. What if there were no tomorrow?”

Time loops. Time vortexes. Time warps… We’re obsessed with the manner
in which time, as a way to measure our existence, functions, malfunctions
or can be manipulated - especially for the purposes of Sci-Fi. Take About Time
for example, a romantic comedy which is primarily concerned with utilising
time travel, to write the (sometimes very embarrassing) wrongs of our lives.
Or The Terminator, in which a cyborg is tasked with changing the future,
by literally killing the past. In either case, each film leads with a what-if
scenario explored to its full, mind-bending potential. Groundhog Day
(the godfather of time-loop movies) is no different in that regard, but it
also manages to transcend the perceived limits of the comedy genre,
in providing us with thought-provoking questions about the very purpose
of humanity’s existence - all within a brisk, 100-minute window.

In essence, this is a redemption story in which the self-centred, cynical weatherman Phil Connors (Bill Murray, at his deadpan comic best), is inexplicably forced to relive the film’s titular, mind-numbing day, over and over, when he’s caught in a never-ending time loop. For Phil, this is (initially) a fate worse than death - especially since he can’t stand being trapped with the small-town “hicks” of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Despite being incarcerated, however, Phil realises that there are benefits to even a dire situation such as this. Namely, he discovers that if there isn’t a tomorrow, there are no consequences for his actions, and he can do whatever he pleases. Naturally, Phil does it all - from robbing a bank, to binge-eating, to pursuing countless one-night stands... And yet, these delights leave him feeling empty, dissatisfied with his existence, and driven to suicide - the latter of which hilariously does nothing to break the time loop, regardless of the countless, ridiculous methods he employs. Instead, his state of brokenness reveals that every indulgence is in fact worthless and a complete waste of the time given to him. The Bible also regards such activities as being pointless, most notably when the writer of Ecclesiastes remarks upon life’s indulgences:

“Anything I wanted, I got. I did not deny myself any pleasure. I was proud of everything I had worked for, and all this was my reward. Then I thought about all that I had done and how hard I had worked doing it, and I realized that it didn't mean a thing. It was like chasing the wind — of no use at all…”
(Ecclesiastes 2:10-12, GNT)

Without knowing it, Phil comes to understand the biblical concept that to live a self-centred life is completely meaningless and ultimately unsatisfying. So, he decides to try something other than living for himself, in attempting to care for and treat fairly, those around him. It doesn’t necessarily come easy for Phil - people are forever ungrateful or blissfully unaware of his ‘good deeds’. And yet, his determinedly ‘good’ behaviour reflects a desire to live righteously, especially when he embodies many principles of the Kingdom of God - in choosing selflessness over selfishness, for instance. Without knowing it, Phil does indeed seek the attributes of the “Kingdom of God above all else” (Matthew 6:33, NLT), when he chooses to dedicate his time loop to no longer “chasing the wind”.

And yet for Phil, he still seems lost. He carries out every good deed on his time-loop checklist, but still wanders aimlessly through the streets. Is he carrying out these good deeds from a sense of duty? Or because he knows it’s the right thing to do now? It certainly seems that way. For whilst Phil knows exactly what he should do with his life, there is still no driving force behind it. He has no reason to continue doing good, because tomorrow is exactly the same. However, he begins to develop feelings for his producer Rita (Andie MacDowell), who notices that Phil has undergone a transformation, of sorts, when they begin spending time really getting to know each other. Phil’s attraction to Rita soon becomes sincere and he seeks to honour her as best he can, rather than be his cold, cynical self. In truly getting to know Rita, seeing her as a valuable person who has worth, Phil chooses to undergo a transformation of the heart. He no longer does anything out of a sense of duty but serves others because he genuinely has love for them. And that is what ultimately breaks the time loop, sending him back into reality as a changed man.

The Bible teaches that for all of our good works, we can’t do anything to erase the problem of sin in our life and, just like Phil, the dissatisfaction that comes with even dedicating our entire lives to ‘goodness’. No matter what we do, “everyone has (still) sinned and is far away from God's saving presence” (Romans 3:23, GNT). The only way to be truly freed from a place of brokenness then, is to find purpose for our lives and be saved from eternal death. But in order to do that, we have to recognise what Jesus did for us in dying on the cross and rising again, accepting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour - the only One who can save us. For ‘doing good’ on its own is never a solution for the problem of sin (those deliberate choices to ignore God and do wrong in His sight). God doesn’t call us to be ‘good people’, He calls us to be His own - a people who then out of their love for Him, choose to walk in goodness and righteousness as a result of experiencing His love for us, which we will then want to share with others. In turning from our sins and trusting in Jesus’ promise of salvation, we are no longer left chasing after the wind. Rather, we will be liberated from our dark ways of living (set free from our own loop, if you will), and brought into new life with God here, but also in eternal life with Him when we die. For with God, there is always a brighter tomorrow.

Challenge:

Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Groundhog Day for themselves? Use the film’s themes to ask them what they thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject.

If you feel able to, ask them if they’ve ever yearned for something more in life and where they might find true fulfilment. You could then ask them what they think about God’s response to ‘having it all’ would be, and if they're open to hearing it, take an opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, take a moment to pray that God would speak to you through the film. If you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over all of your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

Groundhog Day is now available to stream on Netflix (UK), or purchase on DVD & Blu-Ray

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An Alternative Route? - Cars

7/20/2020

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers

“They’re driving right by! They don’t
even know what they’re missing.”

Aside from being one of the world’s leading animation studios, Pixar has
also had the rare privilege of becoming a household name. This is due, in
part, to their film’s breathtaking visuals, memorable characters and
trademark wit. But I would argue that their influence doesn’t solely derive
from these aforementioned elements. Rather, it is in Pixar’s gift of such
emotive storytelling, that we are taught life lessons which have stuck with
us long after we leave the cinema. Take WALL-E for example, a Sci-Fi epic
which primarily focuses on the romance between two robots, but also
educates us in pointing out that the beautiful, sensitive care we afford to
our relationships, should also be applied to our world that we live in.
Cars, despite presenting an antithesis of the ‘life in the fast lane’ approach, is
no exception. There is slow space within its runtime (strange, considering this
is a tale about a race car), but it is largely thoughtful and hardly ever
wasted space.

Set in a world of anthropomorphic talking vehicles, Cars follows a distinctly human, character-driven tale of a promising, hotshot racer, named Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson). But in his selfish desperation to win the coveted Piston Cup and reach the pinnacle of fame and fortune in the racing world, McQueen finds himself lost - both literally and figuratively. Whilst hastily travelling to the final race of the season, in California, McQueen is separated from his big rig, Mack, and inadvertently finds himself in the dilapidated town of Radiator Springs. In his confusion, McQueen accidentally destroys a large portion of the town’s main road and is sentenced to fix it by the town’s judge, Doc Hudson (Paul Newman). Despite being forced against his will to fix the road of this “hillbilly hell”, McQueen begins to bond with the town’s gentle inhabitants and learns many lessons from them - most notably that being solely driven by selfish obsession, can actually rob us of experiencing fullness of life.

Interestingly though, Cars seems to be at its most emotionally affecting when it offers a prayer of lament for towns along Route 66, who were bypassed by the arrival of the interstate highway and subsequently forgotten. In a touching scene, one character reflects upon the former beauty of the town, as McQueen gazes upon the valley in which it is positioned. She points out that it was once teeming with life, but in order to “save 15 minutes of driving”, passers through began to use the interstate. Long ago, she says, the “road moved with the land; it didn’t cut through it”. The penny suddenly drops for McQueen: “They’re driving right by! They don’t even know what they’re missing”, he exclaims, whilst simultaneously realising that he has done the self-same thing. This brief moment prompted me to think about these words of Jesus:

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?
Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Matthew 16:26, NLT)

It’s almost guaranteed that each and every one of us will pursue specific routes in our lives. For McQueen, his one goal was to win the Piston Cup and thereby obtain wealth and status, in order to make him feel complete. He had chosen a route for which his family and ‘closest’ friends didn’t factor into, because he established himself as a “one man show”, when he fixed his eyes firmly, and solely, upon the prize. But the film’s writers clearly understand that such a pursuit is foolish, for in the earlier, quieter moments of the film in which he is alone, he is truly alone. When McQueen isn’t on the race track, he knows that he has nothing else to live for and the pursuit of the Piston Cup is thereby revealed to be an empty one. Gaining it all suddenly became a very unattractive prospect indeed.

In McQueen’s unwavering determination to pursue his heart’s desires, it causes him to miss that which the film believes to be some of the most important things in life: friends, family, the importance of valuing others, the beauty of the earth, selflessness and being content with not ‘having it all’, amongst other things. We too, have been guilty of this. In our desire to live life the way we want to, we end up choosing empty pursuits - those which the Bible teaches rob us of experiencing true joy, hope, love and peace from God. On the surface, they might be perfectly good things.

However, in choosing to pursue them wholeheartedly, we might become selfish and self-obsessed. We could begin to neglect those closest to us or become consumed by the pursuit itself. And “where there is...selfishness, there is also disorder”, the Bible teaches (James 3:16, GNT).

Selfishness is sinful in God’s eyes, for in loving our possessions, or valuing life goals more than we are called to love God and others, will ultimately result in destructive behaviour. It distracts us from God, who is the “source of all life” (Numbers 27:16), and will cause us to not only follow empty pursuits here, but when we choose to ignore God, this also has eternal consequences; being separated from God eternally in a place of weeping. Instead, we should heed the words of Jesus when he says:

“Do not store up riches for yourselves here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are.”
(Matthew 6:19-21, GNT)

Therefore, we need to be willing to open our eyes to our faults, so that we can experience what we are missing, just like McQueen. To God, we’re missing out on the most worthwhile pursuit known to man: eternal life with Him in Heaven. But “God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience” (Ephesians 2:4-5, GNT), choosing selfish pursuits over Him, He sent His one and only Son Jesus to die for us, so that we could be forgiven. When we turn from our sins, trusting in Jesus’ promise of salvation, we are restored to a relationship with Him and given the gift of eternal life. Only then will our focus no longer be upon selfish pursuits, and our eyes will be opened to God and those around us. Like McQueen, we won’t be left striving towards empty pursuits, but gain the greatest gift of all: eternal life.

Challenge: Why not prayerfully invite a
friend or family member who doesn’t yet
know Jesus, to watch Cars for
themselves. Then, using the themes
discussed above, be bold and ask them what they
might have thought of the film, or if they spotted
any links to Christianity and what they might think of the
Gospel’s response to this subject. Perhaps you could
ask them if they’ve ever thought they might be missing
out on something greater in life, and what could potentially stop them and us from experiencing that? You could then ask them if they knew of God’s response to the film’s themes and, if they're open to hearing it, take an opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, why not pray for God to speak to you throughout the film and if you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over this and all of your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord, As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

Cars is now available to stream on Disney+, or purchase on DVD & Blu-Ray

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Quick, Back to the Future! – Midnight in Paris

7/14/2020

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Please note: The following text contains spoilers

“…that's what the present is. It's a little unsatisfying
because life's a little unsatisfying.”

If you happen to be an Owen Wilson devotee, you most likely will have
noticed that his characters’ favourite word in the English language, appears to
be “wow”. Spoken over one hundred times throughout his filmography,
there have been many moments deserving of the ‘wow’ treatment, but none
seem more fitting than those within Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris -
the writer/director’s 41st film. For Paris is a rare, perceptive comedy, one
which primarily deals in the recurring themes of Allen’s earlier, critically
lauded work, but adds something unexpected, fresh and invigorating into
the artist’s seasoned mix: time travel (of sorts).

The story follows the Parisian-set travels of Gil (Wilson) and Inez
(Rachel McAdams), a successful Hollywood-based couple who are teetering on
the edge of romantic trouble, within their idyllic paradise. For in attempting to write his first novel, Gil falls madly in love with the city, wanting nothing more than to walk the streets that were once populated by his artistic idols of the 1920s. Inez couldn’t think of anything more tedious and actively chooses not to embrace Gil’s love affair with Paris. One night, however, when Gil is forced to take a midnight stroll without Inez, a stunning 1920s vehicle pulls up alongside him, and its passengers invite him to join them at a party. Bemused, but delighted, Gil eagerly climbs aboard and – unbeknownst to him – is transported back in time to Paris, of the roaring twenties…

On the surface, this is another of Allen’s more fanciful films, complete with a gripping premise and his trademark sophisticated wit. But as we probe deeper into the film and its message, we find that it isn’t just content with experimenting in the realm of low-fi, Sci-Fi. Rather, Midnight in Paris is more concerned with the pleasing allure, but
very real danger of nostalgia, and how we as humans sometimes yearn for a rose-tinted view of a ‘golden age’. Take Gil, for example - he looks upon 1920s Paris as being his idea of a ‘golden age’, and is swept up in the seemingly never-ending parties and intellectual discussions with Ernest Hemmingway et al. But there comes a point in which Gil realises that this life he so yearns for (including a relationship with the beguiling Adriana, played by Marion Cotillard), is completely unattainable.

When Adriana reveals that she in fact longs for the 1890s and not her present (the 1920s), Gil finally understands that people, by and large, will always desire a ‘better time’ if they are not able to be content with their present. Sometimes, to experience feelings of satisfaction once more, people will often become drawn to their past. So, whilst Gil might be unsatisfied with his experience of the present, this sudden epiphany however, shakes him free from a trance-like state. It releases him to understand that he should try to find satisfaction in his present life, not a by-gone era, as well as looking forward to the future.

Looking back on the film, Gil’s realisation could be interpreted as a simplistic ‘live-for-today’ ideal, but I would argue that the film’s overall message has stronger ties to that of the Bible’s view of nostalgia, than immediately apparent. For example, the film ultimately believes that to yearn after another time is foolish, just as it says in Ecclesiastes, where the author warns against allowing nostalgia to alter your mindset:

“Don’t ask, “Why was life better in the ‘good old days’?”
It is not wise to ask such questions.”
(Ecclesiastes 7:10, ICB)

The film understands clearly, then, that by looking favourably upon the past and yearning for it, we are blinded and unable to see the many issues and constraints of not only that specific time period, but also those that come with our past selves. For the Bible teaches that for all of the perceived ‘good’ that we did or experienced in the past, we must acknowledge that we were and are not, perfect people. Rather, “everyone has sinned” (Romans 3:23, NLT) and we ourselves have not lived a life that reflects God’s standards. However, the Bible also encourages us to draw close to God, for He alone has made a way for us to experience fulness of life in the present, with Him. It was through His Son Jesus, who destroyed the power of all our mistakes when He died on the cross, and was resurrected three days later, who made a way for us to live in relationship with God, today and forever. He himself even declared, "I have come in order that you might have life — life in all its fullness" (John 10:10, GNT).

For Christians, therefore, the past is not a time we should yearn
for, or attempt to return to/replicate. Rather, it is only by living
in the present with God at the centre of our lives, that we are
able to be saved from the consequences of our sin (both now
and eternally) and experience true fulness of life, in
relationship with God. If we choose to acknowledge what Christ
has done for humanity in dying on the Cross to save you and
me, we need to actively turn from our past mistakes
and towards God’s Way. Then we won’t ever need to look back
at our past or yearn for another time. For when we commit
our lives to Him, trusting His promise to save, we need only look forward - towards His goodness that is available to us all, this day, and our eternal salvation. For the future with God is bright and it will give
us everything we need to be fulfilled, whilst living in the past will rob us of fulness of life here, and in eternity.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Challenge: Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch Midnight in Paris for themselves. Then, using the themes discussed above, be bold and ask them what they might have thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject. Why not ask them what things could be stopping them and us from experiencing fulness of life in the present? You could then ask them if they knew of God’s response to this and, if they're open to hearing it, take an opportunity to share the hope of the Gospel message with them.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, why not pray for God to speak to you throughout the film and if you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over this and all of your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord,
As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

Midnight in Paris is now available to stream on Netflix (UK)

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Close to the Broken-Hearted - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

7/1/2020

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Please Note: The following text may contain spoilers

“What do you do with the mad that you feel?”

My father and I often debate the quality or meaning of various films together, spread throughout our busy film-watching lives. But when I once asked what his favourite genre was, my father responded with “true stories”, commending them for their sometimes astonishing unbelievability, capability to teach and honourable desire to correct us when we might have gone astray – often simultaneously. Marielle Heller’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood easily accomplishes all of this and more, whilst artfully embodying American TV host Fred Rogers’ tender, non-judgemental convictions that were rooted in his Christian faith. In this way, Heller’s film, albeit of secular origin, becomes one of the most important ‘Christian’ films of recent years – one that, much like the teacher whom Tom Hanks portrays, aims to humbly deliver a lesson that might just save a person’s soul.

The soul in question is that of Lloyd Vogel’s (Matthew Rhys, playing a fictionalised version of journalist Tom Junod), a cynical, albeit talented investigative journalist who is tasked with writing a profile on the beloved, children’s television show host, Mr. Rogers (Tom Hanks). He immediately protests, sharply informing his editor “I don’t write puff pieces”. Naturally, he has no say in the matter and begrudgingly makes his way from the bustle of New York City to the quieter Pittsburgh, to interview Rogers. It’s there that Vogel encounters a person quite unlike any other, one whom you could either class as a fraud, or a “living saint” (although the latter term is one Rogers strongly disliked). In the process of interviewing Rogers, the roles of interviewer and interviewee soon reverse – much to Lloyd’s initial bewilderment. Their series of conversations, however brief, become unexpectedly therapeutic, bringing to light Lloyd’s internal, emotional pain and inability to forgive his father, Jerry (Chris Cooper).

Without seeking to spoil anything, the latter portion of the film admirably avoids the typical Hollywood schmaltz we have become accustomed to, in choosing to genuinely take time reckoning with the emotional burdens that Vogel, and by extension us, might carry on a daily basis. And for a ‘family film’, there’s certainly some heavy themes addressed, including that of abandonment and terminal illnesses. Thankfully, there isn’t a rush to seek a peaceful, heart-warming resolution for this painful, messy situation. Rather, Rogers and Vogel continue to hold honest, emotionally raw conversations, in which the two learn unexpected truths about and from one another.

It is Rogers, however, who initiates this movement towards depth of conversation, and in so doing, chooses to draw close to Vogel – both literally and figuratively. In spite of a very busy schedule, Rogers makes time to specifically sit, listen and talk with him. He shows a keen interest in who he is, his family and his pain – all the while saying very little. It naturally takes a few meetings for Vogel to feel comfortable being the one doing all the talking (especially when he usually does very little of it), but he eventually comes to understand what Rogers is all about, embodied in one simple, quiet line of dialogue: “You love broken people, like me”.

It would be easy to select a handful of moments from within the film and call them heart-breaking, but Vogel’s moment of realisation and Rogers’ calm, measured response, genuinely is. It’s here that Rogers responds, just as God would, in seeking to comfort the broken-hearted Vogel, by affirming the good that is within him and being lovingly present to him in that moment. Unexpectedly, Vogel accepts these affirmations and even chooses to open himself up to receive a challenge. The moment reminded me, almost immediately, of a Psalm of David:

“The LORD is close to the broken-hearted;
he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
(Psalm 34:18, NLT)

Rogers’ quietly moving act of selflessness is important for us to note as Christians, for it indicates that just as God cares for Vogel, so too does Rogers. Therefore, from watching this true-life story, we know that when our heart for people is firmly in alignment with God’s very own, people’s lives can genuinely be impacted for the better, as they experience a heavenly concept actualised before their very eyes. I believe that in our obedience to Him, God works through us by the power of His Holy Spirit, so that they might experience the Father for themselves. So, what the film initially deems to be a simplistic but noble act of love, ultimately contributes to saving a life from emotional destruction and positively influencing the way in which Vogel might see Christians, such as Rogers. Can you imagine if Fred had sought only to condemn Vogel for his faults, or not made time for him at all? Vogel’s and other non-Christian’s perceptions of Rogers as a Christian man, would be influenced for the worst. Yet because of his commitment to being who he was in Christ, he is remembered fondly by many, who point to him as being someone we need in today’s world. So, we should actively seek to emulate Rogers’ actions here, just as he chose to model his life upon Christ. For Jesus teaches that:

“By this all people will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:35, ESV)

In all of this, however, we must remember that Vogel’s salvation is purely secular. Whilst he seeks forgiveness for his actions, actively works to be reconciled to his family and does change his ways, he is only ‘saved’ in the secular sense. But when the aforementioned Psalm speaks to us about being rescued by God, it not only refers to the emotional pain we all experience in the present. It is also in the eternal sense. For the Bible teaches that we cannot save ourselves from the weight of our mistakes that affects each and every one of us. They lead to spiritual death in eternity. For we have all sinned in choosing to reject God in favour of our own selfish desires. But we remain in great need of a Saviour, which is why God sent His Son Jesus on a rescue mission to draw close to, and lay down His life for us. When Jesus rose again, he had conquered death and its power over us, making a way for God to take our broken hearts and give us a heart transplant. In doing so, He promises to save and fills us with His perfect love, joy, hope and peace, when we choose to turn from our sinful ways. This is pure salvation as God intended it, so please join me in praying that Tom Junod (the real Lloyd Vogel) would be saved, this very day.

“And I will give you a new heart, and I will
put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony,
stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.”
(Ezekiel 36:26, NLT)

Challenge: Why not prayerfully invite a friend or family member who doesn’t yet know Jesus, to watch A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for themselves. Then, using the themes discussed above, be bold and ask them what they might have thought of the film, if they spotted any links to Christianity and what they might think of the Gospel’s response to this subject. In particular, why not ask them what it feels like to know that God wants to draw close to them in their emotional brokenness, but also in relation to their brokenness caused by sin in our lives, so that He might bring fulness of life.

Prior to watching the film for yourself, however, why not pray for God to speak to you throughout the film and if you feel comfortable, pray this prayer over this and all of your future, film-watching experiences:

Dear Lord,
As I watch this film, I ask that you would be present here with me. Highlight to me anything within it that is honourable, anything that can be used in conversation for your Kingdom purposes. Amen.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is now available to own on DVD & Blu-Ray

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Trying To Catch The Wind… Groundhog Day

An Alternative Route? - Cars

Quick, Back to the Future! – Midnight in Paris

Close to the Broken-Hearted - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Articles written by
Scott Gentry
scott@k180.org

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Trying To Catch The Wind… Groundhog Day

An Alternative Route? - Cars

Quick, Back to the Future! – Midnight in Paris

Close to the Broken-Hearted - A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Articles written byScott Gentry​scott@k180.org

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Categories

Articles written by
Scott Gentry
scott@k180.org