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).
“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:
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)
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)
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)
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
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
RSS Feed