I've covered religious films and films that discuss religion on this blog before. Unsurprisingly, especially in this day and age, the topic of faith within the Western World as it pertains to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and even Hinduism, Buddhism, and beyond have been enveloped and politicized beyond feasible belief. Matters of religious belief and its place within the political management over America alone has spawned generations of hotly contested debate, legislation, and enough protests and riots to stockade a lifetime. Godless digs deep into the heart of several issues plaguing contemporary American Christian understandings of faith when pertaining to government via two catalysts whom are also the movie's protagonists: Bishop Reginal Roland and Presidential candidate (and later, the officiated President) Angela Porra.
I won't spoil too many story-sensitive details within this review, as this movie is definitely something one should experience for themselves completely fresh, but for the sake of posterity and clarification, I'll provide a barebones synopsis here: Ostensibly hailing from similar Catholic backgrounds, Roland takes it upon himself to excommunicate Porra from his diocese after her continual ignorance of his warnings in passing and supporting legislation anathema to the Catholic dogma, primarily in regards to gay marriage and abortion. These topics are incredibly hot-button and evoke numerous feelings and strong emotions for different types of people, yet I cannot understate how gracefully Godless not only navigates these problems in relation to various representations of the American public, but also provides nuance, grace, care, and intelligence to both sides of the argument. The Catholic Church are not presented as this regressive monolith of bigotry and hatred, nor are the progressivists displayed as foolhardy, disrespectful of tradition, or callous. Like with everything in this life, the truth is embellished with shades of complex grey, and the motivations driving these characters and their support or opposition of particular platforms are deep-rooted in their upbringings and beliefs. If this movie espouses any real philosophy to its viewer, it's that everyone is the hero of their own story.
There's a litany of elements I can praise when regarding this narrative, but chiefly above it all stands the film's masterful usage of dialogue. The minimalist usage of its background sets forces the viewer to hyper-focus on and engage with the dialogue being shared between the characters, and every scene here lays the groundwork for an ideology or character moment that's paid off. Angela's conversations in Spanish with her mother, her debates with her homosexual political advisor and young female intern alongside Bishop Roland's own conversations and heated diatribes with fellow clergymen feel like actual behind-the-scenes discussions taking place within the halls of power today.
There's no real 'villain' to speak of here either, every character, even the ones presented in antagonistic and opposing lights, have genuine and understandable reasonings behind their actions. Roland being reprimanded for his drastic action by Cardinal Russo isn't because Russo is actually some sinister, sniveling, corrupt Church bureaucrat using the faith as excuse to increase his own power whilst being uncaring of policies that would damage Christian standing throughout the West- but rather, he seeks a more subtle means to reinstate Catholic influence in American society.
Nico Pappas, Angela's advisor, isn't some depraved maniac because of his orientation and desire to pass same-sex or abortion bills, but rather an eloquent, well-spoken, and highly intelligent man who seeks nothing but the best for Angela as both her friend and career advisor. Sometimes, a discussion between two characters is more entertaining then ten mindless machoman action flicks, and this movie is practically the epitome of such a principle. Father Roland's religiosity, yet simultaneously his own humility, understanding of his sin, and willingness to understand and empathize with those he'd otherwise disagree with in conjunction with that lifelong creed and commitment to God makes him a better male role model then many who self-proclaim themselves that title today. He, like Peter Cullen's brother once said, is 'strong enough to be gentle'. Near the ending, when he discusses his own past and path to finding God, the beauty and mournful sadness alike is so beautifully done, so amazingly performed, if I could give it an outstanding descriptor; it was truly human, in the best way imaginable. And these are just SOME of the side characters which bolster the primary two of this movie.
Meanwhile, Angela, (and I must give actress Ana Ortiz props for that mournful, emotional scene near the ending where she discusses the loss of two important people in her life), is an amazing female character who withstands constant backlash and vitriol, still managing to become President despite it all and remaining true to her beliefs and desires whilst balancing the needs of her constituents. Her story evokes success and tragedy, victory and defeat, hope and despair, the human condition perfectly encapsulated in this fictional politician whom I'm sure many women, even if they're not exactly running for governmental office, can relate with deeply and interpersonally.
This movie is important. Perhaps that's pretentious to say, but I'll stand by that statement. It's a profound story and look at American social, political, and religious norms during a time where it seems beliefs are changing by the day, and nefarious actors push false truths against one another and dominate a cultural exchange that consists only of divisiveness and anger. During a time when people of all ages, creeds, ethnicities, and backgrounds feel it increasingly pointless to participate in a system seemingly rigged to benefit only the worst of us, this movie insists that our faith, whether in God, our Constitution, or even each other, cannot solely be misused by these wicked souls to crush each other for their benefit. Rather, it's that very faith which binds us, makes us strong and resilient, which has carried us from hierarchies where slavery and racism were normalized to today, where any man or woman of any origination could actively participate and change the system for the betterment of their fellow human. Ironically, poignant a title as it is, I felt like Godless was anything but- in fact, it seems to me it's the greatest Christian movie produced in recent memory without arguably even trying! The conversations between Angela and Roland were something I wish I saw more of today. In fact, they're something we NEED to see more of. They were constructive and beautiful in ways it's hard to really describe.
Director Michael Ricigliano and his cast and crew need all the commendations in the world, and if you've the time, money, and willingness; I deeply implore you watch this movie. While I typically cover wacky, zany entertainment pieces taking place in far-off realms and worlds, this movie is deeply personal to millions, and the events and characters and institutions it overviews dominate many aspects of our lives today. It's sad, tragic, thought-provoking, and ultimately; hopeful. If you're going to watch any movie I recommended this year, watch this one.
Thank you all, God Bless, and expect even more reviews and posts soon!
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