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FILMS
CNS photo/Warner Bros.
Quinton Aaron and Sandra Bullock in “The Blind Side.”
What if morality judged the Oscars?
For the first time since the 1944 Academy Awards, 10 films from 2009 are nominated for the coveted Best Picture Award.
The winner will be determined after consideration of many factors, but almost certainly not moral strength.
If morality were the judge, a few films would not even be nominated. Take “Up in the Air” (Paramount), a film with solid performances all around. The film ends on a hopeful note, but one that also sings praises of adultery. George Clooney’s character endorses a self-serving independence throughout the film, only to, predictably, retract this mantra unconvincingly.
The undisputed winner would be “The Blind Side” (Warner Bros.). A blatantly pro-Christian message is woven into the film that shows a fiery Texas mother, Leigh Anne Tuohy — played magnificently by Sandra Bullock — citing her faith as the reason for her noble actions.
Her willingness to love transforms the life of a young, disadvantaged football player. The cross that hangs around Tuohy’s neck is not merely an accessory, but a sign of her motivation.
“Up” (Disney/Pixar) and “District 9” (TriStar) would also be on the short list. In the sweet animated feature from Pixar, the elderly Carl is transformed by the love he gives his young neighbor. Hilarious at times and touching throughout, “Up” is a children’s film that deals with major life issues in a way that’s poignant and entertaining.
“District 9” is gory, violent and difficult to watch, yet it puts forth a strong message about recognizing the value of life beyond prejudices. The small-budget, action film is rife with implications for Catholics — especially how we welcome immigrants.
Between the losers and winners, as morality sees it, are three films with good, though convoluted messages.
“Avatar,” for example, is a well-made action film with a gripping premise and fascinating technological advancements. While the sacredness of life is stressed, human life and nature are valued equally. The message takes a convoluted turn as a sort of eco-worship is endorsed — one that does not require respect for human life above all else.
“Precious” (Lionsgate) is a heartbreaking film about an abused teen searching for a new life. She takes positive steps, but her success is realized by a vague presence of loving and encouraging relationships. While love is certainly transforming, morality is a strict judge that would prefer to see the story rooted in an unconditional love found in Christ.
Finally the “The Hurt Locker” (Voltage) is an interesting film with a great lead performance by Jeremy Renner, but again leaves the viewer with a morally ambiguous message. The lead character wants to decrease the number of people who die in war, yet the film glorifies his job. War seems glamorous. A justice that is well intentioned but morally problematic motivates Renner’s character.
If morality were the judge, it would have quite a task in front of it. Ten well-made films — some more poignant than others.
In a year where films all feature characters searching for something — for hope in “Precious,” “A Serious Man” and “Up in the Air,” for love in “An Education” and “District 9” and finally for purpose in “Avatar,” “The Hurt Locker,” “Inglorious Basterds” and “Up” — no one finds clear answers.
No one, that is, except the Tuohy family in “The Blind Side.” Their search is graced by a belief in God, who guides their journey. That journey would end with an Oscar if morality were the judge.
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