Frank Capra, contrary to popular opinion, is one of the most challenging�maybe even disturbing�of all filmmakers. He asks us to accept things about which we have grave doubts�not because they�re nice or inspirational or comforting or helpful�but because they�re true.
Excellent insights- I discovered "Wonderful Life" and "Mr.Smith" on my journey to the Church- they are touchstone spiritual events for me. They provide me with additional courage to go deeper with my trust in God, as I pursue political office. I even asked for a show of hands of those who had seen "Mr.Smith" during a couple of candidate forums. That film represents the essence of the struggle as I see it. Politics, just like life itself, is all about having a moral vision and pursuing that vision until it is completed- no matter what. Real life for me is fighting the Bankers, the Insurance executives, the Walmart founding family, corrupt Congressmen- the whole rot- and I know that clinging to the Catholic social doctrine is a ridiculous spectacle in the real world of Republican versus Democrats. But I know deep down it is the truth- my winning an election or two, gaining some measure of power and all, that may be something important and all- but I will let God be in charge. I'll fight with all my heart and passion just like Mr.Smith- but thanks to "Mr.Smith" I don't have to go through the phase of being disappointed with the world- the world is opposed to God, and I cannot serve both mammon and God, I must choose and continue choosing God over worldliness, temporary set-back one after the other over electoral triumph- if it means compromising the social doctrine and my values as a man. Frank Capra got it- and now I get it too. I'm glad to see I'm not alone, and I am overjoyed to find someone more articulate than I, who can go out and promote the Capra films and vision. Let's pray for Frank's intercessions for our ourselves, our families, our nation and the whole world.
Your analysis of Frank Capra's film-making makes me think of J.R.R. Tolkien's word "eucatastrophe", which he defined as the unexpected happy turn of events that makes everything come out much better than seemed possible. For Christians, the Resurrection was the ultimate eucatastrophe after the catastrophe of Jesus' death. Christian believe that such things can and do happen. Many modern men and women do not. Therefore, The Lord of the Rings is called "childish" and "not serious", and Frank Capra's movies are called sentimental. I think that you're very right in saying that people wish that they could believe in happy endings, but are afraid to.
Your cinematic and philosophical analyses were spot on. As a student of both disciplines, I have often wondered why something is only considered serious if it's nihilistic. Your thoughtful and thorough exploration of Capra's themes helped to vindicate this incredibly important filmmaker, and I thank you for the work you put into it.
January 09, 2007 9:06 AM
