The Use of Christian Symbolism in The Sixth Sense and The Matrix - Movie Review Example

Running Head: FILM ANALYZING Film Analyzing Filmmaker’s Use of Christian Symbolism Challenges the Religious Imagination of Viewers. SCHOOL COURSE PROFESSOR DATE Filmmaker’s use of Christian Symbolism Challenges the Religious Imagination of Viewers. Introduction While humanity’s struggle for honor and knowledge of other religious convictions carries on, the modern filmmakers’ endeavor to equate religious representation with faith fails. We, as viewers, try to embrace the reality of the film although it is only a symbolism of existence and spiritual beliefs. As we struggle to see this, filmmakers persist to illustrate to us Christian symbolism to express meaning and knowledge towards the paranormal activity that we witness in our lives. The presentation of ethics and significance by contemporary filmmakers reveals society’s beliefs today. As we reflect on our beliefs, filmmakers who mold these beliefs may eventually influence our lives. Film makers strive to convince us that these experiences are more than just perceptions. The filmmaker’s use of Christian symbolism challenges the religious imagination of viewers. To prove this point, this paper will analyze two movies with different themes, The Sixth Sense being a horror film, and The Matrix being an action film, both movies equally depicting spiritualism. First, let me start by discussing symbolism in films and an analysis of its spirituality. Understanding Symbolism in Films Symbolism study in films exposes how the symbols used by filmmakers can link emotion and reflection, as well as, beauty and perception. It is through the perception and discovery of symbols that brings about changes with what they put into it. The filmmakers representations must be wide-reaching and not personal. Nevertheless, symbolism in a film can be so light that the viewers may find its existence unnoticeable. A symbol occurs when a figure is enveloped by mindful and unconscious connections with its effect dependent on the observer’s cultural background. The film directors, being progressively more conscious of the symbolic characteristics of color, try to incorporate symbols with subject, nature, and situation. Artistic understanding in analyzing symbolic films, plus extensive exposure to humankind is integrated in the study of symbols (Edward, 1974). Analyzing Spirituality in Films In the analysis of spirituality in films, examination of the film’s tendency to confirm conviction or tendency to incite uncertainty are considerably studied. Aside from this, the viewer’s reaction to the film and interpretation through their naked eyes or fundamental theories are closely inspected. In analyzing spiritual films, metaphorical meanings are fitted into the faith that humanity respects. It involves specifically investigating the helpful or rebellious force of films to uphold belief or support disbelief and how these experiences could persuade or dissuade a debate on spiritual concerns and importance. There are seven basic steps in analyzing spirituality in films, namely: 1. Discussion of the character, account, and range of religiosity in the film. 2. Clarification of the purposes they present for varied audiences. 3. Identification, analysis, and discussion of spiritual symbols, pictures, legends, customs, themes, and sets of laws as they emerge and function in cinema. 4. Revelation of knowledge of class, sex, and ethnicity, as they participate in the reconstruction of sacred belief in their own representations. 5. Critical analysis about the association of private belief to cinema. 6. Expression of religion, attitude, and visualization about the trend of film. 7. Clear details on how personal devotion and uncertainty are supported and encouraged by viewing the spiritual film; how film molds, confronts, and upsets the audience’s faith (Lindvall, 1987). Analyzing Christian Symbolism in the Movie: The Matrix Christianity is the largest religious practice in the United States. For this reason, expectations on the religiosity of The Matrix will be prevalent in the discussions of the movie series. The existence of Christian inspirations in the Matrix films is obvious and unquestionable, however, the question lingers, are we convinced that the Matrix series are really Christian movies? Let us begin by evaluating some of the apparent Christian signs that materialize in the film. First, the name given to Keanu Reeves, who plays the lead actor, is Thomas Anderson. Thomas may be a reference to the Doubting Thomas of the Gospels, whereas Anderson stands for "son of man," which refers to Jesus. Choi says to Thomas, "Hallelujah! Youre my savior, man. My own personal Jesus Christ." The ship used in the film has a caption: "Mark III No. 11," a possible suggestion to the Bible: Mark 3:11 says, "Whenever the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him and shouted, You are the Son of God!” (Holy Bible, New International Version, 1984). Thomas Anderson is also known as Neo, whose name when rearranged becomes ‘One’. He is The One who is destined to free mankind from the computer-controlled world where nothing is real and guide them to a better place, the real world. One more fascinating connection between Neo and Jesus Christ is resurrection. Jesus died and on the third day, he rose from the dead. On the other hand, Neo died too and on the 72nd second, which is similar to three days, and he rises up into the heavens. To add more coincidence to it, The Matrix was released in theaters on Easter weekend, a holiday celebration for Jesus’ resurrection. Unlike in The Matrix where Neo is the first One, in The Matrix Reloaded, Neo is the sixth One. There are conveyances in The Matrix series too. The first One up to the fifth One probably represent the Five Books of Moses of the Old Testament. The sixth One is a representation of the New Testament. Neos portrayal as a science-fiction version of the Savior is seemingly safe. Is it really safe? Some Christians believe that the Savior is a pure and faultless union of both religion and humankind who brings deliverance to human beings from the bondage of sin by surrendering to death. However, none of these qualities even in symbolic forms are manifested by Neo, the Savior from the unreal world. Neo is not even sinless. In fact he kills people and shows no reluctance to extramarital sex. We are presented no reasons to think that Neo is a unification of the heavenly and the human; although he extends control more than any individual possess, there is nothing spiritual about him. His powers gained from a skill to twist the rules which have been re-programmed into the world he was born into, the Matrix. In any way, Neo is not revealed in The Matrix as a redeemer for humankind’s sin and his mission is not to mend conflict amid mankind and God but instead, Neo, like a knight in shining armor, comes to life to free us from unawareness and fantasy. Discharge from fantasy is undoubtedly constant with Christianity, but it does not comprise a symbol for Christian deliverance. Furthermore, the thought that our realism is false is contradictory with Christian values in an all-powerful and honest God. In order to save humanity, Neo confronted death which is accidental and out of purpose. His ways of deliverance is violent as shown in the film when even the innocents lose their lives to him. Neo falls in love solely with Trinity but exhibits no manifestations of love for humanity as evidenced in his killings of the innocent ones. In Matrix, Christian representation extends past the nature of Neo. The City of Zion is depicted as a similarity to Jerusalem, a holy city for Jews and other religious beginnings. These are not entirely Christian themes or metaphors. Observers may erroneously see them as authentic Christian films because of persistent use of Christian symbols, although it would be more appropriate to declare that Christianity is not only superficial but likewise an inner understanding and portrayal of human culture which is a division of our mankind’s legacy, civilization and philosophy. The Matrix awakens cultural and spiritual legacy. Let not these distractions confuse us with the underlying messages that extend beyond anyone’s beliefs and convictions, together with Christianity. To sum this up, I believe that the Matrix Trilogy uses a great deal of Christianity and yet it is not a Christian movie. The spiritual symbols in The Matrix series are mere manifestations of Christian principle, delivering Christianity in a phony approach that is agreeable to American pop culture but which necessitates forgoing strength on behalf of people adjusted to in-depth religious reflection. Rather, the making of the trilogy are not in the first place intended to be Christian; but instead simply meant to depict significant matters which explore Christianity (Cline, 2009). Analyzing Christian Symbolism in the Movie: The Sixth Sense The Sixth Sense is a terrifying psychological suspenseful story of an eight-year-old Cole Sear, portrayed by Haley Joel Osment, who is troubled by a mysterious secret: He is visited by spirits. Being so young, puzzled and helpless, Cole is frightened by aggressive spirit visitations from those with unsettled problems who emerge from the darkness. Perplexed by his supernatural powers, this young boy could not comprehend his mission and too scared to tell anyone, not even his mother about his suffering, with the exception of child psychologist Dr. Malcolm Crowe (Bruce Willis). As Dr. Crowe tries to unearth the worrying reality about Coles paranormal capacities, what they do not know is that they are both in for a terrifying, unfathomable revelation. The Sixth Sense makes use of several symbolisms. The film is placed throughout the Halloween season, a period when the god from the natural world passes away and waits for being reborn in spring. Autumn is the era of death. It resists reincarnation and rebirth. Notice also the symbolic use of windows and doors. These stand for representational entry to external elements and the outside world. Since the early production of films, darkness and shadows, have been the favorite symbolism linked to dead spirits. Shyamalan, the writer and director of this film, used not only shadows, but also makes wonderful use of not only shadows, but also mirror images. To free himself from the unwanted visitations from the dead people, Cole finds refuge in the church. Inside the church, the film used sacred and worldly icons such as statuettes of Jesus, the saints to emphasize the spiritualism theme. The writer persistently takes us back to the realm of the after life. Shyamalan is very apparent that his film is about the value of good and honest messages in associations. The use of the red balloon is the figurative basis to the whole picture. Take note the use of light and shadow, where shadows are representative of the dead and light is emblematic of life and the Lord. . The use of red emphasizes vital connections to the paranormal. Aside from the fact that red is symbolic of blood and death, Shyamalan integrated it with religious relationship as well. The Jesus statuette wears a red cloth; the candles have a reddish flame, and the boy is presented with two big red doors. Cole learns from Dr. Crowe that a church is a refuge from enemies which leads him to build a red tent in his bedroom to protect himself from the ghost visitations. And, inside he places little Christian icons, a bed and a flashlight.  At the last part of the movie, in a heart -melting scene, Cole’s mother becomes his new sanctuary as she affectionately envelopes her son in a warm embrace Reality transports closeness to the mother-son relationship. Shyamalan appears to be proposing that a mother’s embrace, like no other, can be a sanctuary from whatever dilemmas. I think the film is effective in revealing life and death, and heaven and earth. It is however unbelievable as to why no film critic has ever touched the movie in its spiritual characteristics, rather these critics simply identified symbols of life and death. The truth is, I have yet to find a review analysis that best talks about obvious religious representation found in this movie. Our society displays a great inquisitiveness about religious things and still our movie cynics are restrained to argue these issues when analyzing a film.   Some critics may raise eyebrows and display disgust in The Sixth Sense for its communication with ghosts. Although, this film is too appealing and essential to merely discharge, others may see it as plain fantasy film yet the story is loaded with vital truth and critical life matters. Discussing life after death, religious and symbolic issues, and relationships in a film allow the viewers to contemplate on new elements of life (Bruce, 2005). Conclusion Movies play an important role in people’s perception of religion. However, complete comprehension of religion is complicated. In the United States of America, even though Christianity is the biggest religion, there are immeasurable diversities amid believers as to one’s perceptions, beliefs, and disbeliefs. Only a few films deal particularly with spirituality, nevertheless, majority of contemporary movies are worldly and not aimed at showing a holy explanation of life However, religion will always be a part of our lives, so it is supposedly expected that religious orientations will be present in some films. When film and religion interconnect we are given an insight of our society, a picture of religion’s responsibility in our culture. Filmmaker’s use of Christian symbolism challenges the religious imagination of viewers. The role of religion through films is intended to be a truthful illustration of what people perceive and apply. While watching films, some questions should be given thoughtful analysis. Which aspects of religion are presented? What is the purpose of the filmmakers in presenting religion? How does the film educate us? What thoughts of religion have been strengthened, symbolized, opposed? If the Bible is used, are they given a reasonable and precise reading? If the viewers lack understanding on the topic of religion, what would they have learned? (Rhodes, 2008). References Bruce, D. (2005). Sixth Sense. Hollywood Jesus. Retrieved 13 December 2009 from: http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/sixth_sense.htm Cline, A. (2009). The Matrix and Christianity: Is The Matrix a Christian Film? About.com. Retrieved 13 December 2009 from: http://www.atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/.../blrel_matrix_xtn.htm Edward, B. (1974). Symbolism in the Feature Film. Education Resources Information Center. Retrieved 14 December 2009 from: http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/custom/portlets/recordDetails/detailmini.jsp?_nfpb=true&_&ERICExtSearch_SearchValue_0=ED096715&ERICExtSearch_SearchType_0=no&accno=ED096715 Holy Bible, New International Version. (Copyright 1984). Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. Kennedy, K. (Producer) & Shyamalan, M. N. (Director). (1999). The Sixth Sense [Motion Picture]. United States of America: Buena Vista Pictures Lindvall, T. (1987). Christian Theology and Film. Virginia Wesleyan College. Retrieved 13 December 2009 from: http://www.facultystaff.vwc.edu/~tlindvall/comm323.htm Rhodes, C.B. (2008). World Religions through Films. Department of Religious Studies. University of California. Retrieved 14 December 2009 from: http://www.people.cas.sc.edu/rhodescm/relg491f2.html Silva, J. (Producer) & Wachowski Brothers (Director). (1999). The Matrix [Motion Picture]. United States of America: Warner Brothers Pictures Read More