The Meaning is an epic documentary that begins quietly with an amusing conversation in a living room and culminates with a journey around the world. It's a film that lives up to the high aspirations of its title, as it delves into the "meaning" of the existence of God-who God is, and how we get to know him—that is, if he exists at all.
The Meaning gives everyone (atheist, agnostic, Christian) equal time to express their own opinions and their main issues with religion and the existence of God. Early in the film, The Meaning presents hypocrisy and extremes on both sides of the table, but it doesn't wallow in these extremes as some documentaries have a tendency to do. The main point of this film is to delve deeper than the misconceptions and preconceived ideas we have for each other. As we turn to mass media, more often than not, we are bombarded with endless talk shows where people shout their opinions over each other without having an open, honest, and respectful dialogue. In The Meaning, each person's varied and valued opinion is heard.
The Meaning is Ian J. Keeney's fourth feature film, and first documentary. With this film, I think he has found his niche. I think documentaries suit him perfectly because of his background in poetry and his love for philosophy. Not to take anything away from his theatrical films, I just feel that poetry requires a raw truth and honesty, and a "real feel" to it. In a documentary film, there is more room for spontaneity. Here, Ian can let others express themselves, as he, and the audience, find themselves pleasantly surprised by the touching and humorous anecdotes that stem from life experiences.
This film is a comprehensive study into the lives of people of various belief systems. The pacing of the film runs smoothly, considering the enormity of this project. Name the last time you saw a film that had this much jam-packed into an hour and forty-five minutes. In your travels, you come across motorcycle gangs turned "Holy Rollers", surfers for Christ, rappers in the 'hood talking about Jesus, university professors who believe God created Evolution, crazed Disney World naysayers, transgendered women, Catholic monks, animal rights activists, and former self-proclaimed "Vegan Satanists"—I mean, my God, Ian out did Geraldo on this one!
Unlike most films today, The Meaning is not afraid to take chances. For a documentary to be a true success,it needs to bring to light issues of cultural relevancy and social urgency. The Meaning succeeds here, on all accounts. There are issues in The Meaning that will still be relevant for years to come. This is not your typical Hollywood movie. This film has something to say.
In short, The Meaning is an outstanding achievement and is not to be missed.