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Reviews
Brigham City (2001)
Good story, a little too predictable
Brigham City is a "Garden of Eden" story based in Brigham City, Utah. Brigham City is a little piece of Mormon paradise interrupted by the presence of an evil serpent. Never before has the city experienced a murder. This movie portrays a definite contrast between the "real world" and the naive town. This contrast goes hand in hand with Mormon communities. Mormon communities are well known and criticized for their isolation from mainstream society. The discussion between the sheriff and deputy about real world news and the fact that the secretary at the sheriff's office had not recognized the signal for a dead body highlights the isolation of the town.
The main character, Wes, holds a pivotal role in this film, as he represents the entire religious community. Serving as bishop and sheriff shows the difficulties of the Mormon community to hold dual roles. His refusal to listen to the news serves as an example of the isolation of the Mormon religion. Wes' naiveté represents innocence, but as the pieces of Terry's gun are methodically put together, so are the pieces of the investigation. Wes gains the knowledge he has been searching for when the gun is whole. Then Wes makes a decision that forces him to lose his innocence forever.
The dual roles of the sheriff also help increase the tension of the film. The tension is first apparent when a woman comes into the sheriff's office for a religious confession. The tension between these roles climaxes during the investigation of Steve's house. Wes, performing his duty of sheriff, had little patience for Steve trying to ask for forgiveness for hoarding a pornography stash.
One should watch out for the color red in this film as it plays a sinister role in the movie. The car of the first murder victim was red. The blood on the wheel was bright red. Most of the victims have red hair. The fingerprints of the murderer are taken from a red (admittedly almost maroon) cup. The murderer, himself, admits that his only blonde victim had hair that looked red when he finished with her. This color seems to connect the murders and symbolize evil.
The most telling scene of this movie was the shooting practice scene. In this scene, Terry and Wes have a discussion about the killer. Terry wonders whether the killer could feel remorse for his actions and whether the killer could be forgiven and sent to heaven. Then we see Wes miss most of his shots while Terry hits all of his targets. Terry's concern for the well-being of the soul of the murderer hints and excellent shooting skills are a strong indication that Terry is the killer. Wes' story lack of marksmanship shows his innocence while his story about his first hunting experience shows how easily innocence can be lost.
Clearly, the foreshadowing of this film may be been a bit obvious. Stu's death seems imminent from the very beginning because he says that one day his companions will miss him when he is gone. An ominous moment occurs when "All is well" is spoken at the gazebo. It should not go unnoticed that the next murder victim was found shortly after under the very same gazebo. And who could miss the signs that pointed to the murderer in the shooting practice scene? But if one dials the foreshadowing down some, imagine the suspense one could create.
All-in-all, Brigham City may not be at the top of one's list of movies to see if one is looking for suspense. At times, the movie becomes a little too concerned with the religious message and the feeling of tension is lost. The plot is a little tired and the foreshadowing allows one to identify the last victim and the killer well before the movie comes to an end. But if one is looking for a film that captures the very essence and struggle of the Mormon community, this film is one to see.
Doubt (2008)
Expert acting and portrayal of story
Doubt is a story about a baseless accusation of an inappropriate relationship with a priest and student overlaid with the issues of the post Vatican II movement of the Catholic Church. The setting is a Catholic Church school in the 1960's. A place of God should be a safe haven for children to grow and develop relatively normal lies. Yet, the winds of change are coming on as quickly as the storm in the movie comes. The Vatican II Council wants the church to develop friendlier relationships people the ministry and congregation. Now, Sister Aloysius begins to suspect Father Flynn of improper relations with the school's first black student, Douglas Miller due to his seemingly over friendly behavior. As the conflict is never fully resolved and wind never ceases to blow, one is left wondering if there a truly trustworthy place still exists.
The Christmas pageant scene is the most important scenes of the film. This scene gives excellent insight into the characters and plot. Sister Aloysius asks the priest into her office for the discussion of the Christmas pageant. Soon, it becomes clear Aloysius simply asked him into the office under false pretenses, yet accuses the priest of being the liar for denying having an inappropriate relationship with Douglas Miller. Aloysius takes the priests' preference for three scoops of sugar in his tea, desire for a secular song in a Christmas pageant, and friendly relationships with the people of the congregation as signs of overindulgence and inappropriate, Antichrist behavior. Meanwhile, Flynn sees Aloysius' strict rules and accusing remarks as the actions of a stiff, old world, pre-Vatican II dictator who thrives on putting fear in the hearts of children. Their argument escalates and the audience can sense there is much more behind this conflict than "Frosty the Snowman."
Not only is there a difference between Aloysius and Flynn, there is also a contrast between how the nuns and priests interact with each other. In two separate dinner scenes, we see how the women behave with each other and how the men behave with each other. The nuns eat in a somber atmosphere, where discussion is one-sided and marked by the ringing of a bell. The priests laugh and joke. Yet, both scenes depict a sense of protection. Aloysius quietly moves an eating utensil so the sister who is going blind can find it. Seeing as a blind nun would be kicked out, this simple act shows the sisters are willing to protect each other's secrets. The men's behavior gives a fraternal relationship feel that makes one feel that they also would protect each other. These parallel scenes, which is an excellent narrative technique to highlight comparative groups, are artfully included to highlight these relationships.
This film was expertly cast. Meryl Streep takes on the role of a nun whose absolute certainty of the priest's guilt with such conviction it is hard to remember she is just an actress. Philip Seymour Hoffman is to be commended for being able to act like a priest who is acting like he has nothing to hide. Amy Adams expertly acts as a innocent nun caught up in a messy situation and must make a decision between suspicious evidence and someone's sensible explanation. Even some of the smaller roles were cast well. Viola Davis, who plays Mrs. Miller, beautifully portrays a desperate mother who cares so much about her son's happiness, she is willing to overlook what happens between the priest and son.
This movie leaves the audience uncertain. What are you supposed to do when you suspect someone of seducing a child? What are you supposed to do when enjoying a secular Christmas song, lending a helping hand and taking three scoops of sugar in your tea is the basis for a pedophile accusation? The answers are never easy in Doubt.