Ian J. Keeney, the filmmaker who initialized the idea for
the film, saw this as a chance to call for unity in a world that is growing
more divisive by the moment. Of course, before he begins the daunting task of
“uniting the world”, he sought to get together his fellow filmmakers who came
from all different walks of life, a veritable all-star cast and crew of
established artists in their own right who would follow him on this story, not
knowing where it might take them. They have given their time, hard work,
passion, energy, and personal finances into this project. In a bit of irony,
though some are atheists and agnostics, I can’t help but think of the accounts
in the Gospels when Jesus called together fishermen who left their nets to
follow him. Here, Ian brought together storytellers to help him search for
meaning and ask the important questions as they try to find answers—or, at
least, find some common ground.*
From the beginning, Ian made it clear: he strived for an
egalitarian approach in the film. He wanted to show the atheist and agnostic
viewpoint, and he succeeds by giving everyone equal time to express their
opinions and their main issues with religion and the existence of God. Why they
don’t believe, and why they feel so passionate about getting organized religion
out of their lives and the lives of others who don’t want it there.
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. Most times when atheists think of Christians, they may think of the mad
fanatics who hold offensive signs outside of Disney World, and, on the other
hand, when many Christians think of atheists, they may sometimes think of smug,
tenured university professors who are out of touch with the “real world”. So
there are extremes on both sides and prejudice on both sides. The Meaning
means to shatter these labels and false assumptions.
As we turn to mass media, more often than not, we are
bombarded with endless talk shows where people shout and scream 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.
When you’re working on a scripted film, you may want the actors to make their
performances “more real”. In a documentary film, there is more room for
spontaneity. Here, Ian can let others express themselves, as he, and the
audience, are 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 outdid Geraldo on this one!
As I mentioned earlier, the film begins quietly, as two
friends, Ian and Matthew, converse in a living room about the existence of God.
From here, the film just gets larger by the moment. We travel with the
filmmakers, around the world to see the plight of Indian and Chinese
Christians. We learn about Christians who are conscientious about social
justice issues and human trafficking around the globe.
We see, not only Christians who are concerned for fellow
members of the human race, but there is also a provocative segment of the film that
deals with animal cruelty. Now, some may say, “what does animal rights or
environmental issues have to do with debates between Christians and atheists?”
I would just respond by saying that Ian’s initial interest in the person of
Jesus was his love for humanity and his sensitivity to the environment around
him. The Bible makes it clear that it is the “gentleness of God that leads
others to repentance.”** Seeing Ian’s sensitive heart on screen allows the
audience to confront issues that they may not have expected to confront, but
that doesn’t make his statement any less valid; on the contrary, it reveals the
urgency of these concerns. I don’t think there’s anyone who will not be disturbed
by these animal cruelty scenes, but the point of a documentary is to bring to
light pressing issues and injustices, and not to shy away from them. Here, Ian
reaches out to the gentle spirit in all of us, but he carefully portrays the views
without preaching to the audience, which could happen in films today that deal
with such matters. Saint Paul considered
“gentleness” to be one of the “Fruits of the Spirit”, as he made it clear, “let
your gentleness be known to all”.*** If Christians have trouble with these
scenes, it may just be that we are being “convicted” by the Spirit to ask
questions and be mindful of what we are doing to each other and our world
around us.
Unlike most films today, The Meaning is not afraid to
take chances. With that being said, I would say to anyone seeing the film for
the first time, please keep an open mind and heart. Sadly, I foresee some
people “arguing with the screen” and storming out of the film because of
something they disagree with. Please, for your sake, and the sake of everyone
seeing the film, keep it to yourself, without distracting others. You may hear
points of view that you clearly disagree with, but that’s ok. In fact, that’s
what this movie is about: to create an ongoing dialogue. There are
“provocative” scenes that are meant to “provoke” us to talk and work out our
differences.
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, and, as my brother Dan said, after our first screening: “There
are issues in The Meaning that will still be relevant for years to come”.
We both see a great potential for this film. This is not your typical summer
movie. This film has something to say.
Will this movie change an audience member’s beliefs? It
depends. This is a deeply personal film, as the audience goes on this
introspective journey along with the filmmakers. It may not “convert” you to
one way of thinking or the other, but, your horizons will definitely be
broadened. As for me, this movie didn’t necessarily “change” my beliefs (in
fact, my faith was strengthened), but it did challenge my beliefs. In other
words, my approach to situations will be different. As human beings, we tend to
see situations and people through a narrow lens. Now, I want to make it a point
to enlarge my vision and strive to find a common ground with someone, even if
we disagree. I need to be less judgmental, and more loving. I need to make more
of an effort for peace and understanding. I have to realize, at the end of the
day, whether we like to admit it or not—we are all the same. Both atheists and
Christians believe we have a “common ancestor”. Now, those “ancestors” may look
a little different from each other, but the point I’m trying to make is that we
are all part of the human race and need to start treating each other as such.
Throughout the film, we also see Ian go on this personal
journey within. Without giving too much away, Ian’s inward story provides some
of the most poignant moments of the film. Again, the sensitive poet,
philosopher, and songwriter is clearly shown here, and the audience immediately
connects with his heart for humanity.
A few years ago, when I spoke to Ian about this project, one
of my first impressions was that this film could be a “bridge” in the sense
that it will bring people together to create an open and respectful discussion.
But, I also thought more deeply about it, and I said to Ian, “From a Christian
perspective, this film could reach out to a segment of society that may never
walk into a church on a given day.” In other words, this film could inspire
hope to a lost generation who walked away from the church because they’ve been
burned in one way or another. They could listen to the encouraging stories or
music in the film, and then find the bands online, or listen to what a “plain
clothes” preacher says and know, “they are NOT alone”. Even if they haven’t
made up their minds on the existence of God, at least young people are reminded
that there are others out there who care for them and will love and accept them
for who they are. Most of these young people don’t realize this today. This
movie can give them a new reassurance and a second chance.
I have taken a lot of time with this review, and I could go
on about the amusing and heartfelt stories in the film. I could talk about the
well-executed soundtrack and editing. I could talk about the great music
featured by Brother Terry and his band, Unknown Souldier, the incredible rap
group Exodus Movement, the genuine offering by Wolves in Clothing…among others.
But, I’d rather you experience the film for yourself. I wrote this piece to
delve more into the social significance of this film.
In closing, there is an urgency in The Meaning. I
know this world is hungry for this movie right now. People are starving for
meaningful lives and relationships. After the premiere, I asked the filmmakers,
“So, when are we going to see you at the Oscars?” I meant what I said. Now, I
know the Oscars are outmoded and archaic, but my intentions are clear: the
potential for this film is boundless. Some might say, well, maybe they can show
it to a few hundred people at film festivals. Why not thousands of people? Why
not millions? Hey, it could become a reality. I have high hopes for this film
and I believe it has a bright future. One thing I’m sure about: we will
continue to feel the impact of this film for years to come. It’s nothing short
of a masterpiece. All the best, to all involved.
** 2 Timothy 2:24-26 “And the Lord's servant must not be
quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,
correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance
leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and
escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.”
***Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all.
The Lord is near.”
