Change Your Image
michaeldasilvapearce
Reviews
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014)
A plausible and enthralling interpretation of the Biblical story
This is not a film for those who have a literal belief in the Bible. It needs to be viewed with at least an open mind. Atheists will really appreciate Ridley Scott's interpretation here. At face value it attempts to retell the Biblical story, but there are subtle hints pointing to Moses being a power crazed political activist who invents a god to give himself added authority. He is an opportunist who is able to use old prophecies and turn natural events into 'acts of god' to further his cause. Scott presents us with an image of God but portrays him a petulant boy and even goes so far as to suggest, he is figment of Moses imagination. Here, Scott is revisiting the main criticism that atheists make of religion i.e. a device for controlling the masses. This comes through very strongly at end of the film where we see Moses chiselling out the 10 commandants on the tablets of stone. God is present but by now we know this is just a personification of Moses' alter ego.
Given this backdrop, the film is riveting to watch. The direction and acting are brilliant but if you are looking to relive some mystical religious experience I think you will be very disappointed. It does not attempt to do this so you will not find it. I can therefore understand some of the negative reviews on here although I rather suspect they are coordinated by a group of closed minded christians bent on undermining the success this film wholeheartedly deserves.
Personally I may have wanted to see something that is more critical of the god concept and religion, but I think in this instance it would have undermined the plausibility of Scott's interpretation of the Biblical story. If a Moses ever did exist this may very well be something closer to the truth.
Audacity (2015)
Work like this should be made unlawful
I cannot believe the audacity of the makers of this film that they think this film is worthy of being fully produced for general consumption. It is amateur work that the makers should use to learn their mistakes from and then consign it to the bin.
Firstly this is a very badly made film. It has a poor script, its been badly directed and poorly edited. The acting isn't is great but I am not going to criticise that as I really wonder if anyone can make good a script this poor. I might criticise the actors for agreeing to take part in a film like this but work is work and I wouldn't begrudge them making a living.
This is not a film or movie in the sense of it being an art form. It is simply a propagandist vehicle to enforce one point of view on an unsuspecting audience. Art should raise questions but not offer answers. This is a blatant attempt to brainwash people. It is laughable that throughout the film you see pamphlets on the same subject by one of the contributors of the film (Ray Comfort); and again at the end an advert for the DVD to use in your churches' Sunday Schools/Bible Classes. That really sums up the film. It is intended to be an instructional film for members of one congregation or another. On that level, I have no issue with it. Although I am atheist, I would absolutely support a Christian's right to express their belief. But keep it in your church and do not inflict your beliefs on those who do not share them. To call this a film is very deceptive.
On a last point, as a gay man, I am outraged at the content of the film. To give out a clear message that gay and lesbian love is wrong is totally unacceptable in a civilised society. I will simply remind the makers of this film that their rights end where mine begin - an issue conveniently forgotten in this film.
Role/Play (2010)
A lightweight representation of gay issues
This is a very disappointing film but it is difficult to pinpoint exactly why. I viewed this film in 2015 in the UK where we have enjoyed Civil Partnerships for 10 years and equal marriage has just recently been made law so I am willing to concede that my perspective might be a bit skewed. However, for me, the issues raised in Role/Play suddenly seemed very out of touch. I am not even sure if an actor's sex tape would make the news nowadays. That said, I know aspects of American life can be conservative in their outlook so perhaps the themes here still have some relevance.
I think the film tries to say too much in one forum. There are simply too may themes jostling for dominance set alongside the notion of true love always wins through. It is very predictable and there is no depth to any of the ideas presented. For me, the acting was generally poor – more akin to that in a gay porn movie – but equally the script did not give the actors the opportunity to really develop their characters.
Overall, for me, this was a very lightweight film that was out of touch of what it means to be gay in the 21st Century.