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Gene Edward Veith (World) sees a continental shift in motion, and praises several of this year's films (and contemporary music as well) as evidence that Christian artists, even those like Tolkien who are no longer with us, are starting to gain some influence again. He praises The Fellowship of the Ring, "the profanity-free, epic high-fantasy, with its battle of good vs. evil—which is waged not just against external enemies but within the hearts even of the heroes—offers something like an imaginative cleansing from the dark, occult fantasies and the cynical action dramas that had been the norm."

Veith also praises the Oscar-nominated In the Bedroom. "[The film] expresses biblical truths in a realistic and disturbing way … [dealing] with the horrible consequences of adultery, revenge, and hate, exploring 'the mystery of iniquity' in an honest and wrenching way. The film is a good reminder that Christianity does not always manifest itself in uplifting or moralistic tales—welcome as those might be—but that it sometimes expresses itself more deeply by exploring the reality of sin in the depths of the human heart and our desperate need for redemption." (Movieguide denounced In the Bedroom as "boring … artsy … the biggest missed opportunity of the whole year and maybe even the last 10 years.")

Veith's stance defends the value of movies that do not communicate explicitly Christian messages: "Just as the book of Esther is part of the Bible, even though it does not mention God," he argues, "works can portray a biblical worldview and model Christian character and virtues without being explicitly religious. After all, God reigns over the secular sphere, too, and His laws are at work even among those who do not know Him."

God's influence can be found in the secular sphere. His truth is also evident in the stories—even the commercial entertainment—produced by those who do not acknowledge him or know the Source of their inspiration. Vigilant believers may find the movie theatre to be a place of exploration where we can meet the Holy Spirit in places as unlikely and dark as Nash's Beautiful Mind, as sleazy as Moulin Rouge, and as fantastical as The Lord of the Rings. No matter how much money they make, no matter how many Oscars they win.

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Past review roundups are available in the Film Forum archives.

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March (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46