THE MOVIE MYSTIC
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by Stephen Simon 
AVATAR has been out for quite a while now, but it is important that we hear Stephen Simon's comments: Landmark films literally change the face of the art form itself and are rare indeed. THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY, the first big hit silent film; THE JAZZ SINGER, the first talking film; THE WIZARD OF OZ, the first huge family film; JAWS, the first summer blockbuster; STAR WARS, the first science fiction epic of the new technology era; and now AVATAR. AVATAR is simply unlike any other film ever made. The experience of AVATAR in 3D is a glimpse into the potential of film to literally immerse the viewer in the story. We actually materialize in the on-screen world. Even more amazingly, the spirituality of the story of AVATAR is on a par with its technology. We truly aren't in Kansas anymore, Toto. We're on Pandora. Pandora is the distant planet on which AVATAR plays out. Humans have come to Pandora to mine the most valuable mineral in the universe. Standing in their way are the N'avi, Pandora's blue, 10 foot tall, deeply spiritual, indigenous race. To infiltrate the N'avi, humans create biological avatars of the N'avi into whom the consciousness of human beings can be transferred. The avatars can then interact with the N'avi, even though the N'avi can easily detect the difference. One particular human marine is sent in as an avatar and falls in love with a N'avi, ultimately transforming both himself and the world around him. The spiritual metaphors of AVATAR are truly dazzling. Aren't all of us as humans truly avatars? Spiritual beings inhabiting human bodies that our consciousness adopts as a temporary home while our spirits evolve. The N'avi are a deeply spiritual race, fiercely devoted to family and their environment, choosing mates for life and worshiping the beauty and power of their natural world. "We are all one" is taken to its highest zenith on Pandora. Not only are the N'avi connected to each other, but also they have learned a way to bond, both physically and spiritually, with the magical and glorious creatures of Pandora. Furthermore, all of nature itself on Pandora is connected in a very tangible and communicable way, something that humans encounter in the denouement of the film. Nothing can prepare you for the visual and visceral wonder of visiting Pandora in 3D. Fortunately, the film uses none of the old and cheap 3D tricks of scaring you out of your seat with arrows or bullets coming straight at you. You just feel like reaching out and touching the wonders of Pandora. The genius behind Pandora is writer/director James Cameron, whose last film, TITANIC, until now, had become the highest grossing film in history. As in TITANIC, Cameron gives us a magical love story in AVATAR, tender and fierce, loving and comical, challenging and engrossing. Cameron has here mastered a new 3D technology that literally catapults us into a new era of film wherein we as viewers truly inhabit a whole new world. Cameron also created the TERMINATOR films and, unfortunately, the final confrontation between the N'avi and the marauding humans is quite violent, as are some earlier sequences. For that reason, I do want to warn those of you who are sensitive to violence on screen that AVATAR very well might be a bridge too far for you. Normally, my wife and I feel the same way but we were so immersed in the drama and wonder of the story that we made it through the violent scenes of the film, knowing that the spirituality and goodness of the N'avi would ultimately rule the day. (Not to be a spoiler, it does.) Still, I would be remiss in not waving a caution flag about the violence in the film. It's there and it's significant. The violence aside, AVATAR has birthed a new method of movie storytelling. Some day, the technology of AVATAR will be used (sans violence) by filmmakers to take us much further into the spiritual journey of our souls. Into the dreams we call illusion and the illusions we call reality. Into the awe and wonder of this majestic, mysterious, and mystical adventure that we call life. Into a new world of Spiritual Cinema. And we will look back and thank James Cameron for bringing this new vision to us for the first time. See AVATAR in 3D while it is still in theaters. You just may want to be able to tell your children and grandchildren that you were there when everything changed. Stephen Simon co-founded www.spiritualcinemacircle.com. He produced WHAT DREAMS MAY COME and SOMEWHERE IN TIME and directed and produced the film version of CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD. SPIRITUAL CINEMA CIRCLEWith the beginning of a new decade, everyone is making their lists of the best of things of the last ten years. Here's a movie list from Beliefnet.com of ten of the most inspirational movies of the first decade many of you will be familiar with. A short description is provided for those that may be new to you. Erin Brockovich (2000) - Julia Roberts Billy Elliot (2000) - Jamie Bell A Beautiful Mind (2001) - Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly In America (2002) - Semi-autobio-graphical tale about Irish immigrants in New York City is something of a fairy tale set in a sweltering and grimy apartment building where even the kind-hearted drug addicts help look out for the children. Told through the eyes of the family's daughters, the whole movie is exquisitely tender. The girls' sense of wonder brings a softness and a glow to whatever they see, whether it is a street fair or a broken-down air conditioner. Spellbound (2002) - Every family should see this movie about the 1999 national spelling bee because it is about so much more. It is about the strength of American diversity and the commitment of this country to opportunity - the eight featured competitors include three children of immigrants (one's father speaks no English) and a wide range of ethnic and economic backgrounds. It is about ambition, dedication, and courage. It is about how even in the midst of one of life's biggest challenges - middle school - it is possible to find passion and confidence and to achieve excellence. Finding Nemo (2003) Hotel Rwanda (2004) - Don Cheadle Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) - Jim Carey The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) - Will Smith and his son Persepolis (2007) - An acclaimed graphic memoir becomes a powerful animated film about a woman's experiences as a child in an Iran that is increasingly restrictive after the Islamic Revolution. After her beloved uncle is executed, her parents send her away to Austria, where she struggles with a new culture and with the new world that is adolescence no matter where or who you are. Perceptive, touching, resilient, this takes animation and memoir to a new level. INFINITY: THE ULTIMATE TRIP What happens after we pass from this world? Is there a life after this one? Or do we just disappear forever? These are the questions asked in this powerful documentary. Featuring Gregg Braden, Dannion Brinkley, Renate Dollinger. Stanislav Grof, Alberto Villoldo, Neale Donald Walsch, and Brian Weiss, Infinity: The Ultimate Trip brings a message of hope and optimism concerning the most mysterious act in a human life: the end of this life and journey to the beyond. Using vital and beautiful imagery, along with personal accounts of near-death experiences, reincarnation, and more, Infinity brings forth the story of our own infinite nature, what to expect after death, and the magic and beauty that awaits us on the other side. It changes our view from that of dread and pessimism to one of hope, joy and light. The movie was released in November. (www.sacredmysteries.com/public/266.cfm) THE LIVING MATRIX The Living Matrix - The Science Of Healing uncovers new ideas about the intricate web of factors that determine our health. It includes interviews with a group of dedicated scientists, psychologists, bioenergetic researchers, and holistic practitioners who are finding healing potential in new places. And energetic information-based medicine looks particularly powerful. Leaders in science are examining the body through the lens of quantum physics. They've discovered that we're far more than biochemical machines. Instead, our cells are senders and receivers of information, controlling our health in ways we never imagined. In the film, researchers and others who faced health challenges put the science in perspective when they tell their stories. Modern biochemical medicine has no framework for explaining these events, often dismissing them as spontaneous remissions... or the result of some kind of placebo effect. But what if we had the scientific basis to not only explain the phenomenon, but the means to deliberately initiate these "miracle cures?" (www.thelivingmatrixmovie.com) THE SHIFT: FINDING YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE From the creators of You Can Heal Your Life: The Movie comes a portrait of three modern lives in need of new direction and new meaning. In his first-ever movie, Wayne Dyer explores the spiritual journey in the second half of life when we long to find the purpose that is our unique contribution to the world. The powerful shift from the ego constructs we are taught early in life by parents and society - which promote an emphasis on achievement and accumulation - are shown in contrast to a life of meaning, focused on serving and giving back. Filmed on coastal California's spectacular Monterey Peninsula, The Shift captures every person's mid-life longing for a more purposeful, soul-directed life. The Shift not only inspires, but also teaches us how to find the path to our spiritual purpose and therefore our greatest joy. The movie can be viewed online in its entirety. (www.dyermovie.com) The Spiritual Cinema column is written by Jon Roe, who can be reached at (860) 875-4101 or Jon.Roe@comcast.net. He publishes the Conscious CT website (www.consciousct.org), which focuses on holistic activity East of the River in the Hartford area. The website includes a Spiritual Cinema section (www.consciousct.org/spirituality/movies.htm) with information that supplements this column. |