Forgiveness and Redemption Movies

I love books and movies about forgiveness and redemption. This is probably because I so desperately need forgiveness and redemption in my life. My mistakes and faults are numerous. Oh, how I need the grace of God and others!

Even though many of the pandemic restrictions are lifting, I still attempt to shelter in place as much as possible. Home is safety and security in an increasingly unstable world. Thankfully, besides reading (easier now than when the pandemic started), I have been watching some noteworthy movies and shows. I'm grateful for the Hoopla resources and Amazon Prime.

Back in October 2019, I read Simon Winchester's book, The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary (my review here). I discovered the 2019 movie version of the book on Hoopla and eagerly watched. All the while, I thought in my head, "Now here's a movie my husband would enjoy." He is most particular and quite fed up with modern fare, full of foul language, superfluous sexuality, and intense violence. I warned him that some aspects of the movie are loathsome, but necessary to express the tale of redemption. So, after viewing it alone, I watched again with my husband. I was right - he said it was a fascinating and thought-provoking movie.

If you are looking for a movie that fleshes out themes of forgiveness and redemption, this overlooked 2019 production of The Professor and the Madman satisfies. I marveled at the forgiveness and love offered by the victim's wife to the madman. Yet, Dr. Minor struggles with accepting her forgiveness (and God's) believing he must somehow make his own atonement for his sins (one of his more atrocious, disturbing acts). In his attempt to make up for her loss, the doctor improves this woman's financial and educational lot in life. Although he has shattered her life, in some ways, he has also saved her life and the lives of her children, in giving her the power of words. Though his mental illness harms society, it also profits society.

And once again (as in my book review), I kept reflecting on the precise timing and gracious redemption of Dr. Minor's story. If he hadn't been a doctor in the Civil War, he might not have done the atrocious things required (branding awol soldiers and severing gangrenous limbs). Without that devastating experience, he might not have gone mad. If not mad, he might not have murdered. Thanks to the verdict of insanity, he was secluded in an asylum at just the right time to encounter the professor's plea for help with the dictionary. Without Dr. Miner's time and tenacity, we might not have the OED as a resource today (they may have given up on the tremendous task). Moreover, we might not know this extraordinary example of God's gracious redemption of sin, pain, and suffering. The movie provides so much to contemplate about sin and the prevenient grace of God (God loved us while we were sinners - our depravity deserved death, but God offered grace).

Another outstanding opportunity through Hoopla - the chance to take in Cameron Mackintosh's 25th Anniversary performance of the musical Les Miserables. After completing college, I spent six months working in London on a student work visa. During that time, I snagged a rare treat. I secured a second-row seat for Les Miserables (off to the side, mind you, in a restricted view area - although I thought the view excellent) at the student fee of 5 pounds. What a marvelous experience. I ended the evening with the purchase of a tape of the performance and a mug.

I listened to that tape often enough to have the words of almost every song memorized. However, this 25th anniversary celebration provided the entire story in song (different from the musical I viewed way back in 1987). It was a rich and thrilling show! I wouldn't suggest it to my husband, because although it is a tale full of forgiveness and redemption, I had forgotten how many of the lyrics are rather raunchy in tone. Then again, the pristine doesn't require redemption.

It was magnificent! I couldn't help but sing along. So many fabulous soloists - young Cosette ("Castle on a Cloud"), Eponine ("On My Own"), Marius ("Drink With Me"), Gavroche, and of course, Jean Valjean ("Who am I?" and "Bring Him Home"). Talk about a tale of redemption! If you're unfamiliar with Victor Hugo's story, it is a must read. It tells of Jean Valjean, a man who steals a loaf of bread, serves his time, and then flees for years from a policeman who is intent on re-capturing him (despite the remarkable gift of grace that has turned Valjean to a life of redemptive sacrifice and service). One minor act of forgiveness (the priest's assertion that Valjean didn't steal his silver, but forgot to take the gifted candlesticks, as well), propels grace upon so many other lives. What powerful juxtapositions: Valjean's grace next to Javert's vengeance; Valjean's acceptance of grace and Javert's suicide because he cannot accept Valjean setting him free; the contrast between mercy and the law (as Javert sings in "Stars" - "those who falter and fall must pay the price"). Impressive!

Then I found another convicting movie called End of the Spear. I was already familiar with the story of the five missionary men who lost their lives trying to witness to a savage tribe in Ecuador. Since several of them attended Wheaton College (my alma mater), I had heard the devastating details and even had a close friendship with the niece of the widow Elisabeth Elliot (Jim Elliot, one of the five, is most known for his quote, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain that which he cannot lose.")

Presented from the perspective of Steve Saint (a mere child when natives speared his pilot father, Nate Saint), End of the Spear is a magnificent tale of forgiveness and redemption. After the five men died, the wives and their children moved to live with the violent tribe and show them the personal forgiveness that wooed them to God's ultimate forgiveness. The ensuing friendship between Steve and the man who killed his father is a testament to what God can do in a heart. Convicting! I struggle with forgiving far lesser offenses. Indeed, what is a marital conflict over parenting tactics when held against the murder of a family member? Why do I worry about offending others by speaking of my faith? Oh, for the depth of grace and forgiveness shown in these movies and the unwavering dedication to sharing the gospel of salvation from sin through Christ's death on a cross. I need that constant reminder from Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

Getting to Know Me; What a Gaffe

When my former college contacts me about alumni events in Indianapolis, I rarely respond. I connected with few other students (the only ones I still have minimal contact with are fellow Lit. majors and none live in Indy). I worked three jobs as a student and considered myself too poor even for the dollar movies in the chapel on Friday nights. Lack of time and resources, combined with my social awkwardness, kept me from establishing lasting bonds. But in January, I received an invitation for a Wheaton-in-Indianapolis event I knew I'd enjoy, regardless of my social ineptitude. The gathering included a performance of "The King and I." Since my husband had no desire to attend, I eagerly invited my friend and fellow writer's group member, Stacy, to join me. We had a marvelous time!

Wheaton provided a pre-show talk, given by the granddaughter (a Wheaton alumna) of the author of Anna and the King of Siam, Margaret Landon (another Wheaton alumna). Not only was it informative and fun, they even provided light refreshments (something wholly unexpected). Stacy and I arrived, filled small plates, and selected an empty table. Just as I was telling her about a new writing project I'm working on, a couple joined us at the table (the woman graduated from Wheaton in 1984, three years before me). We enjoyed pleasant conversation, as they talked of their jobs and Stacy spoke of the current play she is writing for Monmouth College (requiring great historical accuracy, while still providing sufficient entertainment value). While "getting to know" each other, I put my foot in my mouth.

There's an adage that says, "Better to be silent and thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove them right." In my hazy memory of my college days, I remembered the students wanting to put on what I thought was "The King and I" for a fun spoof. I distinctly remembered the copyright issue surrounding their use of "I Could Have Danced All Night"... but I'm a Wheatonite (had to explain that to my sons who couldn't imagine a college forcing students to sign a pledge not to dance). I considered it a delightful story and also wanted to share it with the speaker (not sure when she was at Wheaton). After the show was over, I fully understood the gaffe I had made. That song isn't from "The King and I" but from "My Fair Lady." Oops!

Despite the ignorance I displayed, it was such a fantastic experience. It is always extra fun to attend a play/musical with a playwright (knowing she is assessing props and devices used to convey the various pieces of the story). The music was marvelous and the dancing delightful. The woman who played Tiptin had a powerful and stunning voice. I wanted to give her a standing ovation every time she opened her mouth to sing. The humorous bits were fun: the use throughout the play of the phrase "etc., etc.," the hilarious escapade when the king insists that Anna's head always be lower than his own, and the king's trickery to get Anna to apologize when she had no such intention. Even though it was a much later night than I'm used to having (four hours past my typical bedtime), it was worth the next day's exhaustion. I'm so grateful to Wheaton for offering this unique opportunity and for providing such an enjoyable evening out with my friend.

A Grand Adventure - IRT's Holmes and Watson

Photo by Elijah O'Donnell on Unsplash

What a grand adventure I experienced this past Sunday when I attended the IRT's magnificent performance of Jeffrey Hatcher's play, Holmes and Watson. I knew to expect something brilliant because I enjoyed the IRT's production of Hatcher's version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde back in 2012. Several of the actors from Jekyll and Hyde were back again for this Arthur Conan Doyle spin-off. Moreover, I had the privilege of attending with a good friend and playwright herself, Stacy Post (and also ran into a book club member). We caught the tail-end of the pre-performance talk and had an excellent discussion while waiting for the play to commence, as Stacy explained more about the actors (members of the Actor's Equity Association, thus a restriction on photography).

The set, designed by Robert Mark Morgan (scenic designer) and Michael Klaers (lighting designer), was stunning. With moveable side staircases and hallways, the set draws your attention to a center stage with a background of a formidable bar structure in the shape of an eye (where we view most of the flashbacks). It evokes the barren feel of an insane asylum set on an island in Scotland. Plus, the skillful use of lighting combined with sound effects brings out the feel of the Reichenbach Falls (the place where Holmes supposedly met his demise).

In the words of Morgan (found in the playbill), "The location... is a designer's dream, simply because of the limitless possibilities it presents... a fortress that became a lighthouse and then became an insane asylum.... We've attempted to approach the set and staging in layers with the knowledge that, like the Holmes story itself, it will reveal itself to you as the play goes on." That is what I most loved about the set design: the way it moved and shifted to reveal different aspects of the story bit by bit.

The tale is simple, yet provides an element of mystery and a complete turnaround of understanding by the end. The ground we rest upon is always shifting. When Dr. Watson is called to the isolated asylum to inspect three inmates all claiming to be the deceased Sherlock Holmes, he doesn't know what to expect. As he confers with each inmate, the audience shares his confusion - which is the real Sherlock Holmes? Is it inmate #1 - who, from the very first moments, sounds much like the deductive clue-splicer? Is it inmate #2 - a ragamuffin of a man, bound in a straight-jacket for the safety of himself and others? Or is it the blind, deaf, and mute inmate whose catatonic state belies incredible trauma? And what are the authorities prepared to do once Watson identifies the real Sherlock?

I have to admit, I practically jumped out of my skin with every artificial gunshot (even when I saw the pointed weapon and knew the shots were immanent). I marveled at the expert portrayal of the characters that kept me guessing clear to the end. I loved the matron's exaggerated pointed glares at Watson. The play was laced with humor throughout. Plus, I did not suspect the turn of events until the moment they played out. Indeed, the clues burned away even as you viewed them!

Days are limited, with performances running through October 21st. If you live in the Indy area and haven't secured tickets, it is a show well-worth the price of admission. As we left the theatre, Stacy wished aloud that she had the time and opportunity to see it again. Much like my reaction to my recent read of Ghosted, it begs to be experienced again with the full realm of knowledge at your disposal from the outset. If you still need convincing, take a moment to view this trailer, certain to whet your appetite for the thrilling experience of this play:

Jeffrey Hatcher's Adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde

(Image taken from Wikipedia)

Last night, I braved the traffic of downtown Indianapolis on my own as I headed to the Indiana Repertory Theatre's presentation of Jeffrey Hatcher's adaptation of "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde."  Despite my apprehensions (I don't like to drive in unfamiliar territory or by myself in the evening), I made it smoothly into the Sun Garage (the cheapest parking option, within the Circle Center Mall - only $1.50 for the evening ... can't be beat) and across the street in time to not only claim my ticket but also hear the prologue presentation.

During the prologue, I was delighted to learn previously unknown facts about Robert Louis Stevenson.  I was unaware he fell in love with an Indianapolis-born, married woman, named Fanny Osbourne, who was living in France.  When he followed her back to the States (waiting for her to divorce her husband), he ended up "penniless, depressed, and near death ... [and] got lost near Monterey, California, where two ranchers nursed him back to health." (Taken from the playbill.) Interesting! 

It seems Fanny was seminal to his success as she nursed him, protected him from taxing visits from friends, and served as his chief editor.  They stated that Stevenson wrote "Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" over the space of three days and when Fanny read his manuscript she claimed he nailed the horror aspect but failed in the moral instruction department.  Thus, he tossed the manuscript in the fire and rewrote it in another three days, producing the book, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as we now know it.  Amazing!

Sadly, I also learned that he died at the young age of 44.  He had always suffered from lung issues and was a smoker.  Just think of all the further writing he could have produced!

The IRT's production was well done.  I appreciated the stage design, where characters appeared from above, below, and the sides.  The actors did a superb job.  Hatcher's decision to use four characters to represent Hyde was intriguing and well-executed.  At one point, all four Hydes are reverberating in the brain of Dr. Jekyll quite effectively.

Although a tad raunchy (remarking over the private parts of the deceased body of a prostitute), I felt Hatcher's adaptation presented well the general theme of the good and evil living in us all.  The audience certainly came away with plenty to think about.

I was most grateful for the humor presented in the adaptation.  There were several times when I laughed audibly at the jokes included in the script.  Without the humor, the story might have come off with a darker tone and feel.

On the whole, I enjoyed this production of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."  I failed to re-read the novel before attending (as I had done with the production of "Dracula"), but imagine that, as with movies, the book is always better than the play.  Still, for a night out at the theater, the IRT's "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" was a delightful experience.