And that may be the point, if a “point” could ever be made about such an excruciating journey. This is quite profoundly displayed through the cinematography as the question of whether the physical suffering of torture was worse than the priest’s existential crisis. As has been demonstrated many times before, we will sooner give up our security and safety than give up our beliefs and ultimate convictions. I opine that Silence illustrated so beautifully–and painfully- why stories and narratives, even with their failings and shortcomings, really are the “truest” thing about the human experience. Perhaps this is why stories like Silence are not meant to be understood “on its face,” (i.e., “on the surface.”) To watch Silence simply as a “movie,” is to dehumanize its presentation. And, if that were not enough, the solutions to both of these dilemmas are so wrought with agony as to cause one to consider the meaning of life in the most existentially subversive and undercutting way imaginable. Both do not meet the criteria for being a “universal truth,” or even a “truth” insofar as philosophy would define it. The philosophies of Japanese ideals could not sustain the populace except by condemnation of any variation, especially of a foreign persuasion. The Catholic faith of the priests in the “soil” of Japanese thinking and culture either ends in persecution or disdain. In an effort to make sense of this world, the stories we tell ourselves and the narratives that make the most sense to us are in essence the true embodiment of “sin,” that which falls short or misses the mark. On the face of it, Silence betrays the utter failings of all of humanity’s endeavors. At best, I can say that there is a sense of horrific tragedy, anthropological and psychological curiosity, an excruciatingly deep despair and sadness, and a hopeful empathy, all of which are conspiring to hijack my own personal spiritual grounding. While I can write some observations, there is a visceral energy that is resonating in my soul that is hard–if not impossible–to articulate. There are some emotions that are beyond language, and my feelings after watching Silence fall deep into that category. Anthony Lane, New Yorker, “Martin Scorsese’s Strained ‘Silence'” John Patterson, The Guardian, “Silence: Scorsese’s new film is not worth making a noise about” Emma Green, The Atlantic, “Martin Scorsese’s Radical Act of Turning Theology Into Art” Paul Elie, New York Times, “The Passion of Martin Scorsese”
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