I saw The Matrix for the first time today. Bit of a spoiler below.
I liked seeing the dramatization of being entrapped in a false world; I think it relates nicely to the fantasy that we can all too easily and effectively create for ourselves. I've heard that this is what Rambam understands as the meaning of yetzer ha-ra: distorting our perception of the real world through fantasy.
One of my main challenges (especially as a 5w4 Enneagrammer) is to live in and act on reality, and not within my own constructed world. I think the film would have been all the more powerful if Cypher had not turned malevolent in his betrayal, but rather impassively reflected the inevitable powerlessness of man against the seduction of fantasy. Likewise I would like to see more of an inner struggle in Neo; what struggle there was seemed understated and superficial.
Hi Yitz, I hope that this comment box serves as an avenue for a fantasy discussion with a religious theme. I confess that I am a latecomer to fantasy literature and movies. My interest was first awakened when my teen-age kids brought home "The fellowship of the ring" as a rental movie in 2002. I was totally engrossed in the story and much impressed with the acting and script. Months later, I saw the "The two towers" in a theater and was hooked. From then on I bought the music, DVDs (theatrical and extended versions), and read the books. I, of course, saw "The return of the king" in a theater (many times). I have since reread the book(s), read the Silmarillion, and attended a live symphonic concert featuring the music of LOTR. From then on, I have looked for and much appreciated appropriate fantasy films such as "Pan's Labyrinth", "V for Vendetta", "Batman Begins", and "The Dark Knight". I have also seen the Harry Potter films and read the books (the former is much inferior to the latter).
ReplyDeleteMy comment on the Rationalist Judaism blog about the character of Harry Potter was not meant as some absolute statement. Harry, after all, is depicted as a teen-aged hero who may on a few occasions indulge in some innocent smootching or self-pity. That doesn't detract from his virtue, forgiving nature, and willingness to sacrafice for his friends and given mission. I gather that you haven't read the final book. So, I will just state that there he shows his willingness to sacrafice his life if that will destroy the threatening evil forces (Voldemort).
I disagree with the reading of much Christian doctrine in the Lord of the Rings books. It is, at best, a minor element such as when Gandalf criticizes Frodo for wishing that Golum had been killed years before by Bilbo so that he could not endanger the mission to destroy ring of evil.
My favorite character is, however, Aragorn, as I suggested in the above blog. To me, he is a good model for the anticipate messianic figure. He is a feerless and virtuous warrior against evil forces who is devoted to friends and his mission. He is also a forgiving student of Elvish and human history, filled with the acquired wisdom of the Elves and of his royal ancestry. He shows such traits when he becomes king and leader of the western nations. Unfortunately, the film doesn't depict his role as king since much was already crammed into this final installment. It would have been much better had they elected to make a 4th film.
I am curious as to your name. Was your birthname really Isaac Newton, or is that a pseudonym (much like my own)? I should add that Sir Isaac Newton was a truly remarkable figure, equally at home at the forefront of math and physics, and in biblical and talmudic studies (he could read Hebrew). He is also said to have been influenced in many theological matters by Maimonides. Amongst other things, he rejected any belief in the Trinity and refused always to take an oath of office that would require such an affirmation.