Exploring film and faith in the Secondary Phase
 Religious Language and Sacrifice - The Messiah
Deep Impact (Note)
(start at 25 minutes end at 28 minutes and 17 seconds)
In exploring the content of this clip it is important to appreciate the cinematic techniques used and to encourage pupils to consider these when they discuss their responses to the film.
Cinematic Points to consider:
- In this clip cutting between one scene and another is frequently used. What does this achieve, how does it influence the pace of the story, what emotions does it try to convey or generate?
- Does the use of the music suit the camera cutting techniques?
Points for Teachers to consider:
Films frequently borrow or reference religious language and concepts to give depth to characters or plot. In Deep Impact the rocket ship 'The Messiah' is essential to the survival of the human race. The crew do reach the comet but they are unable to destroy it with the weapons they have. Like Jesus (to whom the title Messiah relates for Christians) they must decide to willingly sacrifice themselves to ensure the survival of the Earth. In doing this they ensure that those that have been purposefully selected to survive the impact of the comet will have the chance to do so. The film concludes with contrasting images of destruction, reconciliation, sacrifice and hope.
Key Questions that may be useful to explore in unpacking this clip:
The President is introducing "the crew that will stop the comet". From what you know about the life of Jesus can you predict what will happen to the crew of the Messiah? Will they be able to reach the comet and destroy it? Will they save the earth? Will they survive their mission?
In this clip we don't see the crew - does it matter what they look like? What personal skills will the members of this crew need if they are to succeed in their mission?
Is there any contemporary cause, person or belief that you believe is worth sacrificing your life for?
Deep Impact and many other films, (e.g. The Matrix), use words or depend upon concepts that gain meaning from religious or mythical traditions. Can you suggest other films that use religious words or concepts? Are their use of the religious words and concepts relevant and / or appropriate?
Some of the characters that we see in this clip do not survive the film; some radically alter their lives knowing that the world may end when the comet hits. If you knew that your life was about to end in this way how would you change your life? Would your attitudes, relationships, and behaviour change?
 Deep Impact (1998, 12) |
