July 2007

 Meta-Movie Matters

 with Jacqueline Marie

What’s a meta-movie? It’s a story, told on the silver screen, that embodies the true spirit of life, a movie with a vital message so convincingly portrayed it brings a ray of light to the viewer’s mind. A meta-movie remains in the heart, long after the screen goes dark.

Almighty Who?

Unusually good news on the film front this month.  “Evan Almighty” is our first meta-movie pick for the whole family! As innocent in intent as it is colorfully action-packed, this rare cinematic treat fascinates young children while it also warms the heart of the most mature souls. Oddly enough, the production is rated PG (parental guidance recommended due to “mild rude humor and some peril”?!) Ignore this needless warning. Even our family’s three year old giggled straight through. The story’s moral, which cuts across time (with its Noah’s Ark theme) reaches out to inspire viewers of all backgrounds and ages. 

Well suited to the lead, low-key comic, Steve Carell portrays a first term US congressman who fervently claims a mission of “changing the world." As the story begins, his earnestness is only matched by his self-inflated ego. Intoxicated by the Halls of Congress and quickly seduced by corrupt “higher-ups,” his worldly stature soon comes in conflict with his “inner self.” Having prayed for guidance on just how to go about “his mission," he’s shocked when God (played absolutely perfectly by Morgan Freeman) actually shows up at his door to ask an urgent favor -- build an Ark and do it now!

When, on the heels of this incredible request,  our “hero” finds birds, and then myriad animal species, follow him everywhere, he starts to think his guidance is more than a personal hallucination. Next, when a huge lumber supply is delivered to his home, the newly elected representative balks. What will the neighbors think? How can he juggle his worldly responsibilities and follow God’s strange calling? 

Finally, when his hair grows to great length overnight and he feels at home in a God-sent floor length tunic, he succumbs to Divine Will. The Ark will be built, no matter the cost to his judgments and reputation. Clever scenes depicting each step of his life’s transformation reach their hilarious crescendo when the animals, themselves, all in pairs, work in tandem with his own family to complete the vast vessel, just in time for the Great Flood.

Most memorable and wise is a vignette in which his wife questions God (who shows up as a fast food waiter). Couldn’t there be a more convenient, socially acceptable route, she wonders. Maybe the flood is just symbolic? she asks. God responds too profoundly to paraphrase here. Just go see “Evan Almighty” for yourself. Be prepared to watch and listen closely for pearls of wisdom throughout (between the belly laughs)! The plot’s brilliant use of metaphor shows just how our own ego tries to sabotage our spiritual unfoldment. They also remind us that we each have a part in the Divine Plan that is no laughing matter. Once we surrender in trust to our inner voice, things really do fall in place, albeit in delightfully surprising, miraculous ways. 

Added to the joy, good humor and timely moral of its story, “Evan Almighty” producer joins (on their website) with the Nature Conservancy AND major corporate sponsors in a tree planting drive, also urging viewers to find ways to "reduce our carbon footprint." Doesn't this unlikely teamwork show miracles are possible?!  

Jacqueline Marie is a hypnoanalyst and master metaphysician. A pioneer in the holistic field, her works as a counselor, hypnotherapy trainer and teacher of practical spirituality span three decades. She is the author of Wake Up and Dream, a Wakeful Dreaming guide to personal and planetary transformation. For information on Wakeful Dreaming CDs, teleseminars and workshops, contact Jacqueline at inneruniverse@wi.rr.com.