To be a good film, the director needed to take us beyond hateful stereotypes. The husband embodied very ugly clichés that some people associate with religious-minded people. Silly. Only someone with an ax to grind against fundamentalists could enjoy such a portrayal.
In addition, the theological discussions lacked depth and sophistication. Disappointing. I'd like to see a film with dialog between realistic characters that examines matters of faith.
I did like the sparseness of the film - only a handful of characters, no special effects, no gimmicks.
A lesson for me as a writer: research people and "groups" (i.e.: Evangelicals, Gays/Lesbians, Atheists) before you portray them. People are much more complex than the stereotypical, agenda-driven views of those who fear the "group" to which they belong.
In addition, the theological discussions lacked depth and sophistication. Disappointing. I'd like to see a film with dialog between realistic characters that examines matters of faith.
I did like the sparseness of the film - only a handful of characters, no special effects, no gimmicks.
A lesson for me as a writer: research people and "groups" (i.e.: Evangelicals, Gays/Lesbians, Atheists) before you portray them. People are much more complex than the stereotypical, agenda-driven views of those who fear the "group" to which they belong.