“I think movies are a reflection of people’s fears and concerns, and I also think they (movies) try and find answers. They try and explore possiblities as well.” – KNOWING Director Alex Proyas

Whereas we sometimes try to write off movies as “mindless entertainment” most directors and screenwriters – the artists painting the cinematic canvas – feel quite differently. When the creators of these stories ascribe the narrative process to have this deeper purpose, it may be impacting us more than we think.

In Knowing, an etching of Ezekiel’s wheel figures prominently in the mystery of the film, making it truly a story vying for biblical proportions. The biblical imagery is unmistakeable, and the film takes daring narrative moves that challenge Christians and non-Christians.

I had the pleasure of speaking after a viewing of the film at our Lake City Campus and discuss the film’s major themes which involved determinism, apocalypse, and being “chosen” people.

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Some people view movies as “mindless” entertainment when the reality is, more often than not, screenwriters and directors are expressing themes and worldviews that are powerful or curious to them. Film and Theology exists to point to these themes, as well as what compels us to tell stories. Entertainment is not mindless, it is engaging our mind; the real question is are we mindful of it – are we engaging it, or is it engaging us?