Worthy of the DVD treatment Excellent film, thoughtful yet entertaining. Not without flaws, surely, and in light of recent events the setting may obscure the story. And it's a good story, one I sorely wish was available in a widescreen DVD edition.
The story is, in fact, about flaws. Flaws at both ends of the spectrum. Youth explores its newly opened world, trying all of its offerings with abandon, testing its boundries, but at what cost? Age conserves its resources, adheres to the safer paths, braised in its own hindsight and supposed wisdom, but at what cost?
MASS APPEAL is not about those in or seeking power. The characters, like you and me, won't move mountains or shake the foundations of the world. But they wrestle with what's right and what's practical in deciding how they will affect the community they rub shoulders with. What is effective and what isn't; how even the best efforts fall short, if they come too late.
This is a movie about everyday courage.
Apropos What better movie for a priest to review than 'Mass Appeal'? Directed by Glenn Jackson, and co-starring veteran actors Jack Lemmon and Charles Durning with relative newcomer Zeljko Ivanek, this story has influenced me in interesting ways.
Lemmon plays Father Farley, a jaded, settled Roman Catholic rector of a prominent parish, ultimately dis-satisfied with his lot in life but terrified nonetheless of losing it. Into this comfortable world steps an upstart seminarian Dolson (played by Ivanek), who has more principle than tact, and more passion than people skills.
The rector and the seminarian end up being placed together in a mentoring situation by the seminary dean, Mons. Burke (Durning), an autocratic moralist with strict rules on priestly formation. Various issues resound in the relationships of each of these characters with each other, the seminary, the congregation, and ultimately with their own destinies. Farley's issues with past abuse, Dolson's life on the wild side prior to seminary, and Burke's paranoia all enter the interplay of church politics and the discernment of a spiritual calling.
Farley is both irritated by and inspired by the seminarian. The seminarian takes a stand for honesty which costs him his appointment. The dean refuses to listen to anyone, including his friend Farley, and begins to question Farley's integrity as a priest as well.
Farley learns that it is never to late to hear a call, and that what he thought was his call in fact was a facade. Dolson finally realises that the in-your-face approach to public relations is not very pastoral, but his listening skills far exceed those around him, and he becomes trusted by Farley. Alas, the dean--what becomes of him? We never know.
Where God leads is a difficult question, with no easy answers, and we can spend much of our time following our version of that vocation without really ever touching the substance of it (as did Father Farley). We can be so overzealous for it that we might burn it out before it comes into being, rather like a forced hot-house flower that blooms prematurely and then dies too soon (similar to Dolson's experience).
This is an interesting film which brings up issues of polity, morality, reconciliation and redemption, themes that are far more prevalent in life than we would ordinarily think. This movie may not have mass appeal but can be enjoyed and, perhaps, give insight to all viewers, be they Roman Catholic, other denominations of Christian, of other religions, or even no religion at all.
Simply Amazing! This is one of the finest films I've ever seen. As a seminarian myself, I am convinced this film should be required viewing for all seminarians, priests, and all formators in the pre-seminary and seminary systems. Jack Lemmon and Zeljko Ivanek give poweful performances as Father Tim Farley and Deacon Mark Dolson; Lemmon's character is a wildly popular but complacent parish priest. Ivanek, in the role of a newly ordained transitional deacon, plays the idealistic and brash seminarian who conflicts with Fr. Farley's "song and dance" theology. As the two interact, a friendship is forged and the aging priest rediscovers his priestly vocation from the prodding of the young deacon. Ultimately, Fr. Farley finds himself in the position of defending young Dolson against the homophobic attack of the seminary rector. While the theology of this film is not 100% sound, the overall theme is absolutely solid and gives you a lot of truth to think about. Whether it be Deacon Dolson's sordid past or the laziness of Father Farley's priestly ministry, the issues addressed are poignant and powerful. You simply must see this film!
ger27s I think that this film should be must viewing for every seminary faculty and student who aspire to become priests. It would give each of them a valuable look at who they really are, and what they could become, if allowing themselves half a chance. Also shows the politics of the priesthood.
Worth Watching This is one of my favorite movies. Very smart - very entertaining. Lemmon delivers a gripping performance. Spectacular acting by the supporting cast makes this film a first-rate film. As one of Lemmon's finest performances, it is definitely worth watching.
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