In the routine of our daily life, it is doubtful there is anything more powerful than our words. By words we are loved, destroyed, comforted, frightened, molded, and inspired. Words spoken have often changed history. Words greatly define the reality in which we live and the identity we take. It is true in our politics, our religion, and our relationships. Words and our humanity are inextricably enmeshed.
But, can the power of words be lost? What happens if it is? And how is that power restored?
A few years ago at the Sundance Film Festival (2006), I encountered the film "Forgiven." On the surface, the film appears to be about a Southern, Jesus-talking, small town D.A. named Peter Miles, who is running for the U.S. Senate. His life becomes jarred by the last minute release of Ronald Bradler, a poor, black, death-row inmate he had improperly prosecuted. But it is quite evident that Paul Fitzgerald (who wrote, directed, and starred in the film) is pressing deeper than the issues of capital punishment, racism, or corruption.
He is exposing the emptiness of our words. And with that, quite possibly, the emptiness of ourselves. Do we really feel the words we say? Do we really comprehend, feel, taste their significance?
Definitions are everywhere in the film. Early on Peter defines "dignity" as understanding "how much worth you have in God's eyes." Soon after, dignity is denied. During a pivotal scene of the film, Ronald confronts Peter with a the definition of "justice" - something he had also been denied. After punching Miles in the face, he asks, "What does that word ("justice") feel like?" Peter answers by speaking about Jesus. Ronald retorts, "What the fuck you know about Jesus!?" There is no reply.
"Dignity," "justice," "Jesus," and "pardoned," are all words that continue to surface, but with their meanings lost. Words lose power when they are disconnected from the reality they signify. And they lose power when we ourselves are disconnected from meaning.
Interestingly enough, while many pertinent words are addressed and defined, "forgiven" is never spoken. It is silent. Maybe Fitzgerald knew that our role definitions of "forgiveness" would be greatly inadequate. Maybe he wanted us to redefine "forgiven" out of the context of real experience. Maybe "forgiven" was the unseen reality for all in the film -a reality words would fail to convey.
The question is left to you. What words have lost their meaning? What reality must we encounter to feel their power?"
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"Forgiven" has just been released on DVD and is also available on Netflix Instant.
"Forgiven" (Trailer)
