Film Review: “The Visitor”
The first thing I noticed: “The Visitor” – the word is singular, not plural. Watch the movie and indeed, you begin to wonder: who is the visitor here? While it is true that the theme of the square, stuffy, middle-aged white man in a suit who finds his soul with an infusion of Third-World soulfulness can come across as sentimental and condescending, McCarthy has created a believable world, setting up his despondent protagonist in a believable manner – the Man - is broken. And he finds his healing among immigrants – illegals for that matter. That is when the story takes an interesting political turn as he re-finds his voice, his anger, his passion, his life. One would think the charitable benefactor the hero of this story, thus repeating the condescending and predictable narratives that we’re used to. But remember: he is broken – so alone. He’s the hero, but he’s also the Visitor – which shows the helper / helpee distinction is blurred. No theology of condescension here; rather – a theology of ascent.
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My wife and I watched this film when it came out and I was pleasantly surprised at its entertainment value and depth. I am planning to view and discuss this film with the students at Huntington University, where I am an employee.
I remember seeing the preview and thinking that it looked like a good attempt, but that it might be about too much. Great point about “singular”.
@Blackwasp19
great to make your acquaintance… and am enjoying your blog.
@Rob
Yep; me too. But it was done very tastefully. It’s kind of slow, but I was in the perfect mood for a movie like this, slow, meditative, healing almost. My wife was sick of all the sermonizing I was doing / getting from the film. I was just thrilled; It was really good for me.
yeah, GREAT movie. the lead female actor goes to new life! aside from being an extraordinary actor, she’s a great children’s volunteer
@Drew
no kidding?! dude, that’s awesome… I think you are talkign about the black chick, recall her being NY native…