Syriana

Andrew and I watched Syriana recently, and had an interesting time afterwards talking through the symbolism of the movie (esp. the black/white dichotomy. Here's the verdict:

The black, white, and gray used throughout the movie emphasize the lack of simple answers or right/wrong situations. There aren't any real answers. This is not a nihilistic view of life, rather, a request to the viewer to look deeper at the real issues and see how complex and tangled the world is. You always reap what you sow.
Notice that the suicide bomber who hits the tanker is followed by a completely white screen, while the bombing of the wise and progressive emir is a dark (black) explosion. Wrong seems right and vice versa, beware of desert mirages that are not what they seem.
The only black man in the movie is referred to as a wolf among sheep. He seems to be good, but we see in the end that he is the worst of them all. He goes home to a broken family, and alcoholic father. The young father (whose son dies in the pool) is the only one who truly sees where the Quest for Oil is going. He is caught up in truth and idealism. He advises the emir on how to plan for the future. He becomes caught up in the quest for money and power to change the world for good, and nearly loses his family in the process. When the emir is assassinated, the young father awakes to the futility and underlying evil of a secular system, and goes home to rebuild his marriage.
This is a dark movie. The expected heroes turn out to be villians. The CIA kills one of its own becuase it is too lazy (or greedy) to risk defaulting on the killing of the emir. The benevolent U.S. kills the progressive emir, and his dreams of bettering his country, because they want control of the oil. In the end, the U.S. really doesn't care whether countries in the Middle East are better off, or whether they can build a versatile economy. They just want the money and the power. The Judical Department is interested in looking good and only needs to be tossed a bone to back off. The good guys die and the bad triumph.
Those who present themeselves as pure are the most evil, and those who try to change things are blown away. There is no end and no triumphant hero because in a fallen worldview no one good is triumphant for long before they are pulled down by or corrrupted from within by the wolves. In a world without Christ Syriana is the reality.

We're Home!

We just arrived back home from a week-long tour of Michigan, complete with thunderstorms. lots of mosquitos, and many great memories. We spent a few days checking up on Andrew's hometown, Roscommon, which is located in the center of the lower peninsula. I have since discovered that this makes him a 'troll', because he lives under (south) of the Mackinac Bridge. A canoe ride down the Au Sable River turned out beautiful. We even spotted an oriole (brilliant reddish-orange, and not found on the West Coast). We even escaped the numerous thunderstorms that growled convincingly on the horizon.
Then off to the famed Mackinac Island by ferry, on a clear morning which gave us a view of Lakes Huron and Michigan for miles. The island is perched just east of the Bridge, and is one of the few places where cars are banned. We even spotted a UPS horse cart delivering packages. Needless to say, we got a lot of exervcise while visiting! After touring Fort Mackinac, we hiked up to the Grand Hotel, built around 1900 and commanding a stunning view of Lake Huron. The Neo-Classical style gives is a broad balcony on which visitors can stroll.
Then back to downtown, dipping into shops to watch the fudge making process. Chocolate-Walnut was my favorite. We celebrated Andrew's birthday with a dinner at an Irish pub.
Highlight of Mackinaw Island: The myriads of unique cottages, each with its own flair. Curious windows, ingenious designs on fences and doors. We especially loved the old churches. The thick walls and tinted light give a sense of distance, not only from noise but even from the present. Churches have a timeless savor to them, as if they held the memories of past services and events ever-present, always waiting in the shadows.
My apartment is alternately flashing with silver light and reverberating with thunder. The storms have followed us home.
Pictures to follow!