The Mist

Based on the novel by Steven King; starring Thomas Jane as David Drayton (the main character), Marcia Gay Harden as Mrs. Carmody (the religious psycho), Laurie Holden as Amanda Dunfrey (the blond lady), Andre Braugher as Brent Norton (the hard-headed lawyer from out of town) and Toby Jones as Ollie Weeks (the bagger who knew how to shoot).

(Warning: Spoilers Ahead)

The Mist is a story about human nature. The message: Harsh times brings out the worst in people. And the worst in people expresses itself most eloquently through man-made religion.

Apparently Steven King doesn't like religion, or at least religious fanaticism, as The Mist is a practically a diatribe against irrational Bible-thumpers (don't worry though, the "Christians" in this movie are not real Christians).

It is true that man-made religion houses the most despicable qualities of mankind. However it is unrealistic to show people turning to man-made religion when times get tough. Harsh times sift out the religious fakers, leaving only a few who truly know and depend on God. This makes sense the same way that genuine salvation (physical or spiritual) is better than imaginary salvation. It is for practical reasons that religion does not thrive during difficult times: People who think they are going to die want to survive first of all... empty rituals can wait until later.

Darwin is right, people share many characteristics with animals, one being a selfish desire to survive at all costs even at the cost of other people's lives.

Man-made religion embodies all that is twisted and evil. It esteems itself good but that's exactly what makes it so evil. "Can't you tell I'm God's vessel?" Mrs. Carmody said to David as he was trying to get out the door. She wouldn't have to try so hard to prove herself to be God's vessel if she really was God's vessel.

Thanks to Mrs. Carmody, we know what to look out for to determine that a person's religion is fake: False religion is unproductive, discouraging, divisive, selfish, frustrated, violent, defeatist, childish and insecure.

8 comments:

Mike Perschon said...

Hey Patrick, we watched this with my guy's small group (we get together once a month to watch a movie our wives wouldn't see and then we discuss a book we're all reading), and we all said pretty much the same thing as you. We had just gotten through saying "Why can't Christians ever be normal people in film?" when the biker says, "I believe in God too. I just don't think he's as bloodthirsty as you make him out to be." Of course, he might have been a theist, but I'm guessing he was one of those guys from the Christian biker's association, which is why he was willing to sacrifice himself for everyone. Of course, I could be full of crap. Entirely possible too.

Great blog!

Pat R said...

haha good point about the biker, i forgot that he said that,

gotta appreciate the fact that he was at least trying to reason with Mrs. Carmody, plus his self-sacrifice says more about his quality of faith vs. hers

Lola Starr said...

Interesting take on this. I like it. And yes, I don't think man made religion is a good thing. I think I read in one of Stephen King's books that he's aethist or agnostic(I could be remembering that incorrectly!) but I've always enjoyed his take on religion in his stories (The Stand is my favorite). And I LOVE that biker's line, I had forgotten about that one! My belief also....Thanks for stopping by Movie Slayer! :)

Anonymous said...

Reviews of movies from a Christian perspective ? Very interesting blog.

Anonymous said...

The only truth that i could find in the movie was When the lady describes the way how Humans have gone so against God's will and His nature, and destruction has always happened when Humans had gone head against with Nature.
But the worst part, She got that way into her head :P
Nice description!

The Goblin Queen said...

It seems to the zealots of christiantiy are easy targets, adn though Mrs. Carmody's "faith" was obviously subject to question in it's genuinity, it was pointed out clearly in the film version that she wasn't right in the head. So if her devout belief coupled with mental instability in a situation where monsters are running around it's not a far stretch that she began to believe she was the second coming. I also found the rest of groups slow belief in her abilities to be a natural turn. Many people look to a higher power when they feel their mortality is in question. Prisoners are a prime example. Suddenly the world has officially labeled them "evil" or "bad" and so they seek God's forgiveness or something of the like. People that had a small belief or a little faith would naturally flock to forgiveness in the final moments hoping to save their souls.

BTW, nice point on the biker.

That's all I have to say about that. Happy Morning.

Anonymous said...

Totally agree with what the biker said. I was like "right on, man!" when he said it. I hated Mrs. Carmody's character throughout the film.. and even though the fact that eventually people would follow her was predictable, I didn't want to believe it

Anonymous said...

I just finished the movie last night (started it the night before but found it so awful and low cost that I just couldn't go on watching it anymore, however, I resumed it because I wanted to know the end). The thing bugging the most about Ms Carmody's alienations was the lack of reaction from the others. They just stood there, watching her hideous evolution into the so-called "Christianity", hearing her abominations and doing nothing at all. Not one stood tall before her telling her what he/she thought or defending the morality or the simple good sense before it was too late.
And then, there was the end. And it turns out it would have been better to stay by the alienated woman than going out and taking reality as it was.