Although dramatic tension is a
crucial element of a narrative, the main point is not necessarily in the
resolution of the tension. Dramatic tension may be used as a means by retaining
viewer-interest through a film whose main points are made along the way. Such
points can transcend plot and be even more important than the resolution of the
narrative. Man from Earth (2007) is a
case in point. In the film, John, an
anthropology professor, has just resigned from his teaching position. The
entire film takes place during the send-off party at his house just before he
is to move away. As the discussion ensues, John admits to his university guests
that he is actually a 14,000 year-old caveman. Because he looks about 35 or 40,
he explains that once he reached a certain age, he stopped aging due to a
biological abnormality (i.e., a genetic mutation). That his anthropological and
biological lenses cover even religious matters makes his religious
interpretations interesting and even useful to the viewer. I am assuming here
that coming in contact with a different perspective can enrich a person’s
understanding of a phenomenon. It is in this sense that the film provides
valuable information to the viewer and is entertaining even beyond viewing the film. Indeed, a method for interpreting the faith narratives of Christianity, and religion in general, can be extracted and applied outside of the film.
