THE LEGEND OF BAGGER VANCE

 

FOUR STARS - Uplifting

 

 

       When Steven Pressfield wrote the novel on which this film is based, he could have easily named it “The Parable of Bagger Vance” rather than the “Legend.”  The symbolic messages for persons of faith are many.  As a parable of our spiritual journeys, the language used can be translated into Christian, Buddhist or mysticism meanings depending on what the viewer brings to the experience.

       In Christian symbolism, Bagger (Will Smith) is the incarnational presence of God.  As the caddy of a former golf star who has been devastated by World War I, Bagger  can be seen as a Christ figure who comes in physical form, teaching, healing and modeling the life of faith.  Bagger can also be viewed as the Holy Spirit who is with us in spiritual form to be our counselor and guide.

       Like the Good Shepherd, Bagger’s affirmation, challenge and support bring about a transformation of reconciliation in Rannulph Junuh’s (Matt Damon) life.  Like the Jonah of biblical time, Junuh is running from God, and therefore from himself, and is living in a perpetual “storm” of his own creation.

       Finding his true and authentic self as created by God, letting go of the demons and burdens that the war had given him and being reunited with the love of his life, Adele Invergordon (Charlize Theron), are all accomplished with Bagger’s steady encouragement and invited involvement.   Letting Junuh experience the failure of pride and the temptation of cheating, Bagger intervenes in respectful ways that give Junuh the freedom to do the right and moral act, helping him become a man of integrity, forgiveness and love.

       In Buddhist symbolism, Bagger is a Zen Master who teaches Junuh to visualize the “field” and allow his hands to guide him rather than his mind.   Expressing the need to find “harmony,” Bagger encourages Junuh to let go of those areas of disharmony in which he is attempting to block out the world through his alcoholic and brooding behaviors.  Through the use of another “disciple,”  Hardy Greaves (J. Michael Monerief), Bagger weaves together a spiritual-physical unity that creates a “zone” in which Junuh is successful in golf and life, with a “disciple” of his own to care for and guide.

       In mysticism, Bagger is a Spiritual Director who helps Junuh understand that all of life is a part of the journey and “how he holds his golf club is symbolic of his grip on life.”  As director, Bagger helps Junuh differentiate between what can be won and what is simply played, noting that golf is only played, but inferring that life can be won.  As his director, Bagger sees all of life as an opportunity to understand the larger and ultimately mystical purposes of life and knows when to let his silence and lack of direction be the ultimate spiritual guidance.

       In a climactic scene, Junuh accidentally moves his ball two inches when removing a piece of grass.  With integrity that had not been present only days before, Junuh assesses himself a one stroke penalty which is seen by all as assuring his loss.  Yet, when invited to cheat by his 10 year old disciple who claims that no one will know, Junuh explains, “I will know.”

       This truth that all spirituality comes down to who we really are and the fact that we may be able to fool and deceive others but never ourselves, is a truth upon which all faith traditions rest.  Authentic integrity and reconciliation are universal goals reflecting the very heart of a holy and loving God.

 

(587 words)

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