ROAD TO PERDITION

 

THREE STARS – THOUGHT-PROVOKING

 

             The confusing mixture of Christian beliefs within Mafioso families is explored in Sam Mendes' "Road To Perdition."   With Christianity clearly teaching the necessity of love and care for our fellow human beings along with the commandment that we shall not kill one another, the lives of mafia families betray such beliefs.  Although it is often assumed that mafia members somehow believe that their religious behaviors will absolve them of their sins and assure them of heaven, even though they continue to commit them, this film dispels such assumptions.  As the title implies, the road to hell, or perdition, is clearly recognized by the travelers on this road.

             The central character is Michael 'The Angel of Death' Sullivan (Tom Hanks).  Having been adopted into the family by John Rooney (Paul Newman), Sullivan lives in a sullen world that steals both his joy and his family.

             Attending a Catholic elementary school, Sullivan's son, Michael Jr.(Tyler Hoechlin) is confused by his father's demeanor and the nature of his work.  When puberty hits at age 12 and Michael looks to his father for identity and guidance, he decides to hide in the car when his father goes to work.  What he sees his father do places himself and his family in jeopardy.

             Though we won't reveal the physical journey Mike and his father take, the spiritual road is the focus.  Trying to regain safety within a world built on evil, Sullivan not only must try to protect his and Mike's life, but he also attempts to protect his son from following his footsteps.  In one revealing moment when Sullivan confronts Rooney with the fact that Rooney's son, Connor (Daniel Craig), is betraying him and the organization, Rooney declares that "there is only one thing for sure, none of us are going to see heaven."  Sullivan responds, "Michael can."

             This hope of a father, who knows he has chosen the wrong road yet doesn't know how to get off, is evident when he does not want his son to follow him on this path.    This is a powerful spiritual message.  Like the religion Rooney believes and practices but does not allow to change his behavior, Sullivan is a father who believes that there is a better life for his son than he is living.  It is his hope that Michael will love rather than kill his fellow human beings, but he does not know how to extricate himself from the ties that hold him and model such a life for his son.

             The transformation of a life from that of murderer to protector is not as difficult as Sullivan believes.  What is necessary is an identity change in which Sullivan no longer looks to the mafia for identity and protection, but looks instead to the God he hears about every Sunday but does not yet trust with his or his family's lives.  Such a change turns the road of his life around and leads him not to perdition and ruin, but to salvation and love.

 

 

(500 words)

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Cinema In Focus is a social and spiritual movie commentary.  Hal Conklin is former mayor of Santa Barbara and Denny Wayman is pastor of the Free Methodist Church. To contact:  http://www.cinemainfocus.com.