Faith in Film 3, Signs

Tonight we're going to be talking about the themes from "Signs." I loved going through the screening last week because this is a powerful movie. It was bonus fun that it was during our Wednesday before Halloween.

When people think about this movie, a lot of time people think about the big reveal at the end and the alien invasion component of the story. That makes sense. M. Night Shymalan cultivated a fan base thanks in large part to "The Sixth Sense," which relied heavily on a gimmick at the end of the film as a big part of the hook. That came to be Shymalan's signature, of sorts, but it's not what I think of when I think of Shymalan's films.

His films all follow a similar story pattern. They are, essentially, stories about a character dealing with some sort of personal, spiritual crisis. They are in the midst of a crisis of faith due to some kind of traumatic life event and are seeking redemption. This story pattern can be seen in every one of his films from "The Sixth Sense" through "The Happening," but I think it is most clear, and most well done, through "Signs," which presents a literal crisis of faith.

The central character, Rev. Graham Hess (Mel Gibson), is in the midst of a personal, spiritual crisis. The crisis is so deep that he has given up the calling in his life — which is to serve as a minister. His anger and confusion has caused him to lose sight of something that is foundational to his life.

Yes, "Signs" is the story of an alien invasion. Yes, there is a sci-fi/supernatural element to the film. But that isn't what "Signs" is about. It's about one man's journey to process a tremendous loss in his life. He has to confront his anger toward God in order to process his faith, fulfill his calling, and see the miracles God puts in our lives in a daily basis.

As they say in 'The Wire," "All the pieces matter." They matter in investigations and they matter in our lives, but sometimes we need perspective to see how all the pieces fit together. I love the way Shymalan explores that subject in this film. I think it is a raw, open, and honest exploration of an aspect of our faith.