The Decalogue Films- Buhl

The visual medium of film certainly works as Midrash seeing that this Jewish concept in a way fills in all of the gaps or missing pieces of a text and gives it a different perspective and meaning. Film is a visual medium that illustrates to the viewer what is going on; the meanings do not have to explicitly be revealed to the viewer, making the concept applicable. Because there is room for interpretation in some films, including the Decalogue films, it follows the requirements of being Midrash. Some select parts are up for interpretation with regards to meaning, including the  “god like” man who appeared in both films we watched. His character placement and meaning could have different interpretations just as Midrash could have with reading the Torah or Tanakh.

This film is full of heavy emotions that made me irritated at different periods throughout the films. Those feelings sparked something inside of me when can be translated into meaning for others. Each of the films are about one of the Commandments, the feelings and emotions produced through watching the films creates a moral obligation in a way to help the viewer understand first hand why those Commandments are in place and the righteousness of each one of them. Throughout both of these films the viewer can see the power God has over people living on earth, even the ones who do not believe. For those who do not believe and view these films might arise some questioning thoughts and points about what they witnessed. Even though the plot lines are made up, the meaning of the stories and the emotions portrayed will still resonate with people.