Tyler Duvall

Misrash in the Decalogue

Purpose:

                Midrash is a method of revealing deeper meanings and even possibly hidden interpretations of scripture. For the purpose of exposing midrash in the collection of films known as the Decalogue, I will largely appeal to midrash aggada which is a form of biblically based ethical scenarios presented in story form.

Visual Medium as Midrash:

                Film, like many other mediums of expression, allows viewers to enter into an alternate reality where emotions expressed by the actors become tangible as if the audience were the ones experiencing the drama. Visual film in many ways is comparable to midrash because of the ethical situations often presented. Regardless if the intent of the director was to communicate biblical situations there are always biblical themes that can be derived from the film which allows for the existence of midrash aggada.  

                In reference to Decalogue 1, the film presented images of a man by the fire numerous times with little expression aside from a few tears in a particular scene. I was initially confused about his significance as he never spoke or interacted with any character apart from making eye contact with the protagonist. Upon closer examination I realized that this unknown character by the fire could represent God (God is also seen as the voice through the computer).

                Decalogue 1 is a parallel to the first commandment which states that man “…shall have no other gods before me [God]” (Exodus 20:3). The consequence of a lifestyle apart from serving God surely leads to death and a life of emptiness. This theme radiates throughout the film as the protagonist’s son is taken from him by death.

                Additionally, the parallel between the commandment, “you shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), and the Decalogue 5 manifests in the ethical issues of justified vs. unjustified murder. I noticed that through images of suffering and death that ALL murder is wrong. Murder perpetuates murder and the theme of perpetuation radiates throughout this film. Using midrash to interpret the 5th commandment, I believe God knew the importance of life and that murder would not end with one life but would continue justifying an unjustified action.

Symbols:

                The most profound visual that I encountered in the films occurred in Decalogue 1. The protagonist taught a class discussing the reality of how translating phrases may not always carry their original weight into the other language. This concept was visually displayed when a phrase appeared in English on the computer that previously only displayed the polish language. The phrase that appeared was “I am ready” which is seen as a statement from God by the protagonist. The reason why this scene struck me so deeply is that English was not the protagonist’s native language and this symbolizes the possibility that he did not fully understand the weight of God’s statement. I relate to this in many ways as I have also received directives from God yet not know the significance of the word.  

                Through personal experiences, the film used a relay of feeling to ultimately deliver meaning that personally fit my worldview. In fact by doing this, the film is actually able to relate to anyone viewing the work. This occurs because concepts such as love, pain, and death are universal and as a result the audience can pull information from feeling and receive an impartation of knowledge.

Bridge between Film and Eternity:

                While the film certainly can relay God’s command to the viewer, the film alone does not bridge the concept of eternity into a God focused reality. However, the significance of the film remains valid as the Decalogue does raise ethical questions which cause deeper exploration of life. While the film is not a bridge to the ultimate meaning of eternity, it is a large plank in the bridge.

Question for the Reader:

Can God be discovered through the Ten Commandments solely?

Is the God character a genuine reflection of God’s actual character?

What demeanor does the director seem to view the God’s commandments? (Loving vs. unloving)

What demeanor do you view God’s commandments?