Thursday, April 17, 2014

John Tyler: Northfork

I think Northfork is a fascinating film that intentionally explores the reality and inevitability of death.  Father Harland plays a crucial role in the film and is quoted saying, “The important thing about death is to be a witness to the person coming in and the person coming out. ”  At fist I had no idea what he meant by this, but after thinking about it for a while I connected this statement to his relationship with the orphan Erwin.  Sadly, Erwin doesn’t have anybody to share his life story with except for father Harland.  It is therefore father Harland’s duty to share Erwin’s story with others.  He is the only witness of Erwin’s story, the only one that can preserve and pass it on.  When I think of this it reminds me of Christ and His redemption plan.  After defeating death and reconciling the World back to God, He then passes on the torch to a couple of disciples and says “preach the Good News”.  Thus, it is God’s desire to partner with humans to establish His kingdom on the earth. 

During the discussion we talked about the symbol of portals between heaven and earth in Northfork.  The plan is a curious symbol in that it is how the angels traveled when typically they are perceived to be able to fly.  Additionally, the privy scene is a powerful symbol of a portal between heaven and earth.  The man inside is an a stinky and dark room, with a cross illuminated on the door.  This reminds me of Paul’s writing “You called me out of darkness and into Your glorious light”.  Some characters in the film, such as this one, were being called out of darkness and into the light of the Son.

Finally, he weird animal/figure was a guide and a watchdog for Erwin.  Towards the end of the film we see that it is also depicted as the cane of Father Harland.  

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