'You're the sermon, Jackie.'
This is the message of Dodgers owner Branch Dickey (Harrison Ford) to a young and fiery Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) in 42. Examining the early career of Robinson as he broke the colour barrier in the era of 'white baseball' in the late 1940s, 42 demonstrates the character and courage of a man who simply wanted to play baseball on equal footing with everyone else.
As a film, 42 turns out to be an inspirational, engaging piece that establishes Jackie as a man who is "strong enough not to fight back" when the evils of cultural oppression attempt to crush his spirit. Admittedly, it's not a perfect film as pacing can be an issue and character development can be lacking at times. Still, 42 offers us a picture of a man who found himself in a position to change his culture and takes the opportunity. In terms of tone, as I expected, this is one of those films that makes you want to stand up and cheer. Nevertheless, there was an element to the film that surprised me.
It was the clarity of their faith.
Interestingly enough, I have also heard the comment that the film doesn't accurately portray the power of their faith. Scenes where Robinson calls forth his faith as the strength against adversity are in short supply. (To be honest, most of the Christian conversation comes from Dickey himself so I do understand this complaint.) As a result, arguing that the film appears shy on 'explicitly Christian' material could be considered accurate on one level.
Personally, however, I feel that to make this is to not fully realize the impact of this storytelling. For instance, this film was not produced by Provident Films -- and nary a Kendrick brother was to be found. No, this film was financed and produced by Legendary Pictures, the same company that's producing The Hangover Part III and 300: Rise of an Empire. Yes, this is a decidedly non-Christian company telling a story that includes the importance of the faith of two men as they battle social injustice. To be honest, the fact that the faith of both Dickey and Robinson has such an onscreen presence is remarkable -- and a testament to the respect that they wield in a secular society. These are Christian men who really did something to change modern society and the power of their faith is acknowledged by non-Christians. (Heck, the film was both written and directed by Brian Helgeland, the same man who wrote the screenplays for Nightmare on Elm Street 4, The Order, and The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3. Without any judgment against him personally -- and certainly no indication where he is spiritually -- I still find the authority that he gives to the power of Christ in one's life remarkable.)
How can we, as Christians, not celebrate that?
In the hands of a Christian production company (and writer?), the film would have indeed looked differently. There would likely have been more openly spiritual discussion to be sure. However, assuming that Mr. Helgeland does not have such spiritual leanings--not to mention Legendary Pictures itself--42 demonstrates the power of one's faith in a way that is both humble and compelling. Compared to a film like Walk the Line that muted the faith of Johnny Cash to almost an afterthought, 42 powerfully proclaims the truth that the Gospel transforms culture and brings healing. Further, it reveals that, when Christians honour God in the world with courage and humility, they are noticed by others in a way that changes the landscape.
In essence, as Dickey points out, Robinson is the sermon.
Yes, it might have been nice to hear a Scripturally-grounded diatribe from Robinson speaking out against injustice. (Although Dickey's tirade against the owner of the Philadelphia Phillies moves distinctly in this direction.) However, 42 takes a decidedly different approach and, arguably, one that's symbolic of being far more effective. The impact of both Robinson and Dickey's strong faith is demonstrated by the fact that even those that have limited spiritual interest had to ensure that it was woven into the fabric of the script.
And hey, it's a pretty good movie as well.
42
Starring Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford
Written and Directed by Brian Helgeland
*** 1/2 out of 5
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