Gone but not Forgotten is a series of articles that talks about films that may have come in and out in theaters or straight to DVD. These films are in this “humble” writer’s opinion not properly recognized… until now
Faith is a funny thing. Faith is an emotional thing. Faith is many things. Though one thing it hasn’t been, is something that can be captured on film. At least that’s what I thought until i recently saw the film “Higher Ground.”
Roger Ebert recently posted an article (http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2012/01/they_wuz_robbed.html) about films that should have been recognized by the academy. One of the films he mentions specifically was the film “Higher Ground”. Now I had heard of the film before, but it feels like it never got the release or publicity it deserved. After watching this film I can say with full confidence it completely lives up to every expectation, and then surpasses it.
The film is directed by and stars Vera Farmiga (“Source Code”, “The Departed”) and shows the progression of spirituality and faith by an individual. From it’s humble beginnings, to it’s growth, and then the eventual doubt that ensues. This film encapsulates the meaning of faith incarnate and is nothing short of extraordinary.
I can say personally that I may be giving this special treatment because of my own experience with the subject. My parents are both ministers and have encountered many of the same issues faced in this film. But it’s because of that experience that I simply can’t recommend this film enough. With it’s simplistic dialogue of how faith is explained to a child, this film nails this subject.
The acting is superb as well, with a stunning performance by Vera Farmiga that carries the film. The film features a stellar supporting cast as well that includes Joshua Leonard (“Humpday), John Hawkes (“Winter’s Bone”) and Donna Murphy (“The Fountain”). “Higher Ground” is simply a revelation from start to finish.
The film’s structure also boasts something familiar yet re-discovered. It takes place throughout the life of Vera Farmiga’s character and is able to use that timeline to effectively take you through the stages of faith. Though many films have tried to tackle the subject of faith comedically, it’s always failed. Whether it’s as an unintentional joke (“Fireproof”) or an intentional one (“Saved”) and up until now no one has been able to nail it. Because faith can be a funny thing, but the important thing is that’s not all it can be. It is such a multi layered subject and one as I mentioned earlier could never be handled properly. This film will make you laugh, swoon, cry, and everything else that truly makes film great.
This is Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut and one that I hope means we can expect much more to come from this talented auteur. Please support this film and rent or buy it as as soon as possible.
Higher Ground is available now on DVD/Blu-Ray.
