Rapture (The)

Genre: religious drama
Director: Michael Tolkin
Release: 1991
Studio: Rapture Productions, New Line Cinema − Fine Line Features
Quote from www.catholic.org (Book of Revelation, chapter 10, verse 10)
Rating: R
MBiS score: 8.6/10


There Are Some Who Never Think About It And Others Who See It Everywhere


‘Operator 134. What city? Hold on for your number… Operator 134. What city? Hold on for your number…’

Sharon (Mimi Rogers), an information operator, probably has one of the most brutal jobs in LA. Sitting in a dark and dreary cubicle, a headset glued to her ear, she is required to direct callers quickly – one every 15 seconds or so – and efficiently for hours on end. When her work is over, she shakes off her kinks the kinky way by cruising the streets with her friend Vic (Patrick Bauchau) in search of couples ready to share sexual fantasies. Doubt has not yet crept into her mind… the kind of existential doubt that turns whole lives around. With David Duchovny (Randy), Kimberly Cullum (Mary) and Will Patton (Foster).

Among Hollywood movies, THE RAPTURE is the rarest of rare birds. It doesn’t fit into any category, eschews formulas and refuses to compromise its vision for the sake of mass appeal. I’ve seen plenty of films in my time but, honestly, I can’t think of any other displaying such courage… or outright gall. Why are we here? Where are we headed? What can we do about it? Or should we even bother? It is these questions, the most crucial in human existence, that Michael Tolkin’s film dares to ask… and to answer in its own special way.

THE RAPTURE is a true motion picture paradox. As revealing as its title can seem − with its reference to salvation and the ultimate experience for Christian believers − you can scarcely imagine what this film will show you and how it will take you to its destination. Tolkin’s low-budget and low-key approach to Sharon’s story − to which other filmmakers would have given the blockbuster treatment, complete with superstar casting and full-blown special effects − is also surprising and even spooky… yet everything fits. Sharon’s conversion feels unforced, her New Agey turnaround satisfies her need for fulfillment and her actions and reactions certainly reflect human nature. It also helps that Mimi Rogers plays her demanding role with goggle-eyed bravery and conviction; all through Sharon’s journey, she succeeds in conveying each and every emotion, whether it be insensibility or suffering, panic or happiness, serenity or rage. The other cast members also deliver reasoned performances although Sharon’s dominance does limit their contributions. Production values are adequate, dialogues logical and well-constructed, the movie’s moods cold and foreboding, its images astounding. For the rest, expect the unexpected, as is the rule in life.

I should end my review with a word of caution. Some critics have hailed THE RAPTURE as a radical film while others have found it artificial and pompous. Its boldness will undoubtedly catch you off guard though it offers a rather faithful interpretation of the Holy Scriptures. When its denouement hits the screen, it will either amaze you, scare you off or revolt you but it won’t leave you indifferent for it speaks to the essence of what we are. Judging from personal experience, I was reminded of a passage in the Book of Revelation where the narrator was offered a small scroll to eat. ‘I ate it and it tasted sweet as honey, he writes, but when I had eaten it my stomach turned sour.’ It is mixed feelings like these that THE RAPTURE will arouse in you. This is why Tolkin’s film is so extraordinary, even for those of us who don’t believe in Christ.


MBiS

© 2011 – All rights reserved