Of Gods and Men

How far can faith take you? This is the question Xavier Beauvois explores in his latest film, Of Gods and Men. With a few problems, the film powerfully portrays a real-life example of martyrdom.

The film is based on actual events, and focuses on eight monks who live in and serve a small community in Algeria. Brother Luc (Lonsdale) serves as the community doctor, willing to heal anyone in need, while the monastery’s leader Brother Christian (Wilson) knows the Koran as well as the Bible, giving him more understanding for the Islamic nation he works in.

As the film progresses, circumstances become increasingly worrisome for the monks as the country becomes more and more violent due to an Islamic terrorist group. In the film’s only scene of violence, the impassioned terrorists kill Croatian workers by slitting their throats. This violence is unexpectedly stunning and effective, mostly because of its juxtaposition to the rest of the film.

For the most part, the film’s rhythm is that of life in a monastery. Long shots of the hillside are common, reflecting the solitude and meditation of the monk lifestyle. Scenes of the monks singing hymns in the chapel are delicately shot by balancing the monks in perfect symmetry within the frame, relaying a message of perfect order and control.

Because of the calm, tranquil pacing of the film, contradicting scenes are even more effective. These include the scene of a hovering military helicopter flying overhead the monastery and drowning out all noise, but the monks still rise to sing. Another is the monk’s last meal together, while “Swan Lake” plays in the background and each displays his own solemn, but content expression.

An area the film lacks is in the predictability of the doomed monks’ fate. While the violence in the surrounding community continues to escalate, the monks must decide to leave or stay. Initially, some of the men seek a return to France, explaining, “We must not seek to be martyrs.” Although he agrees about martyrdom, Brother Christian wants to stay and quickly convinces the reluctant members to as well. Ultimately, the monks’ attachment to God, the community they serve, and each other keep them from fleeing. In this way, the monks have virtually sealed their fates, making them as stubborn in their religious zeal as the terrorists- even when it treats them most unfavorably.

The film relies heavily on strong, understated performances and finds them most successfully in Lambert Wilson’s devoutly calm, assured, peacekeeping presence as leader. Wilson shines while protecting his monastery from demanding terrorists, assertively explaining dwindling supplies and offering quotes from the Koran.

Another strong performance is that of the 82-year-old Jacques Herlin, whose warm and gentle portrayal of Brother Amédée effectively couples their leader, Christian. While the monks debate whether to leave or stay, he reminds Christian, “We did not elect you leader to make decisions on your own.”

Beauvois leaves Of Gods and Men with the monks held at gunpoint, leading the terrorists over snowcapped hills, until fading out of view among the falling snow. A peaceful ending- tearing away expectations of a fiery, violent on-screen end for the monks. An ending perfectly suited to Beauvois’ subtly executed work.