As I mentioned in class, I am interested in interrogating Gran Torino’s investment in a Christian spiritual narrative of redemption. As we discussed in class, the film’s critique of organized religion (specifically Catholicism) is rather obvious and heavy-handed. Although Walt’s dismissal of Father Janovich as a naïve “boy just out of the seminary” (and, therefore, unworthy to receive his confession) proves correct, the film still places a great deal of value on Walt’s confession and atonement. Whether or not Walt’s self-sacrifice leads to absolution is not explicit. However, if we consider Thao to be Walt’s confessor, than perhaps the final scene of Thao driving the Gran Torino into the sunset can be considered a pardon of sorts.
Even more complex than the film’s attitude toward organized religion, is its endorsement of mysticism/spirituality. For instance, Walt’s birthday horoscope (which he dismisses in typically profane eloquence as “a load of shit”) is actually accurate: the horoscope states that “this year you have to make a choice between two life paths, second chances come your way, extraordinary events culminating in what might be called an anti-climax.” On that same day, the Hmong Shaman also reads Walt and describes his life in stunning accuracy: “The way to you live your food has no flavor, you’re worried about your life. You made a mistake in your past life. . .you have no happiness in your life, it’s like your not at peace.” The Shaman’s pronouncement is so spot on that it actually drives Walt into a consumptive coughing fit that literalizes the blood on his hands. However, I can’t help but wonder to the extent that the mysticism of the horoscope and Shaman is an Orientalist gesture that implies that religious “truth” resides not within the Western Catholic Church, but, rather, Eastern spirituality. If the film depicts a “crisis” of Western faith, it seems to be pointing East for a revitalization of Christian faith. And so, just as Walt’s death reanimates the masculinity of both Father Janovich and Thao, I think that Eastwood's cinematic appropriation of Christian iconography is indicative of how Walt's death can be read as an attempt revive Western faith via Eastern spirituality.
Spirituality, is the achievement of humanness, and the religions are the traditions and techniques for achieving this in relation to the transcendent Ultimate. When faith is described as the attitude which responds to spirituality in the broadest sense, then faith occupies the concentric circle mid-way between spirituality and religion. Thanks a lot.
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