Life of Pi

Here's a movie I'm not really sure what to make of.  It makes me want to read the book, and at the same time, not.  Ang Lee has said that it's a philosophical film, disguised as an adventure story, but to me it's a harrowing survival film dressed up as a religious polemic.  It's not a particularly satisfying polemic, it's not exactly  the Old Man and the Sea by Deepak Chopra.  Those who are religious may take offense at the suggestion that their beliefs are delusional, those who are not may be offended by the notion being presented that those delusions are preferable to reasoned and abject reality.  The message seems directed at people who value reason, but still find it to not be enough.  People like me I suppose. I find myself looking at this movie like the boy looking at the tiger, enjoying gazing into beautiful eyes, but hoping there is something more there than my reflection.   

The introduction is quite charming.  When reality hits it is intense.  The film is exceptionally well made, and a visual masterpiece.  I found it strange that such a bleak situation could be so colorful and lovely.  The film doesn't shy away from the themes of cruelty, loss, and death.  Its Synechdoche NY for kids.  I was moved by it, I'm just not sure where I was moved to.  I'm more than happy to accompany a persons search for God, but I get annoyed when my ability to reason is challenged, or reason itself is frowned upon.  The conclusion surprised me, I don't understand it's thesis, and the parts I do understand I reject.  And yet, I can't stop thinking about it.  I find I cannot deny a liking for a belief in the existence of a God.  If God must be represented as a good story, then I'm for it.  Ultimately, I'm happy I saw it, and a good story is good no matter what it may represent.