“The only appropriate attitude for man to have about the 'big questions' is not the arrogant certitude that is the hallmark of religion, but doubt. Doubt is humble. And that’s what man needs to be, considering human history is just a litany of getting shit dead wrong!”
This is the wisdom Bill Maher offers in his film, Religulous, directed by Larry Charles (who directed Borat and Seinfeld). If doubt is humble, and Maher is the king of doubt, why is he so arrogant?
I used to watch Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO, have on occasion agreed with some of his political points, got a kick out of “New Rules”, and loved the music. While I appreciate some of his sarcastic humor, at times I wonder why Maher sometime acts like he was dropped on his head. My enjoyment of Maher and his show changed this past election (2008) when he showed more of his bias and his contention blossomed towards Bush, the Republican Party and religion, specifically Christianity. Oh, and there’s that occasional slam on Jesus (“Oh, I kid”).
Since I am a Christian and sensed Maher’s aversion to religion and his contempt for Christians, I was hesitant to watch this film, but curiosity won the day. Religulous was put together with good music and terrific shots of the Holy Land, as well as random, yet strategic, Photoshopped excerpts of news coverage, old movies, photos, and satire. I found Religulous somewhat entertaining and at times humorous, but I did experience those uncomfortable moments and not just for Maher’s mannerisms and lame jokes, but more so for some of the folks he interviewed.
While Maher does mock religions like Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and the “marijuana dude” (Cannabis Ministries), most (not all) of the people he interviewed probably deserved to be ridiculed. Where did he find these characters? Knowing his agenda I wasn't too surprised, but was shocked that he wasn’t assaulted by one of them, which would have given him more ammunition towards his belief that all people of faith are stupid and violent!
One of the highlights of Religulous was Father Reginald Foster (Senior Vatican Priest) filmed in front of the Vatican. The interaction between Maher and Father Foster was charming and amusing especially when Maher asked Father Foster, “So how do you convince people of what’s the true faith?” Father Foster’s response: “You don’t… Forget it, you (they) just have to live and die with their stupid ideas.” Very profound when you think Father Foster was sharing his wisdom with a skeptic.
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Article comments
1 - Alie James
I think a review is especially effective when the reviewer is up front and honest about his or her bias. That way, you really don't know what you're going to get. Christine, now I'm the one that's curious. Thanks.
2 - Christine Lakatos
Thanks Alie, I forgot to mention, since I don't get out much, LOL, I missed this film when it cam out in theaters so I bought the DVD. Worth watching!
3 - Jordan Richardson
I didn't really like this movie at all. I thought the entire closing segment was idiotic, with Maher posing and posturing over corny "fear" music and visions of destruction while telling us all how dangerous religion is.
Prior to that, his insistence on his indifference and on his "doubt" seemed sensible, but he really blew himself out of the water with the conclusion. Gone was the passive, smug, amusing observer of 90% of the documentary. In place of that, Maher became one of them with no humour, no sarcasm or derision. That he was outright serious during the closing segment was the really insulting thing.
4 - Dyrkness
Bill Maher is a a comedienne? I thought he was a he.