The other day, a Lutheran pastor asked me about a movie I had recently recommended, The Addiction, so I decided to post a comment about it.
I’m not a film critic and I don’t particularly fancy horror films, but I did become intrigued by the genre after being assigned to write an article for Higher Things magazine. I found that there are some distinctly biblical notions underlying many of the better horror movies. I know that might sound strange to some, but it’s true.
The Addiction is a vampire movie, pure and simple. I stand by my recommendation, but with this word of caution: It is a gory movie and has some quite unpleasant scenes. The fact that it is black and white helps a bit. But the easily rattled may want to stay away.
The vampire motif is the film's way of portraying Original Sin. The disposition of fallen man toward evil is a bit like an addiction, a craving that must be fed. One of the reasons I recommend the picture is because it does not buy at all into this modernist notion that people are good and ever improving. Enlightenment optimism regarding man's nature is simply not borne out in our experience.
Don’t misunderstand, human nature is good in essence. If I said otherwise, I’d be accusing God of creating something evil. Even more, I’d be saying that God Himself is evil. We were created in the image and likeness of God after all. But since our first parents took the forbidden fruit, our pristine human nature has been corrupted. Now, as St. Augustine said, "Non posse non peccare," (“We are not able not to sin.”)
And that is what this movie is about. Why is that beneficial to the cause of Christ? Because we live in a society that is in denial. By failing to recognize our corruption for what it is, we fail to understand our need for a savior. As long as I can remain even the slightest bit optimistic about myself then I will not seek Christ. Martin Luther once said, “It is certain that man must utterly despair of his own ability before he is prepared to receive the grace of Christ (Heidelberg Theses).” To recognize your need is the first step toward recovery.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Unfortunately not on DVD and ergo not on Netflix.
2 - The Theory
interesting post. i may have to check this out.
3 - richard williams
i watched the movie on the basis of this recommendation.
what a piece of philosophic sophmorish wantabe!
no real plot development. nothing to really think about, although elements were there, just not followed up as the writers were too busy chasing their next mirage.
i like vampire movies so it was not a waste of time, but clumsy, mind numbing, and shallow.....
4 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
interesting stuff, Scott. horror films are often awash with Biblical musings. Hellrasier being one example that springs to mind. And of course there's Jesus Christ - Vampire Hunter, but that was more of a kung-fu caper.
5 - Dave Nalle
I saw this movie when it first came out. It's very 'arty' and rather irritating, not to mention being very poorly directed. It's not particularly Christian in theme and although the cast is good, the script is so wretched it goes nowhere.
Dave
6 - Scott Stiegemeyer
Dave,
Obviously, I don't agree with your analysis. I just corresponded with Dr. Scott Ashmon of Concordia University-New York who told me that he uses "The Addiction" in a film and religion course. So at least I'm not alone in thinking it contains seeds of Christian doctrine. The interesting thing about truth is that it crops up in the most unusual places, even unintentionally. But hey, thanks for the comment.