I' ve got to be honest with you, I didn't exactly know how this movie was going to turn out on the Christology level. But now having seen it, I truly believe there is much to be said about this early 1970's film that paints an accurate picture of the times. First of all, the film was quite explicit in where Dirty Harry gets his name due to the fact that he always gets assigned the dirtiest jobs. Jesus Christ had the dirtiest job of all by far. He had to come to earth to die for the sins of all humanity. And although I would say that the viewer would be stretching this comparison at times during the movie, Clint Eastwood portrays a police officer who is out to perform justice his own way. Christ was out to perform justice His own way, the only just way, to incur the wrath of His Father for the sake of all humanity. It wasn't just a risk of life such as what it was for Dirty Harry, rather Christ freely gave up His life on His own accord to accomplish the mission for which He was sent.
With that being said, I do have some problems with the renegade man Dirty Harry being compared to Christ as well. The main problem I have with this is that Christ never acted as a renegade, although by many, He was viewed as one. At times in this movie, Dirty Harry performed acts of civilized disobedience that Christ simply wouldn't have done. I know, I am probably being too tough on this film in some respects, but I must point this out. Christ did indeed come to take care of the problems His own way, and Harry obviously does the same. Yet there are differences to be sure between the two of them. I got from this film that Harry was quite the Law giver, whereas Jesus came to be the Law fulfiller. He fulfilled what we could not do. There are many other inconsistencies that one could point out, but for the sake of time, I will move on.
A little bit about the culture of the time...as we spoke about in class, we talked about what was going on back in that day with the new miranda rights and the focus being put on protecting the rights of criminals. That is something that Christ definitely came to earth to do, but I think in perspective to this movie, Harry likely went to far in His administration of justice at times.
In conclusion, I was really impressed with this film. There are the scenes throughout the film that show Harry as the Christ figure with Him standing at the cross, and the miraculous shots that he takes at stopping robberies and other associated crimes...I must say that I wish I could shoot a gun like Harry...well anyways, kudos to the directors and producers for a film well done. This is one that I could definitely watch again and maybe even use in my ministry! (Oh, and by the way, I am really glad that Harry finally got the bad guy...that would have really sucked if he hadn't!!!) Peace out!
Kevin Hintze
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I believe there are a number of purposeful attempts to align Harry with Jesus. The hymn “Oh God our Help in Ages Past” playing. The cross scene, and the Jesus Saves scene. These are too clear to be accidental.
ReplyDeleteAnother tie I found with in the scene when Scorpio exclaims “Jesus!” upon seeing Dirty Harry. I thought of the demon possessed man who, in Luke 4:34, exclaims, “Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God.” Dirty Harry (Jesus-of-Wrath) does destroy Scorpio (the demon). Also Harry does things his own way. Vaguely paralleling verse 36 where the people note that Jesus teaches differently. “Like who who has authority.” His own authority.
I likened Dirty Harry to the Angel of the Lord, who often throughout the O.T. was the bringer of destruction in events such as with the Assyrian army, Sodom and Gomorrah, and the like. Deviating from the O.T. theme, Dirty Harry is the Jesus that makes sure the law of Karma is brought upon everyone. The bad get bad done to them. The good get good done to them.
In terms of WWJD the movies probably falls short. (Although Hindu-Jesus-of-Karma still makes for a great movie.) I have been vasilating between low and middle Christology. The message of dying for the sins of the people is not there so I've dropped it to low because the salvation message doesn't seem to have a real parallel in the movie.
James Groleau
This was the first time I had seen Dirty Harry. I thought that the movie was very well done. I will admit that at first I was skeptical as Kevin... how in the world is this a "christ film". And even after our initial discussion after class I still was thinking it was far fetched. But now, a week away from viewing, and thinking about the obvious christ-centric tie ins: the cross, "jesus saves" etc I agree that there were too many to be "accidental". The idea that Harry eventually saves the day and gets the bad guy can obviously be Christ conquering over sin.
ReplyDeleteI think it is helpful to see these movies and discuss them on how Culture sees Jesus and wants to see him... but I have a hard time seeing a use for Dirty Harry in ministry. Give me a couple more weeks though... and maybe the ideas will surface.
Eric Kolonich
Kevin,
ReplyDeleteNice Post! I would agree with you that Dirty Harry does not relate one to one with Jesus and maybe he doesn't have to. I think that in all ages the perspective on Christ changes. In the medieval time one could grasp from paintings and other artwork that Christ might not be as forgiving as we might look at him now. Maybe that is the point of the class. To look at small vignettes so to speak of or based around Christ. New lenses to hold up to particular events and ministry of Jesus Christ. It isn't a one to one thing but rather a way for us to view anew the realized Christ. Every generation will have to find Christ in a way that will be influenced by the culture around it and yet many things remain the same.
Christ stands for justice that goes beyond manmade law.
Christ fights against evil to help those who are good.
Christ is extraordinary (in Christ's case he is God)
The point may be than that Christ doesn't change but maybe how we view him or how we may want to view him does.
Ryan Drevlow