X-Files: I Want to Believe

As many of you know that I really enjoy watching movies. I also enjoy watching television shows with strong characters. I recently saw the latest X-File movie. I want to call people’s attention to it. Judging by the box office many of you stayed away from this movie. I am saying when it comes out on DVD to give it a chance. Even if you have never watched any of the shows when it was on television.

The series was known for an ongoing conspiracy of alien invasion. The series had more to it than just that. They also investigated other paranormal events too. If you are a fan of Alfred Hitchcock then this is a show you should definitely check out if you have not done so already.

The thing that separates this show from many others is they had two very strong lead characters. The FBI agents of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigated all the “strange happenings”. Mulder was the “believer” while Scully was the “skeptic”. However, as the show developed these two opposite characters grew a relationship of mutual respect and admiration towards each other. Too often in shows characters that are opposite of each other tend to act acrimoniously towards each other and work to undermine each other. It is refreshing to see characters of different beliefs finding a way to work as a team. (Our political leaders very badly need to learn this lesson.)

The reason the current movie had not done well is because I think that many people were looking for an alien conspiracy story like the last movie that was made over a decade ago. This story is a standalone one. It reintroduces the characters of Mulder and Scully. It focuses on their relationship. It is also touches on some of the underlining themes of the series. The inquiry on the “unknown” phenomena of this world. The examination of one’s belief. It is also questions that belief in regards to tangible proof. The act of continuing to confront one’s own belief in the face of opposition to that belief. The question of how far are you willing to go to prove that belief? And is the cost of that worth it? The questioning of faith without being condescending towards that faith.

This movie I found to be a good at developing once again Mulder and Scully. And the movie did provide a few good “creepy” moments too. I liked that this movie focused on expanding out their relation. I also like when characters’ traits are done with intelligence like in this film. Too many movies these days think that car chases and shoot outs reveal character. It does not work that way. But I have to admit I do like a good car chase and shoot outs. Paraphrasing a lesson in a screenplay book I read. Action should come out of character but action in itself does not make a character.

So give this movie a chance. And with the Internet and some intelligence you can get up to speed quickly about these characters.

Good characters make a good movie. Box office totals don’t.

And if enough of you “discover” this film I am sure it will become a strong film franchise for years to come.

And on a side note to “belief”

Check out NPR’s This I Believe