8MM (1999)

Directed by: Joel Schumacher
Written by: Andrew Kevin Walker
Studio: Columbia Pictures
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Joaquin Phoenix, James Gandolfini
Rated: R

About the film:
A private detective is hired to investigate a mysterious piece of film that a widow found in her late husband’s safe. On the film is grainy footage of a young girl being tortured and killed. The widow wants to know whether or not the girl was actually murdered. The detective’s inquiries lead him into the dark and devilish world of snuff films.

Movie Quote:
“If you dance with the devil, the devil don’t change; the devil changes you.”
Max California (Joaquin Phoenix) in 8MM (1999)

Bible Quote:
“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
1 Corinthians 15:33a (NIV)


Commentary:
Not every lesson of every film will be pleasant or enjoyable to watch. This film depicts a repugnant and vile side of this world. It is not a place we’d want to visit.

As the detective ventures deeper into the perverse underworld of criminally depraved people, he finds himself changing. His mental perception is altered, he becomes distant from his wife and children, and he becomes almost obsessed by the facts of this case.

There’s a reason that Jesus Christ warned his followers to beware; that a “little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” (Galatians 5:9) It would be naïve to think that we are not influenced by those with whom we associate nor affected by the doctrine or way of life they promote and exhibit.

We see it over and over again, both in God’s Word as well as in history books. Solomon, once the greatest and wisest king Israel had ever known, became weakened and confused due to the influence his foreign wives (and their pagan beliefs) had on him over a long period of time. (1 Kings 11:4)

But the reverse is also true. If we surround ourselves with people of strong moral character who have a heart for God and a desire to walk in His ways, the influence they wield can have a positive, strengthening effect upon us.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. How are we to reach out to the unbelievers if we don’t associate with them? What balance must we strike?
2. Track the downward spiral of the detective’s life. What could he have done to better protect himself?

Michael Elliott
http://screensermon.blogspot.com