THE SPANISH PRISONER (1997)

Directed by: David Mamet
Written by: David Mamet
Studio: Magnolia Films
Starring: Campbell Scott, Steve Martin, Rebecca Pidgeon
Rated: PG

About the film:
An employee develops a “process” which will make his company sizable millions but he begins to wonder if his boss will reward him for his efforts. When he begins talking to others outside of the company, things become complicated and he is uncertain who he can trust.

Movie Quote:
“Worry is like interest paid in advance on a debt that never comes due.”
George Lang (Rickey Jay) in The Spanish Prisoner (1997)

Bible Quote:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Commentary:
If we ever stop to think about it, there are a lot of things going on in this world that should give us cause to worry. This is exactly why we shouldn’t – because we’d have to STOP to think about it. God wants us to keep moving.

Worry is a way-station on the road to the destination of fear… and fear is a dead-end. Let’s not get on that track. Life is too short and time is too valuable to spend any of it worrying about things that may or may not come true.

Worry does absolutely nothing to resolve the problems we may face in our lives. Yes, we will have problems… but worrying about what they might be or how it will all end doesn’t help us in the slightest.

A much healthier outlook would be to meet each day head on, planning for but not fearing the future, believing the promises of our heavenly Father who assures us that He shall supply all our needs. When adversity hits, we need not shrink in fear but confidently and faithfully work through the situation until we emerge victorious.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. Is there anything positive that can come from worrying? How can we best keep our minds from being worried about a situation?

2. Trust is a major factor in this film. How important is trust in a relationship and as Joe trusts less and less what happens to his mental and emotional state?

Michael Elliott
www.screensermon.blogspot.com