Inquisition (Short 2009)

Inquisition: Directed by Kyle Gehring. With Paul Winters, Greg Bronson, Dean Jutilla, Craig Hartley. In a country where religion has been outlawed, one man continues to practice his beliefs and attempts to understand his persecutors…even if it means his own death.

“Shades of 1984 – only in a more contemporary setting, with the chilling spectre of a very real possibly in these tumultuous times.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAs an ex military man, I recognize the unquestioned and somewhat blind devotion to the task assigned the u0026quot;hunt teamu0026quot;. Violent men, hired to do a harsh and unthinking task. The storyline contrast comes from the societally antithematic theologically devoted counterpart (was that way too much – perhaps.), willing to sacrifice his very being for the cause of enlightenment.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe contrasts go much further. Visually – the harsh, black Battle Dress Uniforms (BDUu0026#39;s)black helmets and paramilitary appearance of the u0026quot;teamu0026quot; sharply contrasts with the flowing form of clothing of their captive. one gets the feeling of an accepted appearance of a religious man of the ages – it is not a difficult thing to even perceive him to be wearing robes of a biblical figure.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe actions – just how apparent is this! Extreme violence meets ultimate pacifism, impulsive behavior contrasting with measured calm.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEven the lighting portrays contrast – true, it is not black/white contrast, but a much more subtle use of light to portray the illuminated one vs. those who follow the dark path. The harsh outside environment is supplemented by a softer, interior perception – until the contrasting parties engage.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe dialog brings all of these contrasts together and illuminates the philosophical polarization quite effectively. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eYet, throughout the dialog, the point is ultimately made that they are both of a similar philosophy, different religions, as it were, but with more similarity than not. Religious dogma on both sides – one recognized – one not.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnd again – more contrast is achieved in the militant leader coming perhaps to a realization, an small glowing ember of enlightenment is sparked, leading perhaps to…. a flame of hope (I am making a jump here). Perhaps starting a small fire of thought and introspection.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePlease – forgive my ramblings – they are the thoughts of a man who has perhaps seen too many ugly regimes in power, a man who has seen the most unspeakable acts of violence and the suppression and subjugation of far too many people. A man who has had to do things that are better left to no persons memory. A man who has experienced the worst man has to offer. Yet, I have also seen the hope generated in people and the good that has come from those who would offer a better life, and yes, perhaps even a bit of freedom.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eYes – a ray of hope within the darkness.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMasterfully done, Mr. Kyle Gehring!u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMaj.(ret.) A. Baker.”