Imagine that

Movie explores faith, hope, love

The allure of cinema is irresistible for those of us who believe taking in a movie is always time well spent. When the theater lights are dimmed and the big screen brightens, we embrace the moment. With the movie about to begin, we know a story is about to be told. I recently saw a film with a story that was so real and so moving I can’t stop thinking about it. It was so good I may go see it again. “I Can Only Imagine” is a powerful and unforgettable movie based on the story behind the Christian song of the same name. A riveting film like “I Can Only Imagine” gives license to the viewer to escape the mundane and let go of everything else for a few hours. In a hectic, fastpaced world, a darkened theater is an oasis of serenity and one of the few remaining public sanctuaries where we stop talking, maintain our attention and willingly silence our cell phones out of respect and courtesy for others who are there. Movies are meant to entertain. And they are meant to tell stories of every kind. When done right, cinema is a compelling art form, drawing the viewer in as the characters are developed and the story unfolds. Each of us absorbs a movie through our own lenses and our own experiences in life. Movies mean different things to different people. Any given film touches each of us in a unique and personal way. Movies show us the subtleties of the human condition, mirroring real life by depicting both the best and worst in people. Some films can cement a scene in our heart that stays forever or leave lines of dialogue indelibly etched in our minds. What we experience during the course of a film can often stir visceral emotions that make us laugh or cry. A movie can warm our hearts or break them, maybe teach us something, or perhaps provide inspiration. Movies, especially the great ones, prompt us to ask ourselves thoughtful and challenging questions in the aftermath of what we’ve witnessed on the screen. “I Can Only Imagine” impacted me in all these ways, and more. The song “I Can Only Imagine” was recorded by the Christian rock band, MercyMe. Written and composed by the band’s lead vocalist Bart Millard, the song was inspired by the death of Millard’s father. The lyrics consider what it would be like in Heaven standing before God. Released in 2001, the song became an instant hit on Christian radio then crossed over to mainstream radio formats, eventually topping the Billboard sales chart. It’s the best-selling Christian single of all time, having been certified triple platinum, the only Christian song to ever reach that milestone. The movie “I Can Only Imagine” isn’t a film for faith-based audiences only. It’s a film for everyone. An uplifting story of faith, love and redemption, this inspirational movie leaves viewers feeling hopeful when they depart the theater. At its core this movie is about the relationship between a terribly flawed, detestable father and his young son who more than anything wanted his dad’s love and approval. While growing up, Bart Millard’s home was a bad place to be. His mother fled when he was young, leaving him to live with his abusive father. But after Arthur Millard was diagnosed with cancer, his son saw his once abusive father become a believer in Jesus Christ, transforming him into a man you cannot only respect, but even love. The reconciliation between Bart and his father is a testament to the power of faith and the capacity to forgive. This film also shows us what a meaningful difference a teacher can make in the life of a young person. Bart Millard was born with God-given musical talent but it took a high school teacher to help him discover it and to encourage him to make the most of it. And then there’s the Nashville music-insider character in the movie who offers brutally honest, sage advice to Millard as he chases his dream to make it big in the music business. This man influences Millard’s life and career in a positive way, guiding him professionally and imploring him to persevere, to not give up and to reach deep inside for the right song to compose. “I Can Only Imagine” is a superb production, filled with beautiful music and replete with phenomenal performances by all the actors. If you haven’t seen it yet, this brief synopsis won’t spoil it for you because this is a story best told and best felt in a movie theater instead of by the written word. Go see this movie. You’ll be glad you did. Woody Bassett is a lifelong Fayetteville resident and a local attorney. Email him at wbassett@bassettlawfirm.com.