Except for “Jose Chung’s From Outer Space,” I always preferred the non-alien episodes of Chris Carter’s original series over those concerned with extraterrestrial life, which I’m sure puts me at odds with other, more die-hard fans of “The X-Files”: “Chinga,” “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” “Tithonus,” “Bad Blood,” and even “Sunshine Days” always felt a step above, say, “Duane Barry” or “One Son.” Which makes watching any kind of theatrical incarnation of the series somewhat difficult for me: The core of the television show was, of course, aliensÑMulder’s search for his sister, for the truth behind her disappearance, and Scully’s clinical rejection of any and all evidence concerned with that truthÑand so any plot not infused with an “out there” aspect would seem profane, even sacrilegious, no matter how interesting or entertaining it might be.
Both fortunately and unfortunately, I Want to Believe takes great steps to avoid any mention of aliens. There are throwaway remarks about Mulder’s sister that act as clichéd callbacks to the series and are introduced haphazardly to create a link between Mulder’s obsession and Scully’s attachment to a young hospital patient suffering from an incurable disease, as well as the two’s own personal life. However, the real concern of the film, co-written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, is in religion. The two former agents, both now outsiders, are drawn into an investigation about disappearances in snow-drenched West Virginia of young women, including a fellow agent. And as their guide they rely on a pedophile priest who claims psychic visionsÑ“God’s work”Ñare leading him to body parts buried throughout the barren countryside. Mulder, naturally, believes the man wholeheartedly, while Scully’s usual cynicism is overpowered by outright disgustÑshe sees him as nothing more than a vile creature looking for pity, even as his words begin prying into her own psyche.
After leaving the theatre, my brother and IÑagain, both fans of the seriesÑagreed that this was more like an extended episode than an actual, full-blown film sequel. In fact, I Want to Believe is remarkably reserved, preferring a heart of human interest rather than one of unrestrained paranormality. Which is a relief in only one wayÑthe role given to Gillian Anderson. My main concern walking in wasn’t whether or not I’d be entertained, but what effect this would have on her career. An incredibly gifted actress, she’s also been open about the difficulties she felt returning to such a long-gone character, and her unease sometimes shows. (I swear there are two moments when she almost slips into a British accent.) Still, throughout the run of the series, she was given quite a few moments of excellenceÑin particular, the closing moments of “Revelations,” in which Dana Scully confesses to a priest her fears that “God is speaking, but no one’s listening.” It’s a scene I was reminded of continually throughout I Want to Believe, and Anderson makes the most of her role as student-in-doubt. In a film that refuses to meet expectations, it’s the lead actressÑthe one who was openly uneasy, the one who had moved onÑwho shines.
by Adam Balz | Source: 35MM Theatrical Print
26 Jul 2008 5:10 PM | Comments (1)
Bravo. I applaud you on a wonderful article. I really enjoyed the film though, like you, I admit that it was very flawed. I am a huge fan of the show and unlike you, favored the alien conspiracy episodes – though I think Bad Blood is probably one of the best episodes of the entire series.
I really enjoyed how the film focused primarily on Mulder and Scully’s faith/skeptic relationship while the paranormal elements played second fiddle. I think most critics and fans were upset because they assumed it’d be the other one around. It was the relationship between the two agents which kept fans hooked for so many years so it seems odd that they’re be so many complaints about revolving around it for a feature-length film.
Jim Rohner
5 August 2008
2:01 PM
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