Title: Wise Blood
Release Date: 24/10/1979
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Plot
“Wise Blood” is a dark comedy-drama released on October 24th, 1979. Directed by John Huston, this film is an adaptation of Flannery O’Connor’s acclaimed novel of the same name.
The story is set in a small town in the American South. The protagonist, Hazel Motes, returns from serving in the army and finds his hometown unfulfilling and suffocating.
Driven by a desire for meaning and purpose, he forms the “Church Without Christ” and embarks on a cynical quest to preach his own unconventional gospel. Hazel’s family history is troubled: his father was a self-proclaimed preacher, and his grandfather was an influential figure in the religious community.
However, Hazel, disillusioned with faith and spirituality, rejects his family’s legacy and the traditional notions of God and salvation. Through a series of encounters, Hazel befriends a blind street preacher named Asa Hawks, who ironically claims to have found Jesus and gained a following.
Hazel becomes determined to expose Asa’s hypocrisy, setting off a clash between the two men’s conflicting beliefs. As the story progresses, Hazel meets a young woman named Sabbath Lily Hawks, Asa’s daughter.
She is instantly attracted to Hazel’s charisma and unconventional outlook. Sabbath Lily, having grown up sheltered in her father’s religious community, is drawn to Hazel’s rebellion against societal norms.
The film explores several themes, including faith versus nihilism, the search for individual purpose, and the corrupting influence of religious institutions. Hazel’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his own internal conflicts and the absurdity of his chosen path.
Throughout the film, Hazel encounters a cast of eccentric characters who add depth and texture to the narrative. These include Enoch Emory, a young man fascinated by Hazel’s Church, and Hoover Shoats, a con artist who tries to take advantage of Hazel’s movement for his own gain.
As the tension between Hazel and Asa reaches its peak, the film takes on a darker tone. The battle between the two men becomes increasingly violent, leading to unexpected consequences for both.
The setting of the film, a rundown Southern town, conveys a sense of decay and spiritual emptiness. The dilapidated buildings and desolate streets serve as a metaphor for the characters’ existential struggles and the decline of traditional faith in modern society.
“Wise Blood” is a thought-provoking film that captivates audiences through its blend of dark humor and deep existential questions. John Huston’s direction brilliantly captures the essence of Flannery O’Connor’s novel, with engaging performances from the cast that bring the characters to life.
In the end, “Wise Blood” is a challenging exploration of faith, identity, and the pursuit of meaning in a world that can often feel devoid of purpose. It is a film that will leave viewers pondering their own beliefs and questioning the nature of religion and spirituality.
6 Best Scenes from Wise Blood
Scene 1: Hazel buys a preacher suit and declares himself the founder of The Church Without Christ. In this pivotal scene, Hazel Motes, the film’s protagonist, makes a bold and unconventional decision that sets the tone for the entire movie.
Feeling disillusioned with organized religion, Hazel purchases a preacher suit and decides to proclaim himself as the founder of The Church Without Christ. This act challenges the traditional notions of faith and spirituality, establishing Hazel as a rebellious and nonconformist character.
The scene begins with Hazel entering a clothing store and demanding a preacher suit. He puts on the suit, looks at himself in the mirror, and humorously realizes that he looks like a “used-car salesman.” Undeterred, he takes to the streets, making his declaration to anyone who will listen.
As he walks through the city, people stop and stare, perplexed by this eccentric and audacious proclamation. This scene is significant within the context of the film as it introduces Hazel’s internal struggle with his faith and spirituality.
By starting his own church that rejects the idea of Christ, Hazel is challenging the religious beliefs that have been ingrained in society. It sets him apart from the social norms and establishes him as a unique and rebellious character.
Moreover, this pivotal moment sparks the curiosity of other characters in the film, leading to interactions and conflicts that shape the progression of the plot. Scene 2: Enoch attempts to steal a mummy from a museum, leading to chaos and confusion.
Enoch Emery, a peculiar and socially awkward character, becomes fixated on acquiring a mummy from a museum. In this pivotal scene, Enoch sneaks into the museum after hours and attempts to steal the mummy.
However, his clumsy actions trigger a series of chaotic events, resulting in the security guards chasing him through the museum. The scene begins with Enoch sneaking past security, his excitement and anticipation evident on his face.
He carefully navigates through the dimly lit halls, finally reaching the mummy, encased in glass. With a mix of determination and enthusiasm, Enoch shatters the glass, causing the alarm to go off.
The blaring sirens alert the security guards, who begin their pursuit. As Enoch runs through the museum, knocking over displays and destroying artifacts in the process, chaos ensues.
The guards chase him, stumbling over broken pieces and crashing into displays themselves. The scene captures the absurdity and humor of the situation, highlighting Enoch’s unconventional and impulsive behavior.
This scene is significant as it showcases Enoch’s obsession with the mysteries of life and death. His attempt to steal the mummy reflects his desire to possess something extraordinary and otherworldly.
It also represents his yearning for a deeper meaning and purpose in his own existence. Furthermore, the chaos and confusion caused by Enoch’s actions lead to the eventual encounter and unlikely friendship between him and Hazel Motes, altering the trajectory of the plot and adding further complexity to the film’s narrative.
Scene 3: Hazel encounters Enoch, and they form a strange friendship, bonding over their eccentricities. In this pivotal scene, two eccentric characters, Hazel Motes and Enoch Emery, cross paths, leading to an unexpected friendship filled with shared quirks, alienation, and confusion.
Hazel, who has been looking for a place to stay, inadvertently enters an abandoned arcade where Enoch, who works as the caretaker, resides. The encounter between the two misfits sets the stage for their strange kinship and the ensuing developments in the plot.
The scene begins with Hazel stumbling upon the deserted arcade, drawn in by the eerie lights and vacant atmosphere. As he explores the dimly lit space, he comes across Enoch, who appears disheveled and engrossed in his work.
Their interaction is initially awkward and filled with uncertainty as Enoch offers Hazel a place to stay, mistaking him for a fellow arcade employee. As the scene progresses, it becomes apparent that Hazel and Enoch share a sense of alienation from society and a desire for connection.
Their oddities and quirks bond them, and they engage in conversation, discussing their unconventional beliefs and experiences. Despite their differences, there is a sense of understanding and mutual acceptance between them.
This scene is significant as it marks the beginning of Hazel and Enoch’s friendship and the exploration of their shared themes. Their camaraderie allows for further character development and exploration of the film’s central themes, such as faith, identity, and existentialism.
Additionally, their eccentricities and the bond they form set the stage for the subsequent events in the movie, including their involvement in Hazel’s newly founded Church Without Christ and their unique contributions to the overall narrative. Scene 4: Hazel’s confrontation with Hoover Shoates, a rival preacher, showcases his unwavering belief in his own religion.
In this pivotal scene, Hazel Motes confronts Hoover Shoates, a rival preacher who attempts to recruit him for his own religious organization. The encounter between the two showcases Hazel’s strong belief in his self-proclaimed Church Without Christ and his refusal to conform to traditional religious practices.
The scene begins with Hoover approaching Hazel and urging him to join his organization, promising fame and success. However, Hazel vehemently rejects Hoover’s offer, proclaiming his belief that there is no need for Christ in his church.
The confrontation quickly escalates as both men argue passionately about their opposing views on faith and spirituality. Hazel’s unwavering conviction in his own religion is evident in his refusal to compromise or be swayed by Hoover’s persuasive arguments.
This scene highlights Hazel’s determination to create a faith that aligns with his own convictions, even in the face of opposition. It also exemplifies his stubbornness and rebellion against societal norms, emphasizing his unconventional and independent nature.
The significance of this scene lies in its exploration of Hazel’s character and the themes of religion and personal beliefs. His confrontation with Hoover showcases his strong sense of self and his unwillingness to conform to the expectations and pressures placed upon him by others.
It further solidifies Hazel’s role as a defiant and nonconformist protagonist, driving the plot forward and shaping his journey of self-discovery and redemption. Scene 5: Sabbath Lily Hawks seduces Hazel, leading to a tumultuous relationship.
In this pivotal scene, Hazel Motes encounters Sabbath Lily Hawks, a seductive young woman who becomes enamored with him. Sabbath Lily’s seduction of Hazel leads to a complicated and tumultuous relationship that tests his faith and challenges his commitment to his own church.
The scene unfolds as Sabbath Lily approaches Hazel, showing a keen interest in him and attempting to engage him in conversation. Her flirtatious nature and provocative behavior quickly capture Hazel’s attention, and they share a passionate encounter.
Sabbath Lily’s seduction is characterized by her manipulative charm and her ability to captivate Hazel, drawing him further into her web. This scene is significant as it introduces a romantic and emotional entanglement in Hazel’s life, complicating his journey and personal beliefs.
Sabbath Lily represents a temptation that threatens Hazel’s commitment to his church and his quest for spirituality. Their relationship becomes a battleground between opposing forces, with Sabbath Lily representing earthly desires and Hazel striving for a more transcendental existence.
Through this pivotal scene, the film explores themes of temptation, desire, and the struggle between the spiritual and the carnal. Sabbath Lily’s seduction leads to a deeper exploration of Hazel’s character, forcing him to confront his own desires and question the boundaries of his faith.
Their tumultuous relationship adds complexity to the film’s narrative and serves as a catalyst for further character development and plot progression. Scene 6: Hazel blinds himself with quicklime as an act of penance and redemption.
In this powerful and symbolic scene, Hazel Motes blinds himself with quicklime as a form of self-inflicted punishment and as a means to seek redemption for his sins. This extreme act reflects Hazel’s psychological turmoil and his desperate quest for spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
The scene takes place in a secluded location, with Hazel pouring the quicklime into his eyes. The camera captures the intense pain and anguish on his face as he cries out in agony.
The act itself is brutal and disturbing, underscoring Hazel’s deep-seated guilt and his willingness to endure physical suffering to make amends for his perceived transgressions. Hazel’s self-blinding is a pivotal moment in the film as it represents a metaphorical shedding of his past, his desires, and his attachments.
It signifies his commitment to atone for his sins and to purge himself of his inner turmoil. The blindness serves as a physical manifestation of his internal transformation and his journey towards spiritual enlightenment.
This scene highlights Hazel’s extreme devotion to his self-proclaimed faith and his unwavering determination to find meaning and redemption. It encapsulates the film’s exploration of faith, sacrifice, and the boundaries of religious devotion.
Furthermore, Hazel’s self-blinding propels the narrative towards its climactic resolution, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and seeks ultimate salvation.
