In The Man Who Saves the World?, an eccentric American peace activist pursues his belief that he’s destined to unite South American tribes and save the Amazon. Source: Australian Catholics.
Note the question mark in the title. Will Patrick McCollum, the focus of this documentary, be in a position to save the world?
Writer-director Gabe Polsky, fascinated by McCollum, invites the audience to join him in discovering who McCollum is and if he is a possible saviour.
We meet McCollum at an enormous festival in India, where indigenous leaders from around the world have gathered with local leaders. McCollum is there, calling out something like a movement of the spirit, and the indigenous leaders respond that he can be seen as a prophet.
McCollum, born in 1950, is an independent religious minister. He has a talent for most things he puts his mind and hands to (including making a violin and learning to play it).
For the sceptical, probably for many of the audiences who have watched thus far, 15 minutes or so into the film, Polsky decides to do some questioning himself.
He hires an investigator, who confirms McCollum’s authenticity. And, with so much footage of McCollum, and despite the questioning and sometimes mutual irritation, the film evidence favours McCollum.
It is interesting to visit the home McCollum has built in New Mexico and to meet his wife, who is his most enthusiastic campaigner and assistant.
Polsky soon makes the audience realise that Western thinking is rational, linear, perhaps wary of inspiration, intuitions and brainwaves unless practical outcomes can be observed and measured.
Many other cultures, especially indigenous cultures which Western cultures have tended to downgrade, are more intuitive, mystical, moving well beyond hard facts.
Much of the film involves meeting indigenous leaders from India, American and South America, and exploring concerns about the environment, extensive logging and the climate.
There is a final gathering in Mexico, moments of query by Polsky as he observes, and the question of whether McCollum is really a prophet.
Interestingly, the late Jane Goodall was a McCollum champion and is seen several times in interviews.
A thoughtful encounter with McCollum, an encouragement to indigenous leaders, and a challenge for all who may be stuck in linear rational mind frames.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC, Jesuit Media
The Man Who Saves the World?: Starring Patrick McCollum. Directed by Gabe Polsky. 87 minutes. Rated M (Coarse language).
FULL REVIEW
The Man Who Saves the World? (Australian Catholics)
