Theological Symbolism?

Rating: 8/10 (24 November 2006)

Did anyone else see strong theological symbolism in this? I admit I see theological symbolism in most things because I'm a theology student, but it seems a little too clear in this case to be accidental. The author is a pretty clear God character - omnipotent (at least in relation to Crick), unreachable/reclusive, etc.
Hoffman's character is a sort of loose Schleiermacherian Jesus figure, who is merely human himself but can direct Ferrell to "God." Still, it is a step that Ferrell actually takes himself. It is also interesting that Hoffman does not actually know the God figure, yet is respectful. His role as a lifeguard is also interesting, but perhaps most interesting is that in the end he is rooting for Crick to die. This may make him more of a bodhisattva figure, and there is other evidence for this, but this view also would not be inconsistent with a typical Hollywood portrayal of the Jesus figure.
Finally, Crick's conversion, which seems to me to be the point of the movie, is also fascinating. It bears some marks of Buddhist self denial, yet his conversion doesn't result in peaceful release but a new zest and appreciation for "banal" existence, it is a transformation rather than a release. There is also the imagery of the apple, which seems like a fairly strong reference to the Garden of Eden. His life before he meets the God figure is just preparation to die, but it becomes meaningful (even retroactively meaningful) after he submits to "God's" plan (which is objectively good) and "God" mercifully saves him. It is interesting, however, that he comes to "God," rather than the other way around. Partly because of this, Crick also makes a sort of Jesus figure himself, especially in his sacrifice, which causes "God" to relent (she even changes to a gentler appearance). This sacrifice also notably spares another human being. If you look at it this way, Hoffman then becomes a kind of Holy Spirit figure.
Anyway, this is a fascinating and enjoyable look at life, death, and fate. I think the structure primarily relies on Christian imagery, but you could make a case for Buddhism as well. I will definitely watch it again. I still haven't entirely figured out the role of the watch.