A Review of Journey: A Music Special from Andrea Bocelli
by Nick Olszyk
Distribution Service: Fathom Events, April 2nd-9th
MPAA Rating, Not rated at the time of this review
USCCB Rating, Not rated at the time of this review
Reel Rating, Four Reels
The Journey is not so much a movie as an experience.
At times, the film is a documentary, others a concert, occasionally a music
video, yet always a religious pilgrimage. There is a story that unfolds in
something of a plot, but these are just the stage for an expression of faith
and how that faith is lived in a broken world. It won’t satisfy the moviegoer
who demands a three-act narrative but provides a beautiful devotion to anyone
seeking inspiration.
Andrea
Bocelli is a world-famous tenor but prior to this film was only known to me only
by a brief – and graphic – sketch
from South Park. Journey gives virtually no biographic
details of its subject; it assumes the audience knows. Bocelli announces at the
beginning that he will be doing a traditional Catholic pilgrimage called the Via
Francigena, a 200 mile trek on horseback across Italy, ending in Rome. Along
the way, he meets a variety of friends and colleagues, all talented singers and
musicians in their own right. These artists engage Bocelli in a dialogue about
faith, often ending in song. The pacing is slow and deliberate, giving time not
only for the subjects to reflect on the spiritual life but the audience as well.
The
spirituality advanced by Bocelli is somewhere between explicitly theistic and
implicitly Catholic. This is certainly not a pseudo-pagan exploration of the
ego dressed up as faith. God and sin are real, thus also grace and forgiveness.
Jesus is rarely mentioned but Catholic churches and imagery abound. The songs
all deal with Christian themes in some capacity. My personal favorite was Taya
Smith’s performance of her signature song “Oceans,” my choice
for the greatest song ever composed. In almost every performance, Bocelli
joins as backup, adding beautiful layers to an already amazing rendition.
For
Bocelli, the most tangible expression of faith is family. His wife accompanies
him on the journey, frequently providing thoughts about their relationship. The
film’s final act begins with “the most important accomplishments” of Bocelli’s
life, a meeting with his children. He shares a small song with his daughter,
and his son reads a poem. The Journey ends with Bocelli kneeling in
prayer before the tabernacle, then giving his last performance, “Amazing Grace,”
with every artist throughout the film. It’s a fantastic representation of the beatific
vision, where all men from all ages and cultures join in praise of Christ’s redemption.
One
of Bocelli’s most famous attributes, which is oddly never mentioned, is his vision.
Born with severe glaucoma, he was completely blind by twelve. His mother even
rejected her doctor’s advice for an abortion. Like Stevie Wonder and Ray
Charles, this heightened his audible sense and drove him into the music
industry. His life thus echoes the story of the Man Born Blind (John 9), who
was rejected by the elites but embraced by Jesus. Bocelli may not experience
the electro-magnetic spectrum, but is able to fully perceive the world,
including the truths of God, through song. He then can more effectively share
these visions through his own music. Thus, the works of God “might be displayed
through him.”
The
Journey may not be traditional popcorn and soda Saturday night recreation,
but it a perfect Lenten encounter. By listening to Bocelli’s music and reflections,
he invites the viewer to examine his own spiritual journey and all those who
have helped him along the way. I was left not only with the gift of music but a
deep, deep gratitude for the One who “saved a wretch like me.”
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