Created Equal ( 2017 )

Created Equal (2017): A Deep Dive into Faith, Law, and Injustice

Created Equal, a 2017 legal drama directed by Bill Duke and starring Aaron Tveit and Edy Ganem, tackles the complex and often contentious intersection of faith, law, and societal injustice. The film centers on Thomas Reilly, a young, ambitious lawyer who takes on a seemingly impossible case: suing the Catholic Church for denying priesthood to women. Through its compelling narrative and strong performances, Created Equal prompts viewers to confront their own biases and consider the historical and contemporary implications of discrimination within religious institutions.

Synopsis

The film opens with Thomas Reilly (Aaron Tveit), a successful lawyer known for his aggressive courtroom tactics and unwavering determination. He's approached by Alejandra Batista (Edy Ganem), a devout Catholic woman who feels called to the priesthood. Alejandra, however, faces an insurmountable obstacle: the Catholic Church's longstanding doctrine barring women from ordination. Alejandra believes this policy is discriminatory and violates the principle of equality.

Initially reluctant to take on the case, Thomas is eventually moved by Alejandra’s unwavering faith and the inherent injustice of the situation. He sees the case as an opportunity to challenge the status quo and fight for what he believes is right, even if it means confronting the powerful Catholic Church. As Thomas delves deeper into the case, he faces intense opposition from the Church, its supporters, and even members of his own community. He encounters personal and professional repercussions, forcing him to question his own beliefs and motivations.

The film explores the legal arguments for and against the Church's policy, delving into constitutional law, religious freedom, and gender equality. Thomas assembles a team and builds a case that challenges the Church's historical and theological justifications for excluding women from the priesthood. Alejandra, meanwhile, becomes a symbol of hope for many women within the Catholic Church who feel marginalized and disenfranchised.

The narrative also introduces compelling supporting characters who contribute to the film's multifaceted exploration of faith and justice. These characters include priests, nuns, legal scholars, and members of the Catholic laity, each offering their own perspective on the central issue. The film culminates in a dramatic courtroom battle that puts Thomas's legal skills and Alejandra's faith to the ultimate test. The verdict, regardless of its outcome, forces viewers to contemplate the complexities of religious freedom, equality, and the role of tradition in a changing world.

Characters

Created Equal features a cast of well-developed characters, each grappling with their own beliefs and biases. Here's a closer look at some of the key players:

Themes

Created Equal explores a range of complex and timely themes, including:

• Gender Equality: The film's central theme is the struggle for gender equality within religious institutions. It challenges the traditional patriarchal structures that have historically excluded women from positions of power and authority.
• Religious Freedom: The film delves into the complexities of religious freedom and the extent to which religious institutions should be exempt from laws prohibiting discrimination. It raises questions about the balance between individual rights and institutional autonomy.
• Faith and Doubt: The characters in Created Equal grapple with their own faith and doubts as they confront the challenges presented by the case. The film explores the internal conflicts that arise when personal beliefs clash with institutional doctrines.
• Justice and Injustice: The film examines the concepts of justice and injustice from multiple perspectives. It highlights the inherent unfairness of denying individuals opportunities based on their gender and the importance of fighting for equality.
• Tradition vs. Progress: Created Equal explores the tension between tradition and progress within religious institutions. It questions whether traditional practices should be maintained even if they perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
• The Role of the Church: The film prompts viewers to consider the role of the Church in contemporary society. It asks whether the Church should adapt to changing social norms and values or maintain its traditional beliefs and practices.

Legal and Theological Arguments

The film presents a compelling overview of the legal and theological arguments surrounding the ordination of women in the Catholic Church. Here's a summary of the key arguments on both sides:

Arguments Against Women's Ordination (Presented by the Catholic Church's Counsel)

• Apostolic Succession: The Catholic Church maintains that the priesthood is a direct continuation of the apostles, who were all men. They argue that Jesus chose only men as his apostles and that this is a foundational principle of the Church.
• Tradition: The Church emphasizes the importance of tradition and the fact that women have never been ordained in its history. They argue that changing this practice would undermine the authority of the Church and its teachings.
• Complementarity: Some theologians argue that men and women have different, complementary roles in the Church and that the priesthood is specifically suited to men. This argument often draws on interpretations of scripture that emphasize the differences between men and women.
• Religious Freedom: The Church argues that it has a right to define its own doctrines and practices without interference from the government. They claim that forcing the Church to ordain women would violate its religious freedom.

Arguments For Women's Ordination (Presented by Thomas Reilly)

• Equality: The legal argument primarily rests on the principle of equality. It asserts that denying women the opportunity to become priests is discriminatory and violates fundamental human rights.
• Scriptural Interpretation: Proponents of women's ordination argue that traditional interpretations of scripture have been used to justify the subordination of women and that a more nuanced reading of the Bible supports the inclusion of women in all roles within the Church.
• Justice and Fairness: They argue that denying women the priesthood is unjust and unfair, as it prevents qualified and dedicated individuals from serving the Church and its members.
• Changing Times: Advocates point to the changing roles of women in society and argue that the Church should adapt to these changes and recognize the contributions that women can make to the priesthood.
• Call to Serve: The argument that a sincere calling to serve is a genuine factor, regardless of gender. Alejandra's deep and undeniable calling to the priesthood is a central piece of evidence.

Reception and Impact

Created Equal received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised the film for its thought-provoking exploration of complex issues, others found it to be overly didactic and lacking in nuance. However, the film sparked important conversations about gender equality, religious freedom, and the role of the Church in contemporary society.

The film also resonated with many individuals who have experienced discrimination within religious institutions. It provided a platform for these individuals to share their stories and advocate for change. Created Equal has been used as a tool for education and dialogue in various settings, including universities, seminaries, and community organizations.

The film's impact can be summarized as follows:

Director's Vision and Intent

Bill Duke, the director of Created Equal, has spoken extensively about his vision for the film. He aimed to create a thought-provoking and engaging drama that would challenge viewers to confront their own biases and consider the perspectives of those who hold different beliefs. He wanted to explore the complexities of faith, justice, and equality without taking a simplistic or preachy approach.

Duke has emphasized the importance of presenting multiple viewpoints and allowing the audience to draw their own conclusions. He sought to create a film that would spark meaningful conversations and promote greater understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds. His intention was not to attack the Catholic Church or any other religious institution but rather to encourage a dialogue about the need for greater inclusivity and equality.

Critical Analysis

While Created Equal addresses a significant issue, it's important to acknowledge some critical points. The film sometimes simplifies complex theological arguments for dramatic effect. Additionally, while the acting performances are strong, some viewers may find the characters somewhat stereotypical. Thomas Reilly's transformation from a cynical lawyer to a passionate advocate feels somewhat rushed, and the motivations of some supporting characters could be explored in greater depth.

Despite these criticisms, the film's strengths lie in its willingness to tackle a controversial subject and its ability to generate meaningful dialogue. The courtroom scenes are particularly well-crafted, presenting both sides of the argument in a compelling manner. The film also effectively captures the emotional toll that the case takes on Alejandra and Thomas, highlighting the personal sacrifices they make in their pursuit of justice.

Another critique sometimes leveled at the film is its ending. While the specific outcome is left somewhat ambiguous (depending on interpretation), some argue that a more definitive resolution would have been more satisfying. However, the open-ended nature of the conclusion also reflects the ongoing nature of the struggle for gender equality within the Catholic Church and other religious institutions.

Conclusion

Created Equal is a thought-provoking and timely film that explores the complex intersection of faith, law, and injustice. While it may not be without its flaws, the film raises important questions about gender equality, religious freedom, and the role of tradition in a changing world. By presenting multiple perspectives and challenging viewers to confront their own biases, Created Equal serves as a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about these critical issues. The film is a reminder that the pursuit of justice and equality requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.