THE Rationale
Girarsi is a short film that depicts the reality of human frailty. Yet, in society, there are some people who have not recognized their frailty due to their arrogance and self-pride.
In a society filled with fear, people are pressured to act contrary to their conscience. This describes the reality of the lives of many teenagers. Due to the pressure of their peers, they are lead astray to dark paths of life. This also depicts the effects of sins. When we succeed in doing a small crime without any immediate consequences, we begin to think that it is okay to do bad and that leads to bigger and bigger consequences down the road.
Relativism is becoming popular in society today. It is the popular philosophy in which there is no absolute truth. In a relativistic society, their choices are not made on morality which is objective, but on one’s own feelings which is subjective. Many choices are made solely on how one feels, “I feel this is the right thing to do” or, “That may be right to for you but not for me”. Though there is a compass of morality that points the way, we tend to stray away from the path.
“The Father’s arms are open wide”, says Chris Tomlin in his song, “Good, Good Father”. No matter how big our sins are, this film shows the power that God’s mercy has to change someone’s life. God is a merciful Father willing to forgive those who come to Him in repentance and resolves to avoid the near occasions of sin. In a society where violence and injustice hovers around, the love and mercy of God conquers all.
THE SCREENPLAY
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THE TREATMENT
A young boy named Anthony, arrives to a Church in reparation and prepares to go to confession on an evening of Advent, just days before Christmas. He kneels in a pew in prayer. Anthony comes to church to seek consolation and “let everything out”. He places himself in the presence of God and prays in his head. Though hesitant to confess his horrible past, God’s mercy pushes him to start doing an examination of conscience of all the events of the past in preparation for confession.
Anthony grew up in a religious family, but years ago strayed away from the Church. In the midst of family problems, one day while waiting at a bus stop, he is asked by a mobster to be a gangster and be part of the Italian mafia’s activities. The mobster asks him to smuggle drugs in order to become a part of the mafia’s activities. Anthony is paid a significant amount of money. Anthony does does not feel the need to do the task because he felt forced into the mission and was scared to face possible consequences.
One event leads to another. His mom notices one day that Anthony has been out of the house more than usual. However, to cover his mission up, he lies to his mother, saying that he is out with friends doing school activities. His mom does not question anything else but imposes a curfew of 9pm and Anthony consents.
Anthony decided to tell a friend of his to do it for him, and offered his friend some of the money. His friend accepted the offer and was willing to do anything for the money. He delivered the drugs on Anthony’s behalf and got into trouble with the client. He gave the client attitude and ended up getting beat up. The client then took the drugs and left Carlos without any money. Anthony was furious and ended up telling the mobsters what had happened. The mobsters were furious and gave Carlos a deadline on when he wants his money. Carlos never meets this date and ends up being killed for his actions.
He no longer wanted to pursue being a gangster and becoming a part of the mafia. At first he refused, but fell under pressure when his own life was at risk. It was his life or the client’s. He did it. The murder devastated him and he immediately wanted out of the mafia.
Anthony becomes emotional after the examination of conscience. However, the Voice of God goes through his mind, reminding him that He is a merciful father. The Voice encourages Anthony to be strong and go to confession. Anthony finds courage to step into the confessional.
After the confession, Anthony is relieved. He kneels in a pew and says in his mind, “Jesus, I love you and from today I am yours”, which is supposedly his penance.
The title ‘Girarsi’ Italian for ‘turn around’ not only points to Anthony’s return to the Church, but also makes reference to Anthony's "last straw" in the end.
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