Essay on “The Man from Earth”
“The Man from Earth”, directed by Richard Schenkman, is a fascinating
film that, despite its simplicity, raises profound philosophical reflections on
immortality, religion, and human history. The story unfolds in a single location,
where the protagonist, John Oldman, confesses to his colleagues that he has lived
for 14,000 years, sparking a discussion that challenges human beliefs and
knowledge. From my perspective, the film captivates the audience with its
intelligent script and its focus on dialogue as a vehicle to explore complex ideas.
What impressed me the most was how, through seemingly simple
conversations, the film unpacks transcendental themes that invite the audience to
reflect. While its theatrical format and lack of visual effects might be challenging
for some, I believe that this minimalism is precisely what gives it strength. By
focusing solely on the characters and their thoughts, the film places the audience
at the heart of the philosophical debate.
Regarding the characters, I particularly identify with John Oldman, the
protagonist, because of his ability to question the status quo and his critical view
of human constructs. As a psychology student, I am interested in analyzing how
people make sense of their reality through cultural and religious narratives,
something that John dismantles with elegance on several occasions. His calm
demeanor in the face of others’ emotional reactions reflects a rational and
composed approach that I deeply value. For instance, when John suggests that
historical figures like Jesus might have been misunderstood or exaggerated over
time, he invites us to reflect on how human perception transforms reality. This
type of thinking reminds me of the importance of questioning our beliefs to find
new perspectives.
However, I do not only identify with John. I also find similarities with
Edith, the religious professor in the group. Although her reactions are initially
driven by faith, I admire her sincerity and the passion with which she defends her
beliefs. Edith reflects the internal struggle many experience when their values are
challenged by new ideas. In my case, while I consider myself open to change, I
understand how difficult it can be to let go of beliefs that have been a
fundamental part of one’s identity.
Another character I connected with is Harry, the historian, whose
analytical and curious approach allows him to actively participate in the
discussion, even when John’s ideas challenge his academic knowledge. Like
Harry, I enjoy learning about the past and seeking patterns to explain human
behavior. His willingness to explore new theories, even if they are
uncomfortable, reminds me of my own interest in approaching different
perspectives, particularly in the clinical field, where it is essential to consider
multiple interpretations of the same situation.
In conclusion, “The Man from Earth” is a unique film that invites
reflection on our beliefs, the nature of truth, and the limits of human knowledge.
John Oldman’s perspective inspires me to keep an open mind and question what
we take for granted, while Edith and Harry remind me of the importance of
balancing emotions and intellectual curiosity when faced with the unknown. This
film not only made me think about immortality as a concept but also about how
our ideas and values shape our perception of the world. It is, without a doubt, a
cinematic experience that will remain in my memory and influence my way of
thinking.
Valentina Herazo Natera
