Lilies of the Field (1963)

In reflection, the reluctance of the main character, Homer Smith, of Lilies of the Field, directed by Ralph Nelson, brings to mind the lyrics of John Lennon's song "Beautiful Boy." Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans…I will not even try to contain the emotions that have been fluttering inside me after watching this film, so bear with me as I try to compose my thoughts.

"'Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin…'"

The story begins as the vagabond Smith (Sidney Poitier) unwittingly stops for water at a farm where a few nuns reside in Arizona. They want to build a chapel for the little town a little ways away, whose residents must stand to pray by the traveling priest's trailer. Though he wants to continue his travels, he agrees to do the work, even when it becomes apparent that the German nuns (who refer to him as Schmidt) have nothing to offer in return. That's it. Yet I am so amazed by what is done with such a simplistic plot, and I am reminded that plot can often be secondary to rich characters.

The first thing that struck me was the barren landscapes, accentuated by the b&w cinematography. It really captures the isolated feel of rustic living, especially amongst the sandy terrain laden with cacti. Not a location one would associate with nuns. The style of filming marks a clear departure from the squeaky clean approach of the olden days, and I honestly feel that the cinematography is as technically close to any modern independent feature of today. Every shot carries its own emotional weight, and a whole story can unravel from a single frame. For example:

I have a particular fondness for this still. So breathtaking.

What I also like about Lilies of the Field is that it features a black main character without having him overcoming a racially-concerned obstacle. Don't misunderstand me, roles like that are fine, and race is such a sensitive subject matter that there's always room for more exploration, but often that is the only topic that prevails when there is a non-white main character. Instead, it is simply a story about people gathering together to perform a charitable act, whether they be German or Mexican or anything else. I do not exaggerate when I say that there is not a drop of cynicism in this film, an aspect that makes me love it all the more. We need more movies such as Lilies in the world; like the title, they are pure, but not completely naive.

"Amen!"

Sidney Poitier is the definition of class. Even as a rough drifter, he still exudes a refined air. He became the first black actor to win the Oscar for Best Actor for this role, and as I have been mulling over this film, his performance has been growing me rapidly, and I now think he is one of my favorite winners ever. One can tell he is a master thespian from a single scene; he hits every note right, bringing a sense of fun and good nature about him, but also layering in the needed stubbornness. He obviously does not want to stay, yet his realization that building the chapel may be his fate is so compelling. My favorite scene of his is when he is teaching the nuns English; at first, it is simply a task, but we gradually see the exuberant joy that rises within him as he succeeds in reaching out to them.

Another great shot: Who would have thought to show a nun in despair?

Lilia Skala as the leader Mother Maria is a force with whom to be reckoned. She and Poitier's characters butt heads so many times that I almost prayed for one of to simply acquiesce. They complement each other perfectly, each on completely opposite sides of the spectrum. Their relationship seems to be one of conflicting beliefs, but ends up being one of the most endearing connections I have seen of late. Though neither would ever admit it, they love each other.

In its simple premise, Lilies of the Field manages to tug at the ole heartstrings without ever blatantly trying to do so. It sets out solely to tell the story simply and directly, with no aesthetics for furnishing, and yet ends up being one of the most moving films I have ever seen. Perhaps it proves to be a lesson in filmmaking and storytelling; the absence of decoration often leads more room for emotion and character. And isn't that what comprise the bulk of great stories? All I can say is that Lilies is the most unpretentious, unassuming, and beautiful film, one that too few people have seen. I am better than before having seen it.