Juno: A Truly Pro-Life Film (by Gareth Higgins)
Last night I finally saw Juno, Roger Ebert's favorite film of 2007 and recipient of four Oscar nominations, which has as its center the story of an unplanned pregnancy and the people affected by it. The protagonist, Juno MacGuff, played by Ellen Page in one of those so-good-she's-either-brilliant-or-really-like-that-in-real-life performances, is a misfit attracted to her male mirror image. Wiser beyond her years, slightly jaded by life and negotiating the pitfalls of the high school psychological assault course, she responds to her pregnancy by initially seeking an abortion – and the nonchalance with which she is treated is the only thing sadder than the unthinking speed with which she makes the decision. She is greeted by a lone protestor – the sole representative of institutional Christianity in the movie – as young as her, who, while a welcome change from the angry fundamentalist stereotype, may know as little about adult life as Juno does about the experience of pregnancy she's about to have. But something unsettles Juno, and she is unable to go through with the termination. Instead, she plans to have the child and help a couple seeking to adopt.And that's it – the rest of the film is a deceptively simple story, taking Juno through the following months, her relationship with family, her best friend, and Paulie Bleeker – the dude she hung out with a little too late one night. There's not much to the tale at first glance, but I found the way in which it is told (by writer Diablo Cody and director Jason Reitman – son of Ivan, who brought us Ghostbusters and the wonderful presidential satire Dave) – so utterly beguiling that by the time the film was over I wanted to go straight back to the start to rediscover these characters all over again.
Why? Because the characters in this film not only feel like real people, they are the kind of people you would be happy to spend time with. Because the film does as good a job as the best films of its type at reminding us of what it feels like to be young and not fit in (even the prospective adoptive father is trying to find his liberation in a stifling world). Because there are no grandstanding scenes, no emotional outbursts, no melodramatic moments of "closure." The characters behave the way many of us might hope to be able to do in similar situations - Juno's parents respond to her surprising news with grace, never for a second falling into the cliché of fearing what the neighbours might think. Juno is confident enough not to join so many others of her generation by giving into the stigma of shame, and Paulie ultimately just wants to be a good guy for her.
If this sounds sentimental, that's certainly not the tone of the film. If it sounds unrealistic, however, then perhaps that is indicative of a culture in which perfectionism or arrogance are often preferred over honestly managing the frailty of being human. Diablo Cody was once a stripper and so is likely to have experienced moralistic condemnation at the hands of others. It is a triumph that she has composed a film so full of generosity and so lacking in bitterness, so full of hope for family, for children, for people being able to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and start all over again. Alongside the clear exploration of how to respond to unplanned pregnancy, this film has something to say to those of us seeking to explore what forgiveness and redemption means. More than that, in its embrace of the totality of our existence – from its acknowledgement that the promotion of values often has more to do with helping people move on from things that didn't work out than with dogmatic confrontation, to its critique of the fact that some religious voices seem incapable of communicating compassion, Juno is a truly pro-life film.
Gareth Higgins is a Christian writer and activist in Belfast, Northern Ireland. For the past decade he was the founder/director of the zero28 project, an initiative addressing questions of peace, justice, and culture. He is the author of the insightful How Movies Helped Save My Soul and blogs at www.godisnotelsewhere.blogspot.com
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Comments
Great review. You have certainly convinced me of what I'll be doing this Saturday. Going to view Juno!
Posted by: jeff | January 31, 2008 2:55 PM
We really loved the film too, and your review is pitch perfect. One thing I would add is that Juno is in part who she is, and is able to see through the pregnancy as she does as the result of being the child of clearly loving and supportive parents. The parents in the movie are not saints, but they clearly love Juno, and it seems she feels she can fully trust them. That's a solid foundation for anyone.
Posted by: Kurt | January 31, 2008 5:15 PM
I like your review here. Juno is the best movie I've seen since I don't remember when. I was especially pleased to see two cast members of the best TV comedy in history (Arrested Development) have starring roles (though the Michael and George Michael were never in the same scene). It's like a smarter Napolean Dynamite. Ellen Page was brilliant. And Diablo Cody definitely provokes intrigue. The movie's treatment of pregnancy and abortion was completely life-affirming. I loved it.
Posted by: jesse | January 31, 2008 7:01 PM
I just saw Juno. I think it was a great film- writing, directing, and phenomenal acting! Has the young Ellen Page been pregnant before? If not- what an actress!
I also didn't like the film. Because I found it too realistic. I think it's a great film, but I don't like being in a world of dirorce, abortion, and extramarital sex, where it's all treated as rather blase and normative. Everything you said in your review is true. Personally, leaving the theatre, our collective loss of innocence is what struck me most.
Posted by: Jedidiah Palosaari | January 31, 2008 8:48 PM
If Juno had been a Canaanite at the time of Joshua, God would have ordered her death. If she'd been alive around Noah's time, God would have drowned her. In Moses' time, her boyfriend could have consulted a priest as to how to induce a miscarriage. Paul would have been nicer--he would have said her pregnancy was the only way she could be saved. Jesus would have told her it was better not to be pregnant since the end was coming and she'd likely be lost.
I'm glad this movie is more life-affirming than the Scripture which so many claim is pro-life.
Posted by: Ashpenaz | January 31, 2008 10:37 PM
"I'm glad this movie is more life-affirming than the Scripture which so many claim is pro-life."
Myopia.
I thought Juno was great. I'm not sure I buy that it was the next great pro-life movie. Abortion is bad cinema because it creates a conflict nobody likes, that being the role of murderer as protagonist. That's a dichotomy unbefitting of a comedy of any sort.
Moreso, I think this film gives hope to those who believe that abortion will, for once and for all, be a relic of the past. Narratives ending in abortion are invariably horrific. Narratives ending in life offer no end of opportunity. We should be happy that America embraces this paradigm.
Oh, and the film is well written, if a bit sitcomish (by design, I think, given the casting). Minnesota's strippers are smarter than your strippers, so there.
Posted by: kevin s. | February 1, 2008 12:44 AM
"The role of murderer as protagonist"--I think that pretty much sums up God in His role from Genesis-Kings.
Posted by: Ashpenaz | February 1, 2008 11:21 AM
I do hope this film can play a part in discouraging even one young woman from having an abortion. And I hope it can help people to deconstruct, one by one, the lies they tell themselves in defending abortion. I don't know which is worse, the number of lives lost to abortion or the damage to our collective psyche from justifying the practice.
Posted by: I and I | February 1, 2008 11:38 AM
"I do hope this film can play a part in discouraging even one young woman from having an abortion. And I hope it can help people to deconstruct, one by one, the lies they tell themselves in defending abortion. I don't know which is worse, the number of lives lost to abortion or the damage to our collective psyche from justifying the practice."
I agree with this statement but will add a third thing to the list of what might be the worst- that 99% of those out there picketing for hours on end wouldn't give a dollar out of their pocket to help those destitute mothers who can't afford to feed themselves, much less a child. The great thing about the movie was that Juno had such a wonderful, supportive family (not to mention, lots of Sunny D to sustain her pregnancy ;). Many, many women who get abortions are alone, scared and penniless. Lets fix that problem and see what happens to the abortion rate.
Posted by: Mandy | February 1, 2008 2:19 PM
Mandy, you wrote "that 99% of those out there picketing for hours on end wouldn't give a dollar out of their pocket to help those destitute mothers who can't afford to feed themselves, much less a child."
How do you know this?
Posted by: Eric | February 1, 2008 3:13 PM
Mandy, I absolutely agree. That's why I can't bring myself to associate closely with the "pro-life" cause.
Posted by: I and I | February 1, 2008 3:14 PM
I'm intrigued and DO want to see the film ... more than just the previews. I agree with Mandy that many women who seek abortions are alone, scared and penniless ... among other negative issues in their lives. Also I am convinced that so many in our society (I won't even begin to categorize) are most uncomfortable (in their self-righteousness) with the "sacred messiness of life" and our need to embrace it. The genealogy of Jesus in the gospel according to Matthew more than eloquently expresses how God manages "to save us" in the midst of our "messing up." It makes me want to suggest turning around a quote attributed to Jesus in a famous scene: "Let the one who cast the first stone sin!" It's an antidote to self-righteousness and an opportunity to embrace being human.
Posted by: Anton | February 1, 2008 3:55 PM
I'm glad this movie is helping women to choose to keep their children. The Bible's callous disregard for the unborn certainly isn't encouraging. Noah's flood, the wars of Joshua, the teachings of Paul, the visions of John all show that pregnant women are not a high priority for God.
Posted by: Ashpenaz | February 1, 2008 5:32 PM
"that 99% of those out there picketing for hours on end wouldn't give a dollar out of their pocket to help those destitute mothers who can't afford to feed themselves, much less a child."
I'm not pro-picketing, but I don't believe this statistic for a second.
""The role of murderer as protagonist"--I think that pretty much sums up God in His role from Genesis-Kings."
Or, by your definition, it sums up God now. How else do we die, but for God has decreed it so.
I take a rather different view. We die because sin consumes our flesh. God has been unchanging in enforcing this penalty.
I don't really understand what you are trying to say about the old testament at all.
Posted by: kevin s. | February 1, 2008 11:20 PM
I wanted to see this movie, and laughed and cried. I am 29, and had my got pregnant my junior year. I had considered abortion and decided "for some reason" not to, that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did. Now I have a 12 year old boy who changed my life. Juno is lucky in that she did have a supportive family AND friends. Not all kids in high school want to continue hanging out with someone that got pregnant. I have never seen a film that fully confronts this issue and it is refreshing.
As a Christian I understand why other Christians are so pro-life from a Biblical perspective but am often frustrated how Christians do not understand the reasons why women feel they need to have one.
Posted by: Jessica C. | February 1, 2008 11:50 PM
.........Rephrase previous entry-last paragraph.........
As a Christian, I understand being pro-life from a Biblical perspective. However, I am often frustrated by those Christians around me who seems to be so blind and naive to the reasons why women feel backed into having abortions, yet do nothing to try and understand and change things.
Posted by: Jessica C. | February 1, 2008 11:54 PM
Mandy, I absolutely agree. That's why I can't bring myself to associate closely with the "pro-life" cause.
Posted by: I and I |
What a cop out I and I . Thats like the folks here who get denigrated for a belief of less government getting pummeled here for their beliefs not to associate with causes that feed the poor or help the sick because of the folks you associate with .
Keep your eyes on Jesus , you started outed like a breath of fresh air , and let Mandy side track you and get your eyes off what you believe . And following our Lord . You don't mind promoting politics with people who are less then honest ? Or do you believe all democrats are pure in heart .
You seem just like the compasionate person needed in the pro life message , the media will always quote the worse most denigrating comment associated with any cause they disagree with most of the time . You think Dobson will quote a gay person talking about family loyalty in an advertisement looking for contributors ? Its no different when lefties play the pro life pewrson is a bomb away from a clinic .
Many people in the pro life movement would give there all for the out of wed lock Mom , Mother Theresa comes to mind .
My family also .
Posted by: Mick | February 2, 2008 1:59 PM
Mick, your comments are well-taken and thank you. I was thinking of specific organizations and people and forgetting about organizations such as ESA and Pax Christi and Feminists for Life, and for that matter any conservative-leaning organization that isn't trying to demonize people who are pro-choice.
For many years I did not want to speak up when people would speak as if they assume I am in favor of "abortion rights." I have started speaking up. Yes, I've disappointed some people, but this is something that the pro-choice folks and the Democratic Party are going to need to understand, that there are plenty of us pro-life liberals out here that are tired of being taken for granted by the Dem party and tired of economic liberalism being confused with social liberalism.
Posted by: I and I | February 2, 2008 11:06 PM
You seem just like the compasionate person needed in the pro life message , the media will always quote the worse most denigrating comment associated with any cause they disagree with most of the time.
Controversy makes for good theater. Besides, it's a whole lot easier to come against something without getting directly involved in any way.
Yes, I've disappointed some people, but this is something that the pro-choice folks and the Democratic Party are going to need to understand,..
I have long advocated the pro-life movement becoming ideologically neutral and non-partisan. When the "religious right" swiped the abortion issue for the sake of votes in 1978, thus politicizing it, it ensured conflict -- which is why the national Democratic Party probably wants nothing to do with it.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin | February 3, 2008 8:37 AM
Rick, yes I remember the days when it was fairly common for liberals to be pro-life as well. I'm going to dig up a feature that the Progressive ran in around 1981 that had a pro and con on the abortion issue, as it considered it an issue under debate. Now, of course, that same magazine (which I subscribe to along with Sojo) wouldn't think of giving room to pro-life voices--though interestingly enough ran a column until recently on civil liberties by Nat Hentoff, a pro-lifer. Also, I think Ted Kennedy was pro-life in the 70's, but maybe I'm wrong. How times have changed!
Posted by: I and I | February 3, 2008 1:06 PM
Also, I think Ted Kennedy was pro-life in the 70's, but maybe I'm wrong. How times have changed!
Posted by: I and I |
Never knew that .
Times and values have changed for sure . The left capitalized on "choice " just as the political architects on the right have .
Abortion is a money maker , and the state spends much money on organizations that provide abortions . Its an industry . Abortion lobby spends much money on democratic candidates . Some republicans too . I don't give to Human life political organiozations , Cris Pregnancy centers and programs for unwed Moms I have . A mom needs some blankets and food money more then she needs a sermon I agree .
To come out for life in many camps I and I , you will and must know you will be put on the same level as a man who beats his wife , a slave owner , etc . So when you are debating the issue , even if you start out with trying to help an individual , you are put in a light of as Rick tries to make you look , promoting only a political reason for your concern .
I pretty much believe we can help more people and promote life by helping Moms , young women with no sources of hope or help . I know basic legilsation could help some by basic stuff perhaps by parental notice or just allowing the Mother to see what the "growth" inside that is being aborted .
But most people I know despite what Rick says , which increasingly I find stereotypical , believe that the abortion issue is not political , it is a matter of the heart . NON political . And the best way to stop abortions is to love more people . And that is why it is so hard , and perhaps even a loosing cause , Loving people is hard to do . But we are Commanded to do so , so we have to try .
Posted by: Mick | February 3, 2008 2:49 PM
"have long advocated the pro-life movement becoming ideologically neutral and non-partisan."
If you knew anything about the pro life movement you would realize it is exactly that at its core .
The smear merchants , and you obviously have no experience or purposely leaving out what "some on the left does with this issue .
"which is why the national Democratic Party probably wants nothing to do with it."
Posted by: Rick Nowlin
When was the last time to attended a county , state , or national convention ? Their delegates talk about pro choice as a though you were talking about any ism . Your a hate monger if your pro life . Where have you been Rick ?
All platforms include the womens right to kill her pre born baby . How can you look at another party, when you obviously have no personal knowldge of political activists in your own party.
Excuse me the republicans do many things wrong , and I don't agree with some of their issues , but protecting the unborn is something I find refreshing when I meet some people through politcal connections of the republican party .
Many would not care less .
And I and I and myself just made a connection , that could lead to understanding elsewhere .
The movement goes on without you .
.
When the "religious right" swiped the abortion issue for the sake of votes in 1978, thus politicizing it, it ensured conflict -- which is why the national Democratic Party probably wants nothing to do with it.
Posted by: Rick Nowlin
Posted by: Mick | February 3, 2008 3:01 PM
Mick, I agree with much of what you're saying, but I took no offense at what Rick wrote--in fact, my response about the seventies when it was o.k. to be pro-life or pro-choice in either party was basically affirming and building on what he wrote. I too believe that the issue has become politicized and that the Republican Party has used the abortion issue as a way to continue to get votes even though I honestly believe that many Republican "pro-life" legislators do not care about that issue. Certainly there are some that do.
I tend to give a nod in primaries to pro-life Democrats. In my state, for example, there are two Democratic Congressmen who are pro-life, and one represents a pretty liberal district (D. Kildee who is from Flint, MI). Also David Bonior from my state, who used to be Democratic whip back in the 90's, was unapologetically pro-life. Bob Casey is pro-life and just won the PA Senate seat.
I appreciate your encouragement, but please don't be so hard on Rick; I think he, you and I share many of the same frustrations and as Christians can probably find even more commonality in our values.
Posted by: I and I | February 3, 2008 9:49 PM
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