Hollywood has traditionally had good relationship with Catholic Church and Catholicism in Hollywood films was usually treated much better than other Christian denominations. Yet, especially in more recent times, explicitly Catholic films are rare. One of such rare examples is The Third Miracle, 1999 drama directed by Agnieszka Holland.
The film is based on the novel by Richard Vetere. The plot is set in 1979 Chicago and the protagonist is Father Frank Shore (played by Ed Harris), Catholic priest tasked with investigating alleged miracles. Bishop Cahill (played by Charles Haid), his superior, sends him to investigate the case that stirred emotions in local Catholic community. Helen O’Regan (played by Barbara Sukowa), quiet, simple but extremely devout housewife has allegedly healed mortally ill girl and after her death statue of Virgin Mary in local church began to bleed for the eyes. Locals demand that she is proclaimed a saint, but that requires long and arduous process of verification that would be conducted by Father Shore, nicknamed “Miracle Killer” because of his ability to prove many miracles to be hoaxes. Shore approaches this case with a lot of scepticism, which is further fuelled by Heather’s daughter Roxanne (played by Anne Heche) being rebellious atheist and miraculously healed girl Maria Witkowski (played by Caterina Scorsone) growing up to become drug-addicted teenage prostitute. Shore would gradually begin to believe in the miracle, but his mission would be complicated by feelings he has developed towards Roxanne and conflict with Vatican bureaucracy led by Bishop Werner (played by Armin Mueller-Stahl).
The Third Miracle is an interesting film that tries to find balanced approach to the issues of faith and upholding Catholic values in modern society. Holland and her screenwriter John Romano are introducing viewers to those issues through the character of a priest whose faith is crumbling, and whose doubts manifest themselves in drinking and carnal temptations. Ed Harris plays such character with great skill, which is best seen in great scene of flirting at the cemetery. Unfortunately, in the last third of the film all dilemmas are solved. Holland takes the stand of true believer and the only conflict left is boring struggle with Vatican bureaucrats with the outcome noted at the prologue of the film. At that point viewers become aware how uncharismatic Armin Mueller-Stahl can be and how Anne Heche can be uninterested for her role. The Third Miracle is at least half an hour longer than it should be. At the end, it might please only the faithful, but the rest of the audience is likely to be disappointed.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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