The following are the reflection questions provided by the Spiritual Cinema Circle for our consideration of King of California, October's Movie Night film selection.
1. What treasure is buried within my own relationship with my father or someone who's been like a father to me?
2. How do Miranda's judgments and opinions of Charlie change throughout the film?
3. Did my opinion of Charlie change throughout the film?
4. Every family has someone in it that is considered "crazy." Does this film give me any new insight into that person?
5. A major theme running through the films in this volume is how family members, each with their own set of beliefs, struggle to communicate. How do I relate to this theme in my own family?
Additionally, the following are some of the points that were raised during our post-movie discussion:
- What is our "quest to exist?" What is reality?
- Do we easily get caught up in other peoples' journeys?
- How does King of California tie into our recent discussions on forgiveness?
- What struggles occurred in the film?
- Did Miranda truly believe Charlie's treasure existed?
- Was there a physical treasure? What was the treasure? Does "treasure" = belief?
- Do we need physical proof in order to gain true belief?
- What is the difference between being "crazy" and having passion?
Please feel free to post your comments, thoughts and reflections to any or all of these!
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This is my second viewing of King of California and although I thought it was terrific the first time around, I took so much more from the film upon revisiting it. I think that is the hallmark of many of the better multi-layered films.
ReplyDeleteFor me, Charlie is not crazy, -- he is the ultimate non-conformist. Much of the background scenery strongly contrasts Charlie’s vision for the world. What is viewed by many as “progress,” is really a blight upon the landscape, as well as a twisted sense of priorities: the tract housing development surrounding his home has replaced the beautiful orchard; a massive sprinkler system watering the sod farms which will become lawns in a parched region of the country that is quickly running out of drinking water; and one of the most glaring symbols of an homogenous society, the huge box chain stores such as Costco and McDonald’s.
Charlie does not follow convention – he is seeking the truth (eg the school project exposing the missionaries) regardless of what others think, in an attempt to give his life meaning and authenticity.
Charlie’s strong suit is not subtlety – he is more of a sledgehammer, which in fact he literally uses along with other heavy equipment to stir things up.
In a scene near the end of the movie, Charlie removes his oxygen tank & breathing apparatus. To me, this illustrates his release from the burdens of societal ills and constraints. Charlie has found his “pot of gold” and is finally free.