LOVES
When "The X-Files" went off the air in 2002, The Christian Science Monitor published an article describing Mulder and Scully as unique among characters for having a relationship characterized by agape, love based in unconditional, intense appreciation and understanding, in contrast to erotic love. I had always believed that involving Mulder and Scully romantically would elevate the physical nature of their relationship above the spiritual nature, and I loathed the idea that they could become common in this way, like almost every other example we see in film, TV, and often life.
When I saw this movie, I changed a long-standing belief system. I think the ways their relationship was written, acted, and filmed showed that it is possible for eros to serve agape, that the physical world can support a person's spiritual nature. In this way, Scully and Mulder are a counterpoint to other beliefs, attitudes, and actions toward bodies and souls throughout the film. Some of the characters elevate their physical conditions or existences above morality, some deny themselves or are angry because of the conditions of their bodies or physical desires, and some divorce their perceived spiritual existence from the reality of the physical world. Everyone seems to need redemption from some physical, emotional, or spiritual battle.
The primary resolution that I see in this is that Mulder and Scully don't become tragic, but rather have moments of goodness and good humor. This makes for fantastic entertainment, in my opinion, especially when presented so sparingly and with both bravery and class.
Thank you so much for this experience. Even if I flunk out of graduate school during my dissertation year and end up penniless and unable to buy movie tickets next year because I spend too much time musing on this movie, I will remain grateful for the story you all have told and the ways in which it has made all of us more thoughtful.
Marlene
Atlanta, GA
When I saw this movie, I changed a long-standing belief system. I think the ways their relationship was written, acted, and filmed showed that it is possible for eros to serve agape, that the physical world can support a person's spiritual nature. In this way, Scully and Mulder are a counterpoint to other beliefs, attitudes, and actions toward bodies and souls throughout the film. Some of the characters elevate their physical conditions or existences above morality, some deny themselves or are angry because of the conditions of their bodies or physical desires, and some divorce their perceived spiritual existence from the reality of the physical world. Everyone seems to need redemption from some physical, emotional, or spiritual battle.
The primary resolution that I see in this is that Mulder and Scully don't become tragic, but rather have moments of goodness and good humor. This makes for fantastic entertainment, in my opinion, especially when presented so sparingly and with both bravery and class.
Thank you so much for this experience. Even if I flunk out of graduate school during my dissertation year and end up penniless and unable to buy movie tickets next year because I spend too much time musing on this movie, I will remain grateful for the story you all have told and the ways in which it has made all of us more thoughtful.
Marlene
Atlanta, GA
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