Reviews

Despite its lack of significant plot, this movie held my attention with its repeated, or perhaps continual, challenges to conventional thought. The arcane topic of quantum physics is presented in an understandable and highly intriguing fashion. Oddly enough to those who entertain preconceptions of science as existing in opposition to religion or morality, there is a deep and respectful sense of spirituality exhibited in this film.

"What the Bleep" embraces the universe within rather than the universe without. Inner space is explored, and its boundaries are found to transcend outer space, if in fact there are any boundaries at all. Just as Jesus' parable compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a mustard seed, this modern fable compares the whole of creation with our individual perception of ourselves. The Society of Friends contend that there is "that of God within every man" and, if I correctly interpret their belief, that all men exist within and as part of God. This film asserts that each man is a god, because of the incredible power of the mind to alter its surroundings, in fact to alter reality. This particular statement somewhat offensive on the surface, yet when examined closely it seems more to me a restatement of the Quaker beliefs in a modern context.

I think it unfortunate that this concept has been expressed in such a way as to alienate those who follow traditional religious thought, but I suspect the writers believed that that segment of the potential audience would not be watching the film. However, since the basis of quantum physics is the incredible variation inherent in all levels of reality, it is unreasonable to dismiss anyone as a possible convert to the scientific theories. The contention that man is god is not a challenge to the existence of God but an attempt to redefine the perception of God. There is a profound spirituality at the heart of the beliefs expressed by the explorer/scientists in this movie, just as in the great thinkers from the perceived reality we call history. I wish that the filmmakers had chosen to address a larger audience by stating their spirituality in a less challenging form. The challenge to all who watch the film -- THINK -- does not require that God be reduced to a concept rather than the Creator of all things. The controversial statement that man is god tends to close, rather than open, minds, in direct opposition to the intent of the film's writers, and directly limiting its effectiveness. Even with this flaw, it's a very good film. Imagine how good it could be.