God's Angry Man

God's Angry Man is a compelling documentary film released in 1981. It centers around the life and ministry of the charismatic, controversial television evangelist Dr. Gene Scott, known for his quirky, unconventional, and often contentious preaching style. The documentary is a work of Werner Herzog, a masterful filmmaker known for his distinct style, adept at weaving cinematic exploration around unique, extraordinarily volatile individuals.

In the film, Herzog's unyielding lens captures Dr. Gene Scott's passionate, intense, and often startling on-air sermons, presenting an engaging tale about media, religion, and modern society. Scott's approach to evangelism was distinctly unorthodox, and his flamboyant performances marked him as an undeniably fascinating public figure. Scott's fervent sermons did not only encompass the Christian Gospel, but they bravely ventured into subjects like history, science, and the animal kingdom.

Although Dr. Scott is the primary focus here, Herzog also subtly yet sharply comments on the power of media, the nature of faith, and the fragile, often uneasy interplay between them. The camera often assumes the role of a silent observer, watching as the complex dance of conviction and commerce plays out.

The documentary delves into the inner workings of Dr. Scott's television-funded ministry, using real footage from his renowned telethons, wherein he often pleaded, demanded, and sometimes ranted to his viewers for donations. These scenes vividly illustrate the passionate extent to which Scott was willing to engage with his followers, often blurring the lines between deeply ingrained religious conviction and unabashed televangelism.

Never one to shy away from difficult subjects, Herzog is at his probing best, unflinchingly investigating the man behind the distinctive sunglasses and Stetson hat. The underlying question is: Was Dr. Scott a sincere believer purely dedicated to preaching the gospel who used television as his pulpit? Or was he a clever manipulator exploiting religion and media for personal gain? Herzog never directly answers this question, instead inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions from the captivating footage he presents.

In one of the film's most riveting moments, Herzog interviews Scott himself, providing a glimpse into the man behind the televised sermons. These intimate moments are where we see different facets of Scott, his vulnerability, stubbornness, profound intellectual curiosity and surprising humor. An aura of mystery remains even after these interactions, adding another layer of complexity to an already complex personality.

God's Angry Man isn't just about Dr. Gene Scott. It's also a character study of the American religious landscape in the late 20th century, the dawn of televangelism, and the powerful impact of television on society. The film is a compelling look at the dynamic, often tumultuous relationship between faith and media, and the capacity of television to shape public perception, attitudes, and behaviors.

Excellently directed and thoughtfully produced, God's Angry Man is an intriguing exploration of religion, media, and belief in modern society. Herzog's subtle but incisive commentary on these themes underscores the entire documentary, making it a must-watch for fans of his work, followers of Dr. Scott, and anyone interested in the power dynamics at play in televangelism and the broader religious landscape. It is a provocative, compelling watch that blurs the line between faith and the untamed power of modern media, providing a fascinating glimpse into an individual who was a pivotal figure in the field of televangelism.

Whether you are religious or not, God's Angry Man has something to offer. It's not just a documentary about a television evangelist; it's a study of human behaviors, our faith, the complex nature of truth, and the ways they are all shaped by the powerful tool that is media. The movie's power lies not in passing judgment but in its capacity to make viewers contemplate these fascinating dynamics. With its bold narrative and stark footage, God's Angry Man stands as a potent testament to the power of filmmaking to explore and interrogate uncharted territories.