The Armor Of Light

The Armor Of Light is an inspirational 2015 documentary feature film that emerges as one of the vital and captivating works of contemporary social cinema. This Emmy Award-winning movie is directed by Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of The Walt Disney Company. Drawing upon powerful personal narratives, the film headlines prominent personalities: evangelical minister Reverend Rob Schenck and grieving mother Lucy McBath, with an influential support part from attorney John M. Phillips. It dexterously intertwines the narratives of these three characters, providing a multidimensional exploration of America's complex relationship with firearms.

Schenck, known for his ultraconservative views, serves as the backbone of the film. He has a deep-rooted affiliation with the pro-life movement, which he has served dutifully. Disney seizes the opportunity to follow Schenck as he navigates through his dichotomy: reconciling his ardent pro-life beliefs with his support for the rights of every American to own a gun. The film takes us through the patient evolution of Schenck's views, his inner turmoil, the struggle to voice his concerns, and the hope to convince others of his perspective.

Lucy McBath, on the other hand, lends the film its emotional weight. She is the mother of Jordan Davis, a 17-year-old African American who was fatally shot in an incident revolving around loud music. This incident is a case which had attracted national attention, especially because of the controversial "Stand Your Ground" law involved in it. Transitioning from her personal grief to public advocacy, McBath has become a staunch spokesperson for gun control.

John M. Phillips makes an essential appearance as the attorney supporting the Davis family in their legal battles. He contributes significantly to the proceedings' analysis, offering professional insights that underpin one of the film's principal motifs – the intricacies of American law regarding the right to bear arms and the often-blurred line between self-defense and aggression.

The Armor of Light unfolds through carefully composed interviews, stirring public speeches, and footage from outside the conventional confines of the church, spiritual gatherings, legislative halls, and family houses. Disney's point of view is evident throughout the film: Gun violence is not necessarily a political issue but a moral one. This perspective is the lens through which the audience is compelled to view the recurring mass shootings, questionable Stand Your Ground laws, and an endemic gun culture.

Disney, with her directorial debut, proves herself an expert storyteller. She masterfully balances the documentary’s intense themes with unobtrusive, candid moments, employing a compelling narrative style that neither judges nor preaches. There’s a profound respect for the emotional journeys of the film's primary subjects, as well as their various audiences, visually presented through expert cinematography that instills an almost tactile layer of reality to the unfolding narratives.

Beyond its exploration of gun violence, The Armor Of Light is a high-minded exploration of faith. It engages deeply with what it means to be a believer who is trying to align his actions with his spiritual principles. Schenck's narrative, in particular, reveals the dissonance between his evangelical faith and the reality of gun violence. As Schenck puts it, "What we are talking about is not ultimately a gun issue; it's a moral and ethical issue."

The Armor Of Light serves as an enlightening examination of a politically charged subject. It combines the perspectives of a pro-life evangelist, a bereaved mother, and a lawyer to craft a balanced narrative on the gun violence epidemic in America. This film prompts viewers to question their own beliefs on the morality of firearms ownership and use, hopefully prompting thoughtful discussion on this crucial issue.