Ayana Lucas
June 24, 2018
Film Analysis 3
The film, Spotlight explores the noble actions of a group of investigative reporters called Spotlight. The investigative reporting unit is comprised of just a handful of committed reporters who work diligently to expose the Roman Catholic Church for knowingly sweeping the pedophilic acts of priest under the rug while putting thousands of children at risk. Spotlight works discretely for months using nominal group technique to write a story that will expose the Catholic Church in Boston. I believe this film does an excellent job at shows the power of the media.
For years, the Roman Catholic Church scandal went concealed, this is for many reasons. One reason the scandal was neglected was due to the fear that the city of Boston had and how unproportionate revered the Catholic priest were to the community. Many respected the priest so much that they turned the other way when allegations were presented. One example of this was a young man who was being interviewed by a reporter. While being interviewed, the man shares with the reporter that when he told his mother the priest she trusted him with was touching him inappropriately she ignored his allegations and offered the priest cookies the next time he came to their home. Many of the victims express feeling confused when the man they viewed as God violates them in such as way. Victims were affected in many ways. Many turned to drugs and alcohol as their addictions momentarily replaced their pain. Many others turned away from the church and articulated feeling abandoned by God.
Another reason the Catholic Church molestation scandal went concealed was due to the corrupted system. Many in power were aware of the scandal however chose to turn their heads out of fear that that them speaking out would bring forth no real change because of the church’s power. These people in power included lawyers, other clergy, reporters , and newspaper editors. For years, the actions of Catholic priest went without scrutiny because no one believed that their voice would make a difference and instead believed it would result in them losing their job.
Last but certainly not least, molesters in the pulpit walked freely for so many years because of the abused power the Catholic Church imposed over the community. Not everyone was quite about the molestation that was happening. However, those who spoke out were quickly challenged and silenced by the church. The church would often intimidate of deter anyone from speaking out on what was happening to children in the church. This intimidation kept many silence for years. That is, until spotlight stepped into the picture.
Spotlight used their pens and paper as armor against the church. With the use of testimonies from victims referred to as survivors and evidence from files in the past, Spotlight successfully overcome the power Catholic Church and had the story published. The story surfacing on such a large platform lead many other survivors of molestation from the Catholic Church to come forward and justice, at least on some level was served thanks to the power and determination of the media.