Bacon & God's Wrath

Bacon & God’s Wrath is a short film from 2015, featuring Razie Brownstone, a nonagenarian protagonist embarking on a gastronomical and existential exploration. It’s a charming combination of animation and live-action, impressively directed by Sol Friedman to create a unique, multifaceted, and unforgettable viewing experience.

The film begins with Razie, an endearing, spirited 90-year-old Jewish woman, digesting her newfound insight into the world through the internet. For someone who has lived most of her life without it, the web is an ocean of never-before-seen information, a treasury of knowledge that reshapes her perspective. The film shows us the profound influence this platform has on people, how it can upend previously held beliefs, and start an individual on a journey of self-exploration.

Razie, who spent her lifetime strictly following kosher dietary laws, gets introduced, through the internet, to the concept of atheism. This sparks an inner turmoil in her where she grapples with long-held religious beliefs, the wisdom passed down through generations, and her own curiosity. She is at odds with herself, questioning the religious doctrines that dictated her life decisions.

At the forefront of this self-examining turmoil is her decision to try bacon for the very first time. It may seem like a simple act, but it's symbolic of her breaking away from the shackles of indoctrinated beliefs and asserting her individuality. The act of tasting bacon becomes a metaphor for her rebellion against a life spent strictly abiding by the religious doctrine without questioning.

The film captures the essence of Razie’s inner conflict through the effective use of animation and live action. The transition between the two forms of media adds dynamism to the narrative, leading to an immersive and captivating exploration of Razie's thoughts and emotions.

Animation, unconventional in such context, paints a compelling, poignant, and also humorous image of the chaos stirred in her mind and the magnitude of her decision to break away from the traditions she held dear for ninety years. The artistry of the animation reflects the creativity of the director, bringing forth a story that is simple yet powerful, and a protagonist who is real yet whimsical.

Razie Brownstone's brilliant performance adds to the layers of this story, further elevating the impact of this profound narrative. Her genuine candidness gives the film its heart, and her journey of self-discovery and path to self-liberation leaves the audience deeply moved. Brownstone lends a certain authenticity to Razie's character, which makes the audience resonate with her journey, her curiosity, her apprehension, and her final rebellion.

Director Sol Friedman adopts a non-traditional storytelling technique to take the audience on a philosophically rich journey through this film. Friedman manages to present multiple themes in a brief nine-minute run of the film, touching upon faith, individual freedom, the effect of technology, and the courage it takes to question the wisdom that has been accepted for generations.

Bacon & God's Wrath is a thought-provoking narrative on introspection and liberation. It is a testament to unconventional storytelling, tackling weighty themes with a light-heartedness that makes the film a culinary, philosophical, and visual delight. It’s a film that emphasizes the significance of evolving with time and illustrates the empowering result of embracing change, symbolized through a simple act of tasting bacon. It’s rich in metaphor and heavy in meaning, making it more than just a film; it’s a slice of life served with a side of bacon.