In "The Man Who Could Work Miracles," a classic movie of the ‘30s penned by H.G.Wells, George Sanders and Torin Thatcher ride around the heavens as gods looking for something to pass the time. They cast their gaze upon earth, a world - in their words - full of pathetic creatures. They amuse themselves by granting unlimited powers to a timid department store clerk. All he has to do is will something to happen and it will happen. The story follows the clerk, Mr. Fotheringay (Roland Young - the original Cosmo "Topper") as he sheds his timidity in increments on the road to megalomania all the while holding the fate of the world in his hands. The one thing he can’t do, even with all his power, is make the woman he loves fall in love with him.

What does this have to do with "Bruce Almighty"?

The premise of bestowing the power of the ancient gods or God on a single human is common to both films and the use of such power is dramatized in equally amusing ways that underscore the seriousness of abusing that power. In "Bruce Almighty," it also reminds us how small our problems are when compared to the rest of the world. When (Jim Carey) lassoes the moon for his sweetheart - a wonderfully romantic gesture - no thought is given to the cataclysmic effects that the pull of the moon has on the weather around the globe. God’s world includes the physical world so the laws of nature must be preserved. Unlike Mr. Fotheringay, Bruce Nolan (Carey) invokes God’s intervention in his hapless life. Bruce is a funny , bright and entertaining news guy in Buffalo who covers the stories that make people laugh. But he wants to be taken seriously. He sees the coveted anchor position at his station as the only way to change the way people look at him. Unfortunately he loses his cool and blunders a simple light news story - his stock in trade - after he hears about losing the job to another. This only reinforces the station’s fix on his skills. In a fit of anger he asks for God’s help, never thinking his prayers will be answered. But like anything else in life, you have to be careful what you wish, or pray for. God, in the warm and loving guise of Morgan Freeman steps in, and turns his chores over to Nolan. Besides, he - God - can use a break.

Nolan uses his powers for trivial things like potty training his dog, or creating a wind to lift up a girl’s skirts. But the seriousness of his new role takes over when the prayers from all the souls of the world have to be answered. His own problems have to put on the back burner so he can deal with his new dilemma which is certainly more serious than spouting out words spoon fed by a tele-prompter. Nolan’s desires begin to come true but at a price he may not be willing to pay. Every newsbreak he catches, brings disaster to others and drives a wedge between him and Grace (Jennifer Aniston), his loyal girlfriend. As his star rises, world affairs deteriorate - not unlike the world of Mr. Fotheringay.

The parallels between the old and the new - "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" and "Bruce Almighty" are too similar to ignore. Where they differ is in the lead characters’ reaction to divine intervention. Of course the idea of a mythical or real God intervening in the lives of humans has been around long before Greek mythology. The filmmakers have gloriously updated the concept to the modern times by allowing Bruce Nolan to use present day technology to handle the eternal chores of an all powerful God. The best is a web site he sets up to handle the prayer load that invades his consciousness. But each person needs individual attention and every time Bruce tries to advance his career through the use of his new powers, another soul is ignored. But there’s one prayer he can’t ignore - Grace’s. And without her, Bruce’s world will be rendered meaningless.

"Bruce Almighty" has been tailored to Jim Carrey’s particular brand of physical comedy, but never at the expense of the story. They work hand in hand with his character. If there is any message to be had from the movie, it’s not to ignore our God given talent and to appreciate what it can contribute to society. In this sense, "Bruce Almighty" has a lot in common with the Preston Sturges’ depression era film, "Sullivan’s Travels," about a director who is tired of making comedies and wants to do a serious film. He leaves the cocoon of his Hollywood community to explore the world at large only to find out how important his innate talent is to the average guy. He knows how to make people laugh even in the toughest circumstances. The highlight of "Sullivan’s Travels" is the laughter of prisoners watching a movie - their only break from the drudgery of the chain gang. Likewise, as Jim Carrey continues to do what he does best, so will his Bruce Nolan in "Bruce Almighty."

Copyright 2003

"The Man Who Could Work Miracles" (1936) - The H.G. Wells story about the timid clerk who is given the power of the gods by two deities who want to see what he will do with it. The only problem is, he doesn’t think like a god, but a human being full of human frailty. Roland Young stars with Ralph Richardson, George Sanders among others.

"Sullivan’s Travels" (1941) Scr.Dir Preston Sturges - This came at the end of the depression and on the eve of War II but it has Great Depression oozing out of every frame. This is a comedy classic with serious themes. Joel McCrae is a film director who makes comedies. He decides he wants to make movies with a message. He leaves the safety of his Hollywood home to hobo his way across the country to explore the world of the common man. He finds himself arrested and unjustly sentenced to a chain gang where he learns to appreciate the value of own work when he watches a comedy with his fellow prisoners - the only break in their dreary lives. And Yes! It is a comedy - but one that touches the soul.

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