Doubt
As the title suggests, doubt is the film's central theme. The story begins with Father Flynn's sermon about the nature of doubt, which in turn prompts Sister Aloysius to "doubt" the priest's actions and intentions. While Father Flynn urges the congregation to accept doubt and its role in human life, Sister Aloysius reacts and seeks to embody its contrary—certainty. The film draws attention to the doubt that dominated American society in 1964.
In the mid-1960s, a large percentage of American society was shaken by a sense of doubt in their religious lives. Allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic church caused numerous Americans to doubt their faith. There was political doubt following the assassination of Kennedy and the onset of the Vietnam War. In a 2004 interview with the The New York Times Magazine, writer and director James Shanley explained, "There is no room or value placed on doubt, which is one of the hallmarks of the wise man." In this regard, the film is an exercise for the audience to feel, evaluate, respond to, and embrace doubt as a defining quality of human existence.
The Effects of Institutional Abuse
The Catholic Church has been rocked with scandals of abuse by priests who have committed horrific crimes against children and gone unpunished. This legacy of trauma has profoundly affected churchgoers and the internal members of the Catholic institution. Doubt is a demonstration of the effects of rampant scandal and abuse. The film depicts how a "stain" can be thrust upon a man who is potentially innocent despite the allegations brought against him. As audience members, we are made to examine our own skepticism and judgments surrounding individuals and institutions.
Power and Powerlessness
Throughout the film, we are continuously confronted with both powerful and powerless figures. In these portrayals, we become aware that no character is fully "dominant" or "powerful." In examining power, we become more aware of the dynamics within the Catholic church. As the principal of the parish school, Sister Aloysius wields power over her students and faculty. She is feared by many, and the other characters in the film approach her trepidatiously. However, despite her desire to personify power, we see that Sister Aloysius is often made to feel powerless. During her discussions with Father Flynn, she is continuously reminded of the restrictions to her power placed upon her as a woman within the Catholic church.
As the priest, Father Flynn is made to feel as though he has full power and control over his parish. However, he, too, is reminded of his powerlessness when Sister Aloysius confronts him with her suspicions. Perhaps the most profound demonstrations of powerlessness are Donald Miller and his mother, Mrs. Miller. Though motherhood often implies a sense of dominance and autonomy, Mrs. Miller's status as a black woman in a racist society blackness makes her every decision precarious. Similarly, as the sole black student in a white, Catholic school, Donald Miller is continuously reminded of his vulnerability and powerlessness.
The Importance of Dialogue
As the audience is confronted with the film's central conflict, we are swayed to make a decision and choose which side is "right." Are we meant to draw upon the history of abuse within the Catholic church and find Father Flynn guilty? Or is Sister Aloysius just a power-hungry principal threatened by the changes Father Flynn is bringing to her parish? As we move through the film, we find that Doubt encourages us to engage in and realize the importance of the dialogue that surrounds morality.
In a 2004 article published by The New York Times Magazine, writer and director John Patrick Shanley explained, "It's getting harder and harder in this society to find a place for spacious, true intellectual exchange. It's all becoming about who won the argument, which is just moronic.'' Although Father Flynn and Sister Aloysius engage in a heated argument throughout the film's entirety, the conclusion prompts us to evaluate if the story actually has a winner. The inconclusive nature of the film's final scene encourages us to consider the importance of discussion and realize that morality is not an issue that can be clearly settled in black and white definitions.
Tradition vs. Progress
Many people believe that traditions serve as obstacles to progress. Throughout the film, we understand that Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn are on polarized sides of this debate. While Sister Aloysius aims to maintain the traditional style of the annual Christmas Pageant, Father Flynn encourages the school to incorporate secular songs into the program. While Sister Aloysius believes that sermons should stick to the scripture, Father Flynn uses his platform to preach his opinion on humanistic values and current events. However, as the audience, we are prompted to search for a middle ground between these two opposing viewpoints. How can traditions be honored and adapted without being disregarded? How can religious leaders encourage dialogue and debate without throwing away rituals that held maintain belief and meaning?
The Diversity of Motherhood
When Sister Aloysius approaches Mrs. Miller, she expects for her to respond to the allegations in a very specific manner. However, Sister Aloysius is unable to understand Mrs. Miller beyond her own spectrum of privilege. When Sister Aloysius asks Mrs. Miller, "What kind of mother are you?" the audience is prompted to evaluate Sister Aloysius' limited understanding of motherhood and her unquestioned belief that all motherhood is white motherhood. Mrs. Miller hints that Sister Aloysius' comment is racist. In defending herself, Mrs. Miller explains that she must subject herself to pain in order to ensure that Donald can make a bright future for himself.
The Importance of Perspective
Throughout the film, the camera is intentionally manipulated in order to offer a different perspective of the events that transpire. For example, when Sister Aloysius yells at her students over the playground, she is shot from a low angle that places the audience in a child's perspective. From below, Sister Aloysius is threatening and spooky. In another scene, when Sister James interrogates Father Flynn, the camera is similarly placed below the figures. This camera placement highlights the interrogative and hostile nature of the depicted scene.
This recurrent cinematic technique is a visual manifestation of the abstract theme of "perspective." As the film progresses, we realize that many of the characters are too focused on themselves and thus unable to understand their behaviors from another point of view. Father Flynn is unable to understand how Sister Aloysius may misconstrue his actions as a "red flag." Simultaneously, Sister Aloysius is unable to understand Mrs. Miller's opinion of the allegations from the position of a black mother. The characters' inability to evaluate situations from the perspectives of others leads to drastic misunderstandings, drama, and severe consequences.
