Entry Seven: Matheny

God of Love
Luke Matheny (2010)

"You can't control who you love. You can't control who loves you. You can't control how it happens or when it happens or why it happens. You can't control any of that stuff."

Love is, to many extents and in many facets, is the most complicated thing that anyone will encounter in their lives. It’s more frustrating than calculus, as well as more frequently experienced in daily life. Of course, it holds an excessive amount of value in our society’s social structure, both emotionally and in a way, financially; it’s more fiscally useful to be married than to not be. And what is the most “important” thing a marriage is based on? Love.

In the case of this film, love is something that Raymond can’t quite get a grasp of, as least not in the way he wanted it. He’s fallen for the drummer of the band he sings for, Kelly, who has none of those romantic feelings for him whatsoever. With this issue in mind, Ray turned to God; he prayed daily for the requited love of Kelly, in fact that is the only thing he prays for. Yet, it’s never acted upon by God, at least, not in the way that Ray desired.

What I found intriguing throughout this short film is the development of Raymond; it’s exceedingly slow, in a way that I was almost positive  he wasn’t going to change at all. In the last scene, I was very sure in the thought that he was going to throw his dart at Kelly, thrusting the two in love for another six hours. The sudden realization that he’s going to help his best friend and his life long crush fall in love was the most intense character shift that could’ve happen for him.

It’s even more heartbreaking when you remember that Fozzie told Ray that their friendship mattered more than the relationship he and Kelly could’ve had. Fozzie did everything for Ray’s six hours with Kelly – he made dinner, set up the room, and dressed in a ridiculous costume to make the night complete.

And in the end, it’s Ray that seals the deal. He’s watching out for his friend, and does the right thing. The noble and most kind thing he can do.

In the end, what just got to me was that Ray ends up making other people happy after the gift granted to him in the beginning doesn’t get him the love of his life. It was probably supposed to be that way, and with good reason, but the disappointment he must’ve felt didn’t make his realization any easier. But Ray takes it in stride, scootering off into the sunset with a bow and quiver over his shoulder.