REVIEW: "Brigham Young"

Darryl F. Zanuck's 1940 film "Brigham Young" marked a significant milestone for Mormon cinema: it was arguably the first positive cinematic portrayal of the Church as a whole that was not produced by the Church itself. Though more than half a century has passed away since the film was released its history provides unique insight into the future of Mormon Film.
The primary question raised by "Brigham Young" is twofold. First, what is the effect of the depction of the Church in the media? Second, at what cost is this benefit acceptable? The film was, on the whole, remarkably positive. It portrayed Young as an American hero and displayed a sort of idealistic Western aesthetic in its cinematography. Gone was the idea that the Mormons are a marginal Christian sect too mysterious to be accepted. With this film came the mainstream understanding that still manifests itself in the Church's public relations today. Obviously a film such as this would raise awareness and promote tolerance of a group of whom many Americans had been greatly afraid for quite some time. Church members received the film with great enthusiasm and understandably so.
The second question raises more debate. At times in "Brigham Young" it was clear that writer Louis Bromfield and director Henry hathaway seemed eager to make Brigham Young seem like a folksy American pioneer leader rather than an inspired prophet of God. Religion was barely discussed and the theology of the Church seemed peripheral at best. This is understandable, of course. Zanuck was interested in making money and, as a commercial pursuit, the film needed to maintain a wide appeal and avoid alienating audience members with rich religious content. Thus, compromises were made in order to create a compelling Hollywood narrative. Young was made to look more like an "Average Joe" and the Saints seemed to be just a band of pioneers who embodied American ideals.
This detail sheds light on a paradox that has been a part of Mormon culture for as long as I can remember: how do we reconcile our desire to stand out as a people with the need to fit in? On the one hand we believe to be the only true and living church on the face of the earth and on the other hand we recognize the need to be good neighbors and demonstrate that we are, in fact, much like they are. "Brigham Young" calls attention to this dillemma and, in my opinion, makes a noble effort to reconcile the two schools of thought. All in all, an admirable gesture toward fair representation.