With this in mind, Mechanical Man also heavily emphasizes the search for wholeness. Both Janice and Tim are people who seek meaning in their lives yet find themselves stifled by the expectations of others. In the majority of their encounters with people, they are pressured to believe that they must fill their void with success, relationships or simply "confidence." This notion is best exemplified through the character of Doug. The author of several self-help books, Doug is worshiped by his adoring fans and appears fully satisfied with himself (literally). Nevertheless, Doug's ramblings contrast with Janice's groundedness, causing him to appear vapid and empty despite his notoriety. There's no question that both Janice and Tim are realistic in their beliefs insofar that they understand their need for work to survive. They simply do not wish to be limited by this view of success. They seek a sense of completeness and purity to life that appears distant from them.

As a Christian, it's here that I most connect with this story. Living within a culture that attempts to satiate our natural human desire for wholeness with financial success and relationships, one can easily lose sight of a sense of humanness, creating feelings of isolation amidst the chaos. Only by seeking a clearer understanding of God and his relationship to our world and ourselves can we begin to rediscover the true nature of our own humanity. It is here that we experience true wholeness, regardless of whether or not society considers us powerful. (Besides which, that recognition of our own powerlessness also puts us in greater position to be used by God as well.)

Having said this, it's true to say that The Giant Mechanical Man isn't going to win any Academy Awards next February. With a fairly standard premise, the film operates primarily upon the level of romantic dramedy. However, its sweetness and authenticity won me over quickly and I found it to be an unexpected gem that was well worth the cost of the rental.

After all, sometimes the most satisfying films are the titles that you've never heard of.

The Giant Mechanical Man Starring Jenna Fischer, Chris Messina, Topher Grace By Steve Norton Rated PG-13 for some language Rating: ***1/2 (out of 5) Official Selection: 2012 Tribeca Film Festival Currently available on iTune

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