Duvall pioneered this more understated approach to faith in his 1983 film Tender Mercies. His performance earned him an Oscar and the enthusiasm of Christian moviegoers. His character, Mac Sledge, is a once-famous country music star who is broken by drink. He does not find redemption in a fiery born-again experience; indeed, after his baptism he confesses he doesn’t feel very different ”” “not yet” at any rate. His redemption comes gradually, through his love for the Christian woman who befriends him.
Jesus doesn’t fix his problems or make for smooth sailing, either, and he has a crisis of faith when his daughter is killed in a car accident.
“I don’t trust happiness,” the character says. “I never did and I never will.”
His faith survives, but the movie never tells us why.
Thank you for posting this. “Tender Mercies” is one of my 10 ten movies of all time and Robert Duvall is one of my favorite actors. Thank you.