In this scene, we get a fuller sense of Eric's character. Previously, he has appeared a devout but easygoing, even-tempered person. As he is confronted by the committee, however, we get a glimpse of his iron, unmovable core. Polite and unassuming in most circumstances, when it comes to his faith he is implacable, refusing to compromise on any point, however minor it may appear to others. For this, he is accused of being selfish, putting his own wishes ahead of the good of the country. In truth, however, he is sacrificing his own ambitions, because he desperately wants to run but will not do so at the expense of his faith. This brings us to one of the themes of Chariots Of Fire, which I'll discuss in my final post on the film.
In the shot of Eric Liddell running along the beach in that opening scene of Chariots Of Fire, Eric has a look that will become very familiar over the course of the film. It is one of almost exultation, as he tips back his head to an awkward angle and keeps pace with his teammates. Liddell's rather ungainly running style is something which was accurately portrayed in the film, as you can see in photos of the real Liddell racing. This look seems to indicate when Eric draws upon an inner reserve of strength and speed, and when he feels, as he described to his sister, God's pleasure in his ability. As Chariots Of Fire starts out, one would assume that Eric Liddell would be a lot more of an insider than Harold Abrahams. After all, he is a Protestant- certainly a more acceptable choice of religion in Britain. He's also a celebrated athlete in Scotland, not only as a runner but as a rugby player as well. Even at worship services admirers approach him to ask for his autograph. Liddell's personality is also a lot warmer than Abraham's, who is frequently aloof and abrupt with those outside his social circle. At the track meet where they first race against each other, Eric approaches Harold, offers his hand, and wishes him well. Although he harbours no ill will toward Eric, it wouldn't occur to Harold to do such a thing. In such situations it is Eric's nature to reach out, Harold's to withdraw inward. To an extent, both Harold and Eric are motivated by their respective faiths, though in completely different ways. For Harold, his running is a way to push back against an establishment he perceives as, overtly or covertly, looking down on him for being a Jew. As for Eric, he believes that God has made him fast for a purpose, that when he runs he is fulfilling the will of God. This purpose is to use his ability as a tool to witness to others about Christ, as we see him do after one of his track meets. And also for a purpose which becomes obvious in the controversy over the Sunday heat. As mentioned, Harold and Eric have very different running styles. Harold's is a testament to his devotion to professional training. He has honed his running style to waste no effort, to make every stride and breath count. Eric's running is a lot less polished; he frequently looks a little awkward when he runs. But he has a raw talent- a gift, if you will- an inner fire when he runs which supercedes his lack of formal training. This is why when Harold watches Eric run, he can't look away... he's transfixed by the look of inner joy on Eric's face, something that he never feels while running. Running doesn't bring Harold joy or contentment: it is a compulsion not an enjoyment. For Eric, it's the means to an end; for Harold, it is the end. This is why, when it's over, he feels empty, like there's nothing left. With Eric, however, winning is only the beginning, an affirmation of his faith and his plans for the future. As I pointed out earlier, at the start of the film it is Harold who appears to be the outsider. As the athletes head for the Games, however, the situation reverses itself; success goes a long way to reconcile those who disapprove of one's actions- or background- to a person. We see this happen with Harold, as even the crusty elders at Cambridge hope- in their stiff, stuffy way- for his win. Eric, however, as he takes a stand for what he believes, loses a lot of the good will and admiration he had commanded previously. We see this exemplified on the ship crossing to France. Harold is surrounded by friends and other athletes, the center of attention as he performs some of his beloved Gilbert & Sullivan on the ship piano. In contrast, Eric is seen as drawing himself apart, alone mentally as well as physically, as he contemplates what he must do. We see this isolation even more clearly when Eric meets with the British Olympic Committee to discuss the situation. Almost all of the committee members are aghast that Eric is contemplating dropping out of his race because he will not run on Sunday. As it turns out, his variety of Protestantism, which takes faith seriously and considers it of more importance than worldly concerns, is just as foreign to these men as Judaism... maybe more so.
In this scene, we get a fuller sense of Eric's character. Previously, he has appeared a devout but easygoing, even-tempered person. As he is confronted by the committee, however, we get a glimpse of his iron, unmovable core. Polite and unassuming in most circumstances, when it comes to his faith he is implacable, refusing to compromise on any point, however minor it may appear to others. For this, he is accused of being selfish, putting his own wishes ahead of the good of the country. In truth, however, he is sacrificing his own ambitions, because he desperately wants to run but will not do so at the expense of his faith. This brings us to one of the themes of Chariots Of Fire, which I'll discuss in my final post on the film.
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