The protagonist in “THX 1138” navigates a dystopian society where the government enforces drug-induced obedience, resulting in a docile population. This society is meticulously regulated, with every aspect weighed against cost efficiency. The government aggressively eliminates overbudget items and even regulates religion.
The Renaissance image of Jesus Christ by Hans Memling serves as the visual representation of the deity OMM-0000, whom the inhabitants of this dystopia worship. THX 1138 engages OMM in a phone booth-like setting, seeking solace by sharing his concerns. However, OMM’s responses are eerily consistent regardless of your problem, providing generic advice that appears disconnected from the protagonist’s circumstances. The impression that THX 1138 is merely interacting with a machine becomes clear.
Here are OMM-0000’s canned responses to THX 1138 in one scene of the movie:
“My time is yours…
Very good, proceed…
Yes, I understand…
Yes fine…
Yes… yes, I understand…
Yes, fine…
Excellent…
Yes…
Could you be more specific?
You are a true believer.
Blessings of the state, blessings of the masses. Thou art a subject of the divine. Created in the image of man, by the masses, for the masses. Let us be thankful that we have an occupation to fill. Work hard, increase production, prevent accidents, and be happy.”
In another interchange between THX 1138 and OMM, OMM’s dialogue is verbatim until the last sentences:
“Let us be thankful we have commerce. Buy more. Buy more now. Buy more and be happy.”
In this part of the movie, THX 1138 is not taking the mandated drugs, and as a result, he experiences withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms exacerbate the harsh and gloomy reality of his dystopian world. Although he has someone in OMM who is supposed to bring comfort, THX 1138 discovers the truth about his god.
I have sought advice from Christian community members who unfortunately ended up as helpful as OMM, providing me with canned answers like “read your Bible” and “pray more.” Although this advice is valuable, it doesn’t always feel enough when faced with specific difficulties. By telling someone their positivity alone can help them overcome adversity, we place an unfair burden as they strive to cope and find solutions. For instance, a brother once told me I could overcome Crohn’s disease simply by thinking myself well since the Bible says our thoughts determine our reality. (“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.” Proverbs 23.7 NKJV). Such viewpoints can be particularly frustrating when one is dealing with complex issues, such as long-term health problems or depression, for which easy solutions do not exist.
The biblical figure Job faced similar frustrations. Initially, his friends offered silent support during his grief. However, they responded with criticism rather than understanding when he expressed his suffering. Job’s desire to argue his case directly with God emphasizes the importance of being heard and understood rather than dismissed with platitudes or unfounded advice (see Job 13.1–5).
The subject matter highlights a more significant issue: the tendency to provide quick fixes rather than empathetic listening. In times of pain or doubt, people often need space to express themselves, even if their words appear exaggerated or contentious. Job’s friends should have silently listened when Job wished he had not been born instead of blaming his alleged sins. The story of Job demonstrates that divine compassion outweighs human judgment, reminding us of the Christian call to love and listen to one another without passing judgment or offering simplistic advice.
Therefore, the next time someone seeks your support, resist the impulse to provide immediate solutions. Instead, listen attentively and allow them to guide the conversation. A listening ear rather than unsolicited advice can provide genuine relief and support, fostering a more compassionate and understanding environment. Prayerfully speak to them when appropriate once someone has fully vented their emotions.
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