Review of the Movie The Shift, by Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Film is His First Spiritual Movie
Jul 16, 2009
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s first movie, The Shift, is about a film crew making a movie about Dr. Dyer’s spiritual experiences and beliefs. They go to a resort to meet up with Dr. Dyer, who plays himself in The Shift and in the movie within the movie.
Viewers get to know the members of the crew who, as they listen to Dr. Dyer speak, are transformed by his message. This may sound self-aggrandizing on the part of Dr. Dyer, but the film does not come off that way at all. Viewers of The Shift are treated to a very dear, genuinely humble Wayne Dyer who displays an appealing, almost childlike openness toward his fellow humans.
His persona in the movie, The Shift, is more approachable, less directive, and more – well – loving, than the Wayne Dyer who is frequently seen on WPBS. Not that Dr. Dyer isn’t known to be charismatic and engaging on his WPBS shows; but the didactic and intellectual format of those shows has shown itself to be limiting in terms of all that Wayne Dyer has to offer.
Mothers and Single Women in Wayne Dyer’s Spiritual Film
Dr. Dyer’s movie, The Shift beautifully captures the soul-dilemma of single women, mothers and wives in its characters. The deep, swirling, conflict between the drive to express the self as an individual and the drive to be connected to family, is insightfully portrayed.
What Men Want in the Movie The Shift
Men who are undergoing a change in their values at middle age will suddenly understand exactly what is going on for them internally after watching this film. This can be helpful to men who may feel isolated or who are uncomfortable with changes they have noticed in themselves.
Characters in The Film The Shift
The dramatic format of The Shift keeps the viewer engaged and interested, unlike some spiritual movies. Some of the characters may be too exaggerated, especially the ruthless business man who turns into a loving husband within a day. His shift was the largest in the film but the reasons for it elude the viewer, making it seem not quite believable.
In spite of this, the film is not contrived, so much as it is dewy. The spiritual truths Dr. Dyer shares reflect some of the greatest wisdom in the world. But he approaches the sharing of these sophisticated truths with a certain purity and innocence. This may distract some viewers, though it may seem endearing to others.
The Film, The Shift May Carry the Most Important Message of our Time
The message in Dr. Dyer’s film, The Shift, is based on universal truths found in the great spiritual texts, and even in current research. The relevance of these messages for our time cannot be over-stated.
Dr. Dyer’s movie will surely uplift and inspire people who are along on their spiritual journey. But it will also strike a chord with people who are not spiritually inclined. People should make the time to watch it. Even if it is “not their thing” it will get them thinking.
Say what one will about whatever flaws it has, Dr. Dyer’s movie The Shift's message is a critical message that, if heeded, will help people find meaning in their lives and perhaps save them from the terrible experience of dying, only to discover that they have not fully lived.
The movie The Shift is directed by Michael Goorjian, and is rated PG. It was released in 2009 and is available on DVD.
Readers might also be interested in this review of Dr. Wayne Dyer's new book Excuses Begone!
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