Watch Audience of One

Audience of One is a fascinating documentary that explores the story of a pastor named Richard Gazowsky, who believes that God has called him to make a feature film. What makes this film so unique is that Gazowsky has never made a film before and has no experience in the industry. Nevertheless, he is convinced that God will help him complete the project despite the seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his path.

The film begins by introducing Gazowsky and his church, the Voice of Pentecost, which is based in San Francisco. Gazowsky is a charismatic and passionate leader who inspires his congregation with his sermons and his vision for the future. However, he is also prone to grandiose ideas and has a tendency to make impulsive decisions without fully considering the consequences.

One day, Gazowsky receives a message from God telling him to make a film that will rival the biggest Hollywood blockbusters. Despite having no funding, no script, and no cast or crew, Gazowsky is undeterred. He believes that God will provide everything he needs to make the film a reality.

The rest of the film follows Gazowsky as he sets out to make his film, which he calls "Gravity: The Shadow of Joseph." He enlists the help of his family and church members, many of whom have never worked on a film before. Together, they start building sets, designing costumes, and scouting locations, all with the faith that God is guiding them every step of the way.

As Gazowsky's ambitious plans begin to take shape, the film takes on a surreal quality. It becomes increasingly clear that Gazowsky has a unique vision for the film that is at odds with conventional filmmaking practices. For example, he believes that the film should be shot in 70mm, a format that is rarely used anymore due to its cost and difficulty. He also wants to use real lions in a scene, despite the obvious danger and logistical challenges.

Despite these challenges, Gazowsky remains convinced that he is on the right path. He talks about the film in religious terms, describing it as a "missionary tool" that will spread the word of God to millions of people. He also speaks about the film as if it already exists, using present tense language when referring to it and even discussing the sequels he plans to make.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Gazowsky's grandiose plans are not without consequences. He invests his own money and that of his church into the film, with the hope that it will eventually turn a profit. However, as the production drags on and costs mount, it becomes increasingly unlikely that the film will ever make back its investment.

Meanwhile, Gazowsky's family and church members struggle to balance their faith in God with the demands of the production. Many of them have to work long hours for little or no pay, while others have to put their own lives on hold to help with the project. The strain on relationships within the church and within Gazowsky's own family is palpable.

Despite all these challenges, Gazowsky never wavers in his belief that the film is a calling from God. He remains steadfast in his conviction that the film will be a success and that it will change the world. As the production nears its completion, the question remains: will Gazowsky's faith be rewarded, or will he be left with nothing but a failed film and a congregation that has lost faith in him?

In conclusion, Audience of One is a remarkable documentary that explores the intersection of faith, ambition, and filmmaking. It provides an intimate look at one man's journey to fulfill what he believes is a divine calling, even as he faces seemingly impossible odds. While the film raises important questions about the role of faith in creative endeavors, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition. Ultimately, it is a deeply human story that is sure to resonate with audiences of all stripes.