Martha’s Vineyard is considered a haven for artists, writers, and free thinkers, so it’s not surprising that a certain circle of Islanders subscribes to “New Age” ideas – like the concept that we can literally change the world and our lives with the power of thought and intention. But there are probably a good many more who would say “That’s hogwash! Ridiculous! The only way the world can change is through the laws of physics!” You’d think it would be hard to reconcile these two points of view, but it’s already beginning to happen -- via the odd and quirky science of quantum physics. Whoa. Before your eyes glaze over and you move on to the “What’s Happening” section, this will not be an article about quantum physics, but it will be about an odd and quirky film that successfully takes the ideas of quantum physics, and unites them with “choose your own reality” New Age ideas.

“What the Bleep Do We Know” stimulates, provokes and gets you thinking about the power of thought – specifically yours. And it’s all based on scientific principles. How? Well, here’s the science part: In the first quarter of the twentieth century, scientists noticed that as unchangeable as the laws of classical physics were, they didn’t hold true everywhere – particularly in the world of subatomic particles. Down there, things got positively weird. And when scientists looked, things got even weirder. It seemed that you could change the subatomic world just by looking at it. To their own astonishment, researchers found that events at this level were composed of lots of possibilities until you turned around and looked – then all the possibilities disappeared, except one. A conclusion that some began to draw was that the observer had an effect on which possibility actually occurred. From there it’s just a hop, skip and a jump for some to “choosing” your own reality. Not everyone felt this was a great theory. Einstein, for one, was so upset by some of the theories in quantum physics, that he rejected them, exclaiming “God does not play dice with the universe!” These days there’s less of an argument. Most scientists admit that quantum physics is valid but also admit that they don’t quite yet know what the bleep is going on.

“What the Bleep” alternates between documentary interviews with physicists and authorities talking about quantum theory and its enormous implications and the fictional storyline of an unhappy woman who finds herself in a life crisis, seemingly without choices, until…

Overall? The talking heads do a great job of talking in plain English about using complex theories of physics in our everyday lives -- something along the lines of “How Quantum Physics Can Change YOUR Life!!” The same can’t be said for the storyline -- which leaves much to be desired.

Here’s what’s good: There are great thoughts here. Wonderful concepts and ideas that will set thinkers on fire. More than a few have said that this film has changed their life. Independently released and without much initial advertising support, “What the Bleep” fits the true definition of a sleeper: it hits town and the few who go to see it tell two friends who tell two friends and so on and so on till the theater is jammed and there are lines outside.

Here’s what’s not good: The storyline regarding our unhappy heroine is simplistic and awkward and at times downright bad. Marlee Matlin, an excellent actress, who is deaf, portrays the lead character in the story. It is possible she was chosen because she has created extraordinary possibilities in the acting world with limited hearing and speech capabilities, but she is far from the best choice for the role. At times the story becomes a parody.

What’s also odd is that none of the interviewees are identified during the film. These are credible, well spoken, interesting -- sometimes fascinating -- speakers, leading us to ask, just who are these people?

It’s not until the end credits that the speakers are identified and viewers are in for some surprises. But here’s an experiment. As you watch the film think about how you feel about what the speakers are saying. Do you believe them? Are you convinced? If so, why? Once you’ve seen the credits do the same thing. Ask yourself if you’ve changed what you believe and why. There’s a good possibility that your opinions before and after may change what you think is “true” about the film and how you follow up on it. And this experiment may actually prove the point of “What the Bleep Do We Know.” We really can change reality – at least our own – by what we believe.

Final Verdict? Go see it. Take your friends. Talk about it. Despite the flaws this is exciting material and it just may change the way you think – then if you like you can go out and change the world.