Faith in Film: Religious Themes in Contemporary Cinema

by Christopher Deacy

Overview

How plausible is it to examine the medium of film through a Christian lens? Are there any grounds for supposing that, in 'going to the movies', one is participating in a religious activity? Faith in Film identifies and explores these key questions. From the unprecedented and innovative perspective of Christian theology, this book investigates how cinema audiences wrestle with religious beliefs and values. Through a reading of films as diverse as Groundhog Day, Billy Liar, Fight Club, Nobody's Fool and The Passion of the Christ, Deacy reveals that the movies raise vital questions about the spiritual landscape and normative values of western society today.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781351937245
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/02/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	184
File size:	585 KB

About the Author

Dr Christopher Deacy is Lecturer in Applied Theology at the University of Kent, Canterbury, UK.

Table of Contents

Contents: Preface; Christianity and film in conversation; The heart of the matter: escapism vs. religion; Theological currents in contemporary cinema: seven case studies: Fight Club; The Prince of Tides; The Purple Rose of Cairo; Billy Liar; The Apartment; Groundhog Day; Raging Bull; Movie gods and goddesses: the role of the celebrity: Julie Christie; Robert De Niro; Paul Newman; Jack Nicholson; The 'passion' of the audience: theology and diversity; New ways forward; References: Books and articles; Websites; Films; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'The author bravely looks through his own Christian lens, squints through several other theologically-minded view-finders and gets into conversation with what 'ordinary' people see in(to) films.' Art & Christianity 'Even for those who would not classify themselves as 'film buffs' this is an important book. It could well serve as a wake-up call for evangelicals who have failed to seriously engage with culture... We need to take film seriously as a medium for understading the religious landscape fo our times.' Themelios ’... Faith in Film: Religious Themes in Contemporary Cinema is another useful contribution to the religion and film field that deserves a niche in any research library.’ Australian Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher