Faith in Film: Religious Themes in Contemporary Cinema

by Deacy,Christopher

• ISBN13: 9780754651581
• ISBN10: 0754651584
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-08-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Preface	vi
Acknowledgements	viii
1 Christianity and film in conversation	1	(22)
2 The heart of the matter: escapism vs. religion	23	(18)
3 Theological currents in contemporary cinema: seven case studies	41	(39)
Fight Club	42	(5)
The Prince of Tides	47	(4)
The Purple Rose of Cairo	51	(4)
Billy Liar	55	(3)
The Apartment	58	(3)
Groundhog Day	61	(7)
Raging Bull	68	(12)
4 Movie gods and goddesses: the role of the celebrity	80	(26)
Julie Christie	85	(2)
Robert De Niro	87	(4)
Paul Newman	91	(5)
Jack Nicholson	96	(10)
5 The passion' of the audience	106	(28)
Theology and diversity	126	(8)
6 New ways forward	134	(5)
References	139	(22)
Books and articles	139	(14)
Websites	153	(2)
Films	155	(6)
Index	161