Bible and Cinema: An Introduction

Bible and Cinema: An Introduction explores how the Bible has been used and represented in mainstream cinema to develop its plots, characters, and themes. It covers topics such as the contribution of Bible and Bible-related movies to the history of the Bible's reception, the ways in which filmmakers make use of scripture, the Bible as a source of ethics and morality, and film as a medium for transcendence. The second edition includes insightful analysis of films such as Noah, Gods and Men, Mary Magdalene, and The Shawshank Redemption, as well as pedagogical resources.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Bible and Cinema: An Introduction is a comprehensive exploration of the profound ways in which the Bible has been utilized and portrayed in mainstream cinema to shape its narratives, characters, and themes. The book delves into two primary categories of films: Bible movies, which retell biblical stories such as the Exodus and the life of Jesus, and Bible-related movies, which draw inspiration from biblical books, stories, verses, and figures, as well as Bibles themselves, to craft non-biblical, often fictional narratives.

Within these categories, the book addresses a wide range of topics, including:

The historical significance of Bible and Bible-related movies in shaping the reception of the Bible throughout history.

The artistic techniques employed by filmmakers to address and reflect their own time and place through the use of scripture.

The Bible as a powerful vehicle through which films can explore social and political issues, delve into human experiences and emotions, explore existential questions such as evil and death, and convey themes of destruction and redemption.

The role of the Bible as a source of ethics and morality, both in its perpetuation and undermining in contemporary Hollywood films.

Film as a medium for transcendent experiences, and the role of the Bible in creating such experiences.

This extensively revised second edition offers insightful analysis of notable films such as Noah, Gods and Men, Mary Magdalene, and The Shawshank Redemption, paying close attention to visual and aural elements as well as plot, character, and dialogue. Additionally, the book includes pedagogical resources, including discussions of film theory and key words and discussion questions, making it an invaluable guide for teachers, students, and anyone with an interest in the intersection of Bible and cinema.

In conclusion, Bible and Cinema: An Introduction provides a comprehensive and insightful examination of the intricate relationship between the Bible and cinema, shedding light on the ways in which the Bible has been creatively interpreted and represented on the big screen. By exploring the historical, artistic, and ethical dimensions of this intersection, the book offers valuable insights for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, contributing to our understanding of the profound screen's role in shaping our cultural and religious landscape.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367250225
Edition number: 2 ed