Jesus, the Gospels, and Cinematic Imagination: Introducing Jesus Movies, Christ Films

Jesus films have a long history with cinema, and this book provides an overview of the tradition with specific analyses of 22 influential films. It discusses plot, characters, visuals, appeal to authority, and cultural location, and considers the directors' achievements and style. It also addresses problematic issues such as cultural imperialism and patriarchy and includes a DVD/streaming listing and Gospels Harmony cataloging key gospel incidents.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 400 pages
\n Publication date: 09 September 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
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Jesus films have a long history intertwined with the development of cinema itself. In their comprehensive work, Richard Walsh and Jeffrey L. Staley offer students an insightful introduction to this genre, providing a broad overview of the Jesus film tradition and delving into specific analyses of 22 of its most influential exemplars. Spanning from the early silent film La vie du Christ (1906) to the recent release Mary Magdalene (2018), these films offer a captivating exploration of the life and teachings of Jesus.

Each film introduction begins with a discussion of the plot, characters, visuals, use of authority, and cultural context. The authors also take into account the achievements and artistic style of the directors (and/or other filmmakers) involved. Additionally, several chapters conclude with thoughtful reflections on challenging issues that have plagued the tradition, such as cultural imperialism and patriarchy. To aid teachers and researchers, the book includes a comprehensive listing of DVD chapters and approximate "time" markers for key film moments. Furthermore, a Gospels Harmony catalogues the timing of key gospel incidents in these films, facilitating a comparison between film interpretation and gospel narratives.

Extensive endnotes provide valuable references to other important works on the Jesus film tradition and specific films. While the authors aim to contextualize the Jesus film tradition within the realm of cinema and its interpretation, the DVD/streaming listing and Gospels Harmony serve as valuable tools for comparing these films to gospel interpretations and the broader Jesus tradition.

In conclusion, Jesus films have played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape and conveying the teachings of Jesus to a wider audience. Richard Walsh and Jeffrey L. Staley's book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of this genre, offering students a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating the rich tapestry of Jesus films.

\n Weight: 632g\n
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780567693846\n \n