God in & on film
Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue by Robert K. Johnston (Baker Books, 2001: ISBN 0-8010-2241-X) provides an enlightening view into the interrelation of the "Reel" (simulated, motion picture) and "Real" worlds. Movies--as the art form of the 20th century--reflect, inform and shape their audience, and invite--if not expect--a response as they ignite conversations of and about God, often times leaving the church out in the dark.
After discussing the indisputable power and pervasiveness of movies and tracing the history and relationship of Hollywood and Christianity, Johnston details an authentic, systematic and holistic--observe first, evaluate second--approach to film criticism that will assist Christians to critically engage culture.
The process begins with an exploration of the formal characteristics of a film--plot, atmosphere, character and tone. The audience views and evaluates the essential element of story with a "voyeur" (plausible story?), "vicarious" (compelling?) and "visceral" (identify, engaged?) eye. The process proceeds to critically examine the genre (comedy, action, horror, etc), auteur (fingerprint, signature of author/creator), theme, and cultural context. The process is completed theologically--assuming the content is more than "escapist fare"--as the film's story is compared to God's story in a two-way, open-ended dialogue, not a one-sided, closed-minded diatribe.
Movie buffs will quickly search the thorough--although increasingly outdated--index to find citations and critiques of familiar and favorite flicks. Such valuable information and insight can be incorporated into a ministry setting, but also into general and deeper conversations at home or school. Our kids are watching lots of movies. Consequently, this is a must read for anyone attempting to critically engage and dialogue with youth immersed in today's "reel" world.
-Doug West