Bible and Film: The Basics

Exploring the Intersection of Scripture and Cinema

Matthew S Rindge author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Inc

Published:22nd Jul '21

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Bible and Film: The Basics cover

This book provides an insightful introduction to the study of biblical themes in cinema, exploring various methods and interpretations. Bible and Film: The Basics is perfect for beginners.

In Bible and Film: The Basics, readers are welcomed into a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between biblical texts and cinematic storytelling. This book serves as a comprehensive guide for non-specialists, providing essential insights into both the content and methodologies employed by scholars in this fascinating field. By addressing fundamental questions, the text encourages readers to consider how films reinterpret and illuminate biblical narratives, offering a fresh perspective on familiar stories.

The book delves into various themes, such as 'Bible on film' and 'Bible in film,' showcasing examples from notable films like The Prince of Egypt, Noah, and The Last Temptation of Christ. It examines how these films not only portray biblical stories but also engage with and transform them, prompting deeper reflection on the narratives they depict. Furthermore, the book explores the concept of films that 'reimagine the Bible,' highlighting works such as Ex Machina and The Tree of Life, which challenge traditional interpretations and invite new discussions.

A concluding section broadens the scope by analyzing television shows like The West Wing and The Handmaid’s Tale, illustrating the ongoing relevance of biblical themes in contemporary media. With a glossary of key terms and suggested readings, Bible and Film: The Basics is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the dynamic relationship between religion, film, and popular culture.

Rindge’s primer on biblical film initiates his readers into both biblical film and biblical film scholarship. Amazingly, along the way, Rindge also finds time to introduce readers to many of biblical scholarship’s tropes (e.g., the messianic secret, the son of man, the move from the Proclaimer to the proclaimed, and the historical Jesus). The last three chapters alone are worth the book’s price as they provide a hermeneutic by which readers can create their own new conversations with the manifold ways that bible and film interact (Bible in Film, Film as Bible, and Bible and Film/TV). Although a primer, Rindge's book, particularly its penultimate chapter, suggests exciting new scholarly possibilities.

Richard Walsh, Methodist University, USA.

ISBN: 9780815392224

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 594g

222 pages