Different Images of God: Theological-aesthetical Evaluation of Films by Andrey Zvyagintsev and Pavel Lungin (original) (raw)

2016, Journal of Religion and Film

Introduction: The Question of Theology and Film AnalysisCurrently the field of film studies from a religious or theological perspective seems to be a trend. Yet, not so many authors suggest theological approaches to film analysis. There is a challenge of personalized readings of films if taken from a theological perspective and there is already quite a history of film interpretation and methodologies that take that route. Sometimes authors concentrate on biblical topics only or evaluate films without clear definition of how theological themes are determined (Baugh, 1997; May, 1997). Too often authors just implement different theological concepts here and there without a clear methodology. There should be some space for personal reading of film, but not as the only reading. In a way this study follows the work of Neil Hurley (Marsh, 2009:62). However, not exactly, because we agree that transcendence is not static. It is more than the idea of transcendental truth. Also there are some ...

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Revelation of God through Film: Theological Aesthetics and Beauty as Transcendental Applied to Films of Terrence Malick and Andrey Zvyagintsev

Revelation of God through Film: Theological Aesthetics and Beauty as Transcendental Applied to Films of Terrence Malick and Andrey Zvyagintsev, 2019

God cannot be viewed and cannot be comprehended, but is there a possibility of God being revealed through a film? There are several ways used by the Church to represent God in worship: worship through singing or music, visual worship through icons, and participation in dramatic performance. In this study, the methodology of finding God in films is suggested and applied to some films. It is based on works on theological aesthetics by John Panteleimon Manoussakis and David Bentley Hart. The films of Terrence Malick and Andrey Zvyagintsev are used as examples. One of the main ideas of this study is related to viewing God through Jesus as God who can be comprehended (in some way) and incorporating Christological reading of reality into film analysis. There is also a strong emphasis on the interpersonal dimension of film experience as theological aesthetic experience.

Revelation of God through Film

2019

God cannot be viewed and cannot be comprehended, but is there a possibility of God being revealed through a film? There are several ways used by the Church to represent God in worship: worship through singing or music, visual worship through icons, and participation in dramatic performance. In this study, the methodology of finding God in films is suggested and applied to some films. It is based on works on theological aesthetics by John Panteleimon Manoussakis and David Bentley Hart. The films of Terrence Malick and Andrey Zvyagintsev are used as examples. One of the main ideas of this study is related to viewing God through Jesus as God who can be comprehended (in some way) and incorporating Christological reading of reality into film analysis. There is also a strong emphasis on the interpersonal dimension of film experience as theological aesthetic experience.

Film as medium for meaning making: A practical theological reflection

HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies, 2017

The reflection on film will be situated within the framework of popular culture and livedreligion as recognised themes within the discipline of practical theology. It is argued that theperspective of viewers is of importance within the process of meaning-making. By focusing onthe experience and meaning-making through the act of film-watching the emphasis is not somuch on the message that the producer wishes to convey but rather on the experience that iscreated within the viewer. Experience is not viewed as only emotional, but rather that, at least,both the cognitive and emotional are key in the act of watching a film. It is therefore arguedthat this experience that is seldom reflected on by viewers could serve as a fruitful platform formeaning-making by the viewer. In a context where there seems to be a decline in institutionalisedforms of religion, it is important to investigate emerging forms of religion. Furthermore, theturn to the self also makes people’s experiences and practic...

Seeing and Being Seen: Distinctively Filmic and Religious Elements in Film

Journal of Religion and Film, 1999

Using philosophical propositions from Stanley Cavell's work The World Viewed, I argue in this paper that there is a religious dimension available in film which has to do with a creative and disruptive approach to the normal and naturalized habits of the typical viewer. By examining both Von Trier's Breaking the Waves and Tarkovsky's The Sacrifice, I attempt to show that these film makers challenge their viewers via the nature of the medium itself and in ways that have religious/ethical implications.

Cinema: Journal of Philosophy and the Moving Image, no. 4, "Philosophy of Religion

2018

The fourth issue of "Cinema" addresses the topic of philosophy of religion and its connections with cinematic art. Film and religion have been fruitful research topics taken in conjunction. Researchers in this specific field have focused on particular periods (like the censorship era in the USA), on representations of religious traditions and practices (Sufism, for example), and on different theoretical approaches (such as feminism) and broad topics (ethics, for instance) within film studies. Film and philosophy have also had a productive relation in recent years. Different philosophical fields have addressed film, from the philosophy of art to the philosophy of mind, yet philosophy of religion has been a field lacking in the discussion of film. This issue aims at addressing this lack.

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