The Religion and Film Reader

'This is a genuinely useful addition to the maturing literature on religion and film. The imaginative selection of readings makes this book an invaluable resource that will broaden and deepen the insights of students and researchers in this field. This will undoubtedly become a key text for any serious course exploring the various ways in which religion and film intersect.' Gordon Lynch, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Birkbeck, University of London, UK '[There is a lot to think about here], and it is just a micro-sample of all that is to be found in this milestone collection.' Project Muse (Scholarly Journals Online) 'Jolyon Mitchell and S. Brent Plate ... consistently stress the historical depth, the geographical spread and the sheer critical complexity that marks reflection on the relationship between religion and film. ... In conclusion, this is a highly intelligent and thought-provoking collection of work exploring the relationship between religion and film ...[T]his eclecticism is also one of the volume's main strengths for it constantly throws up new and challenging ways of thinking about religion and film, and for this reason alone, I would warmly recommend this book to scholars seeking a way into this field or looking for a course reader for their students.' David Murphy, University of Stirling, Literature and Theology, 23(2) The editors have done a particularly fine job of supplying readings that give a multicultural perspective, with sources from African, Asian, European and American filmmakers and critics whose work has a religious dimension. In addition, historical sources provide insight into the ways that film has been understood as a religious medium since its origins, and readings from contemporary religion scholars demonstrate the range of scholarly approaches being developed. The volume is unique in its scope and depth, treating all aspects of the field of religion and film. John Lyden, Professor of Religion, Dana College, USA This is a genuinely useful addition to the maturing literature on religion and film. The imaginative selection of readings makes this book an invaluable resource that will broaden and deepen the insights of students and researchers in this field. This will undoubtedly become a key text for any serious course exploring the various ways in which religion and film intersect. Gordon Lynch, Professor of Sociology of Religion, Birkbeck, University of London

Jolyon Mitchell is senior lecturer at New College, Edinburgh University. His previous publications include Visually Speaking, Mediating Religion, and Media Violence and Christian Ethics. S. Brent Plate is Associate Professor of Religion and the Visual Arts at Texas Christian University. His recent publications include Blasphemy: Art that Offends, Walter Benjamin, Religion and Aesthetics and Representing Religion in World Cinema.

Introduction to the Reader. Part 1: The Dawn of Cinema: Adherents and Detractors Part 2: The Birth of Film Theory: Realism, Formalism, and Religious Vision Part 3: Global Perspectives: Directors and Critics A. African and Middle-Eastern Perspectives B. Asian and Australasian Perspectives C. European Perspectives D. South and North American Perspectives Part 4: Theological and Biblical Approaches to Analysing Film A. Theological Dialogues B. Biblical Connections Part 5: Recent Reflections on the Relation between Religion and Film. Bibliography. Webography. Acknowledgements. Index