I wondered whether my approach for viewing film as theology (what I call “theocinematics”) could be applied to films outside of international arthouse cinema. Was there was a contemporary filmmaker whose movies were the opposite of the Dardennes’ documentary-like social realism? - ThreadSky

About ThreadSky

jmayward.bsky.social • 6 days ago

I wondered whether my approach for viewing film as theology (what I call “theocinematics”) could be applied to films outside of international arthouse cinema. Was there was a contemporary filmmaker whose movies were the opposite of the Dardennes’ documentary-like social realism?

Comments

jmayward.bsky.social•6 days ago

This director would have to be a recognized auteur who made Hollywood blockbuster films that were highly expressionistic/formalist, contained lots of exposition directly explaining its ideas and themes, and which embraced familiar genre conventions while forgoing typical chronological narratives.

jmayward.bsky.social•6 days ago

Like the Dardennes, their films would also need to consistently explore theological themes and concerns, as well as generate transcendent cinematic experiences for the audience without being outright “religious” movies. And it would help if I personally liked this filmmaker’s movies.

jmayward.bsky.social•6 days ago

One director came to mind. This book is the result. I began writing it in 2019 before TENET was released, and completed the manuscript in summer 2024 after OPPENHEIMER won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/theology-and-the-films-of-christopher-nolan-9781978711587/

jmayward.bsky.social•6 days ago

It's the most "fun" or playful academic book I've written. The chapter on MEMENTO is structured backwards: you begin with the Conclusion and read until you end with the Introduction. The chapter on THE PRESTIGE follows the pattern of a magic trick: The Pledge, The Turn, and The Prestige.

philthomas.bsky.social•6 days ago

Sounds great

mattpagefilm.bsky.social•6 days ago

Awesome

lph13.bsky.social•6 days ago

That's an interesting choice of director. I've never thought about Nolan's films in those terms so I'll have to give your book a read.

Posting Rules

Be respectful to others
No spam or self-promotion
Stay on topic
Follow Bluesky's terms of service

Comments

Posting Rules

Reply