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Essays on Cinema: The Holy Terrors: An Analysis of Cinematic Representations of Sanctity and Martyrdom

Victor Turner

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Published in Monstrous Children And Childish Monsters: Essays On Cinema S Holy Terrors

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Cinema, with its power to evoke emotions, has long grappled with the complexities of the sacred and the profane. The portrayal of holy figures and the act of martyrdom has emerged as a recurring theme, offering filmmakers a canvas to explore themes of religious fervor, societal conflicts, and the essence of faith.

In this extensive essay collection, acclaimed film scholars examine the cinematic representations of sanctity and martyrdom, tracing their evolution across different eras and cultural contexts. By analyzing iconic films from the silent era to contemporary cinema, the essays provide a comprehensive understanding of how filmmakers have approached these sensitive subjects.

Monstrous Children and Childish Monsters: Essays on Cinema's Holy Terrors

by John Edgar Browning

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	287 pages

Chapter 1: The Silent Era: Holiness and the Power of Spectacle

The silent era witnessed the emergence of religious epics that awe-inspired audiences with their grandeur and spectacle. Films like "Intolerance" (1916) and "The King of Kings" (1927) portrayed biblical figures with a reverence and visual splendor that transcended the limitations of language. These early cinematic representations established a foundation for the portrayal of sanctity, emphasizing the transformative power of religious imagery.

Chapter 2: The Golden Age of Hollywood: Sanctity in Conflict

The Golden Age of Hollywood saw a shift in the portrayal of sanctity. Films such as "Going My Way" (1944) and "The Bells of St. Mary's" (1945) depicted holy figures within a more contemporary setting, highlighting their struggles and sacrifices amidst societal conflicts. These films explored the tension between personal holiness and the challenges of living in a secular world, resonating with audiences seeking hope and inspiration in a post-war era.

Chapter 3: The European New Wave: Martyrdom as Social Commentary

The European New Wave introduced a more subversive approach to cinematic representations of sanctity. Films like "The Seventh Seal" (1957) and "Au Hasard Balthazar" (1966) challenged traditional religious narratives, using the figure of the martyr to critique societal injustices and political oppression. These films depicted martyrdom as a form of resistance, highlighting the transformative power of suffering in the face of adversity.

Chapter 4: Contemporary Cinema: Ambiguity and Personal Journeys

Contemporary cinema has continued to push the boundaries of cinematic representations of sanctity and martyrdom. Films like "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) and "Martyrs" (2008) have sparked controversy for their graphic and unflinching portrayal of religious violence. These films challenge audiences to confront the complex and often ambiguous nature of martyrdom, raising questions about the limits of faith and the role of personal sacrifice in a modern world.

Chapter 5: The Female Gaze: Sanctity Revisited Through a Feminist Lens

Recent years have seen an emergence of films directed by women that revisit the subject of sanctity and martyrdom from a feminist perspective. Films like "The Virgin Suicides" (1999) and "Saint Frances" (2019) explore the experiences of female religious figures, shedding light on the marginalization and suppression they often face. These films offer a nuanced and empathetic portrayal of female sanctity, challenging patriarchal narratives and expanding the representation of the sacred.

Chapter 6: Global Perspectives: Sanctity and Martyrdom Beyond Hollywood

The essays also delve into cinematic representations of sanctity and martyrdom from global perspectives. Films from Asia, Africa, and Latin America offer unique insights into the ways different cultures and religious traditions grapple with these themes. By examining diverse cinematic voices, the collection provides a comprehensive understanding of the global impact of religious narratives on cinema.

The essays on cinema presented in this collection offer a multifaceted exploration of the cinematic representations of sanctity and martyrdom. Through detailed analysis of iconic films, the authors shed light on the evolution of these themes across different eras and cultural contexts. By examining the ways in which filmmakers have grappled with the complexities of the sacred and the profane, this collection contributes to a deeper understanding of the role cinema plays in our collective understanding of religious experiences and the profound impact of faith on human existence.

Monstrous Children and Childish Monsters: Essays on Cinema's Holy Terrors

by John Edgar Browning

5 out of 5