Theology and Film

Film Review - "The Matrix"

The 1999 Sci-Fi blockbuster The Matrix is reviewed by our resident knowledge manager, i.e. controller of the 'Southern Cross College' matrix, Ben Clarke.
Download film_review_the_matrix.mp3

Theology & Film - Podcast Lecture 8

In this latest podcast Dr Shane Clifton discusses the Lars Von Trier film Dancer in the Dark, drawing out the themes of original sin & redemption, and elaborating on the metaphors traditionally used in Christian circles to describe these concepts. For your podcast assignment this week, simply identify 3 Christ figures in 3 different films (other than The Matrix or Dancer in the Dark) and explain what caused you to identify them as such.
Download film_lecture_eight.mp3

Theology & Film - Podcast Lecture 7

This week Dr Mark Hutchinson and Dr Shane Clifton, aka "Hutcho and Cliffo", discuss the film Blade Runner and the ethical issues it raises.

For your podcast assignment this week... Predict the future for us. Do you anticipate technological apocalypse or do you consider technology a blessing? In your comment include examples.

Download film_lecture_seven.mp3

Film Review - "Blade Runner"

Dr Mark Hutchinson provides an insightful look into the 1982 blockbuster Blade Runner, highlighting its contemporary themes such as postmodern dystopia, human self-destruction and the gothic search for the authentic emotion.

Take a listen!
Download film_review_blade_runner.mp3

Theology & Film - Podcast Lecture 6

Given the influence of postmodern culture on many of the films we've been watching, this week, Dr Shane Clifton looks at postmodernism in more detail. He discusses, first of all, the transition from a medieval worldview to a modern/scientific understanding of the universe, after which, he focuses on the more recent post-world-war disillusionment with modernism and the subsequent transition to a postmodern way of thinking.

Download film_lecture_six.mp3

BTW, in his latest of internet discoveries Shane has stumbled across a website which may be of interest to you in your theology & film studies. Check it out...

http://www.theology.bham.ac.uk/gordonlynch/tpcg.htm

Film Review - "Jesus Camp"

In the postmodern age where institutional critique runs rampant, Chris Tilling takes an honest look at the critique directed towards the evangelical church in the recently acclaimed documentary, 'Jesus Camp'.
Download film_review_jesus_camp.mp3

Film Review - "The Seventh Seal"

In this latest podcast, film reviewer Ben McEachen from Empire magazine, looks at the 1957 classic  The Seventh Seal. Enjoy!

Download film_review_the_seventh_seal.mp3

Theology & Film - Podcast Lecture 5

On the back of having watched the 1957 classic The Seventh Seal in class last Wednesday, this week Dr Shane Clifton, together with Dreu Harrison, discuss the evident Nietzschean influence in this movie and unpack Nietzsche's notion of the death of God and the meaninglessness of life.

Download film_lecture_five.mp3

The podcast assignment for this week is explained on the audio lecture above, you will also need the following article to complete this task.

Download NietzscheArticle.pdf

Theology & Film - Podcast Lecture 4

Welcome to Theology and Film week four. Up to this point in the course we have been watching Christ films and looking generally at the science of reviewing film. Today Dr Shane Clifton looks at critiquing Christ films specifically, discussing how they both reflect and speak to contemporary culture.

Download film_lecture_four.mp3

The podcast assignment for this week is outlined on the above podcast lecture.
Listen and Enjoy!

Film Review - "Jesus of Montreal"

This weeks review is of the 1989 film Jesus of Montreal. Steve and Sandra Fogarty discuss their experiences of the film and who they would recommend see it.

Download jesus_of_montreal_sandra_steve_fogarty.mp3