Film - Think

A periodically updated selection of Jesus Film Reviews.

I am specifically interested in rethinking the "Jesus film genre" by drawing attention to the implicit distinction we hold between canonical and non-canonical Jesus imagery. The former is couched in films that draw significantly from the gospels as a source text, with the intention of retelling aspects of the life of Christ in visual modes. The latter is found scattered throughout films that feature Jesus as an image, reference, or plot device, but are otherwise uninterested in an exposition of the canonical gospels. It is only in this expansion of the "Jesus film genre" that we can begin to see the cultural significance of Jesus take shape in all its affective and acrobatic forms.

Guiding questions: How sturdy is Jesus as a cultural icon? What sort of exchanges happen in attempts at subverting his religious or mythical legacy? What dynamic translations occur in abstract references to his abiding presence in history? In what ways does Jesus as a referent respond to those who are scripting him into alternative narratives? How do we define blasphemy in cultural critical terms?

(IMDB linked films are pending reviews.)

Canonical Jesus Films

Gospel According to St. Matthew
Gospel of John
Passion of the Christ | Passion of the Christ

Non-Canonical Jesus Films

The Ascent
Black Jesus
The Book of Life
Au hasard Balthazar
Christ in Concrete
Henry Poole is Here
Jesus Christ Vampire Hunter
Johnny 316
Last Days | Last Days
The Last Supper
Mary
La vie de Jesus

Related
Nazarin
Silent Light
Southland Tales