Urban Theologian: Faith, Film & Philosophy (with Doug Geivett), Episode #7 by Jennifer Bell

Geivett wrote Faith, Film & Philosophy: Big Ideas on the Big Screen, which sounds like my cup o’ tea. In this radio episode, Geivett and our friends ask the following question: How does one analyze film in a Christian and philosophical way?

I love this question, and I regularly obsess—and I do mean obsess—about it. Just last night, my husband and I paused “The Walking Dead” (see the zombie conversation) to talk about whether or not one can place any responsibility for domestic abuse on a film like Fifty Shades of Grey.

I said yes; he said probably not—but only because he doesn’t really know what he’s talking about and he’s very suspicious of large crowds thinking stuff together. But the real answer is this: Yes, of course films like this are partly—partly—responsible for domestic abuse.  (Before dropping this subject altogether, let me point out an interesting clip of the usually-kinda-offensive-but-strangely-intelligent-and-often-engaging comedian, Russell Brand, talking about porn: go here.) 

This needs, I’m sure, exploration and development. The underlying questions surround the role and influence of film in particular, and the role and influence of Art in general (not that Fifty Shades is Art, because it’s, like, not). How, in essence, are Christians supposed to think about film?

One thing this show seems to reveal is that Christians should be thinking actively, not passively, about film. Though this seems simple enough, it’s actually rather radical. For the most part, we seem pretty passive in our filmic undertakings. We’re just trying to be entertained or—God forbid—escape with a movie. Two of the films that Geivett analyzes in his book are The Truman Show and Being John Malkovich. In this discussion, he shows how active analysis might look.

Geivett noted that, in our analysis, we might begin with the following question: Does this film make an argument? Can you really imagine sitting down with your family and thinking about this stuff? For example, did you see Frozen? Did you think about “Let It Go”? Did you ask what it is that we should let go? I think I did, but I think I got it wrong. I initially assumed, incorrectly I think, that the film’s worldview advocated some kind of unencumbered life, in which we let go of our obligations and commitments. After another bout of analysis, I changed my mind about it. This film advocated freakin’ love and revealed that a commitment-free life was untenable!

Well, you see what I’m doing.

If, though, you can determine what kind of argument is being made—if one is, indeed, being made (is this an inevitability?)—you then have a thesis. Geivett acknowledges that this is not always such an easy task because there are multiple characters and multiple points of view. Therefore, a discerning viewer is sorting through, often enough, multiple worldviews. One might especially look at the protagonist. But that, too, can be confusing. The worldview of the protagonist can—in a possibly sophisticated moment of filmic finesse—differ from the overall message embedded in the story. But these are worthy, responsible endeavors.

When we uncover the argument or message, we can then ask if it’s true. We can examine assumptions and values presented in the films.


I find this whole topic fascinating, and I can’t wait to check out the book. I’m not really sure whether or not two issues are addressed at all by the author, but I continue to think about these:

1. The effect(s) of film: do films cause behavior? Do films merely reflect?
2. The value of the analysis: I have been adamantly in favor of looking at themes in particular films—but is it worth it? For example, my very favorite film to analyze is Pulp Fiction—which is so violent and offensive that I can’t show it in a single classroom. Does the value of analysis outweigh the damage (if there is damage) in watching it? My first response is that the value does outweigh the cost. However, as a mom, I know I’m pretty nuts about keeping my kids out of the room when we’re watching stuff. So what does it all mean? Should Christians watch stuff, just because the message might be worth our attention?

Great show. So much to think about!