Movies That Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith [Paperback]

Richard Leonard (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

A lively, discerning guide to what’s good, beautiful, and true at the movies

“Richard Leonard, SJ, expertly guides readers through some of the most popular recent films and shows us how even the most unlikely movies can encourage us to pray and draw closer to the divine . . . fascinating, lively, and often witty.”
—James Martin, SJ, author of My Life with the Saints

This thought-provoking and inspiring work by popular film critic and Jesuit Richard Leonard explains how movies are today’s parables and why people of faith need the skills to converse about them intelligently and productively. In Movies That Matter, Leonard views fifty important movies through “a lens of faith” and offers surprising insights on the spiritual dimension of each film. From Finding Nemo to Gandhi to The Godfather, Leonard’s informed, Christian point of view guides us to a new appreciation of both the films and our own spiritual beliefs. Leonard also lists teachable moments found in each movie and provides questions for personal reflection or group dialogue.

In addition, Leonard teaches today’s religious educators, parents, and film buffs how to “read” a film with the eyes of faith, and how to meaningfully engage with others through the media of film. He offers realistic advice on such topics as: valuing our story, sex and violence in films, ratings, and how to be a critical consumer. This entertaining and reliable guide will enrich your movie-watching experience.

“Movies That Matter is a book every person in pastoral ministry will want to use as he or she seeks to be relevant and faithful in a media world.”
—Rose Pacatte, FSP, coauthor Lights, Camera, . . . Faith!

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Are movies just mind candy or can they be vehicles for theological inquiry? Jesuit film critic and writer Leonard clearly believes the latter. He examines 50 films and extracts their theological themes with a direct and engaging prose style. Some of the film selections might surprise readers—Leonard is not afraid to tackle gloomy and often graphically violent films, such as The Exorcist, Unforgiven and The Godfather. He is quick to point out that, while some movies contain lurid content, this should not detract from their critical messages about God, human nature and relationships. Leonard also includes more lighthearted fare, such as Groundhog Day and Chocolat, thus illustrating that no film genre is completely devoid of theological possibilities. The central point for readers who are followers of Jesus is found in the essay on Billy Elliot: "Christianity, rooted in the Incarnation, must be embodied." Leonard's insights about films being opportunities for theological reflection are refreshing, and his questions at the end of each essay are excellent resources for teachers, retreat directors and religious educators who desire to use film in their ministry. (Aug.)
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Book Description

In modern culture, nothing matters more than the movies, says popular film critic and Jesuit Richard Leonard. Movies shape our global civilization. We watch them incessantly, relax with them, argue about them. But movies are much more than casual entertainment and subjects for small talk. They have become the preferred medium for ideas and values and morally serious expression.  We need to take movies seriously, Leonard says. To do so, we need to learn how to “read” a film.

In Movies that Matter, Leonard views 50 important movies through a “lens of faith” — an informed Christian point of view that immeasurably deepens the astute moviegoer’s viewing experience. He shows how the great directors, screenwriters, and actors employ the “language of film” to celebrate the human spirit and put us in touch with the divine. This knowledgeable, vividly written, provocative guide is an excellent resource for every reader seeking deeper understanding of what the movies are saying.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Loyola Press; First Edition, First edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0829422013
• ISBN-13: 978-0829422016
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #771,201 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The title says it all . . ., March 31, 2009

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happy volunteer - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Movies That Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith (Paperback)

Nice connnection between movies that one wouldn't necessarily see as "religious" and matters of faith, God, and humanity. A film doesn't necessarily need to be a "Ten Commandments" to be instructive about God at work in the world.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Movies That Matter, March 1, 2011

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paolo - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Movies That Matter: Reading Film through the Lens of Faith (Paperback)

This is an even-handed and well-written exposition of the spiritual meanings of 54 feature films produced between 1966 and 2004. The titles fall into several genres and all rating categories. A few foreign films and one documentary are included. The author, a Jesuit priest-scholar, analyzes the films from a Catholic Christian viewpoint, pointing out the salient virtues of each and offering criticism where appropriate. An introductory essay gives an overall template to the study of any film.