Ebook
This engaging book explores how Christians can most profitably and critically hear, read, and view popular culture through the lens of film. William Romanowski highlights the benefits of a faith-informed approach to cinema that centers on art and perspective and shows how Christian faith contributes to the moviegoing experience, leading to a deeper understanding of movies and life. The book draws examples from classic and contemporary American movies and includes illustrative film stills. Additional resources for professors and students are available through Baker Academic's Textbook eSources.
"An ideal 'way in' to thinking about film for virtually any
Christian reader"
"Romanowski has written another accessible, probing, and
stimulating book which engages one of the fastest-growing fields of
theological reflection today. Throwing into relief the ways in
which movies convey meaning and articulate 'life perspectives,' the
book will make an ideal 'way in' to thinking about film for
virtually any Christian reader."
--Jeremy Begbie, Duke University
"Cinematic Faith is engaging, persuasive, and novel: a handy
guide for Christians looking to navigate the complexities of the
film industry and the culture from which it comes."
--Terry Wandtke, Judson University; founder of the Imago
Film Festival
"This rich and lucid book sheds fresh light on a wide range of
American films. By interacting creatively with many cinematic gems,
Romanowski helps to reveal the layers of meaning in both classic
and recent movies. Full of thoughtful and nuanced interpretations,
Cinematic Faith provides a catalyst for empowering
engagement, robust reflection, and dynamic discussion about
film."
--Jolyon Mitchell, Centre for Theology and Public Issues,
University of Edinburgh
"In this highly engaging book, Romanowski demonstrates the
importance of informed movie watching. Without ever losing the
sense of the sheer joy of film viewing, he shows how films are
significant and explores how they work. In so doing he reminds us
that stories shape us and that Christian stories and Christian
thinking interweave with the many stories which make up Western
culture."
--Clive Marsh, University of Leicester
"Cinematic Faith is the book I didn't know my college-level
film students needed. Romanowski effectively blends cultural
insight, critical evaluation, and honest analysis to make this book
a fantastic, faith-based follow-up to Eyes Wide Open: Looking
for God in Popular Culture."
--Kimberly M. Miller, Grove City College
Contents
List of Movie Musings
1. Why a Christian Approach?
2. Culture Communicates: Biblical Principles for a Peculiar Means
of Expression
3. Moviemaking Magic: Poetic Portals and the Power of
Perspective
4. Creating an Illusion of Reality: Film Form and Content
5. Connecting the Dots: Style and Meaning
6. Redemption American-Style: The Melodramatic Vision
7. The Yellow Brick Road to Self-Realization: Classical Hollywood
Cinema
8. A Man's Gotta Do What a Man's Gotta Do: American
Action-Adventure Movies
9. Stop Taking My Hand! Gender and Mainstream Hollywood
Epilogue
Indexes
William D. Romanowski (PhD, Bowling Green State University) is Arthur H. DeKruyter Chair in Communication at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is the widely respected author of a number of books, including the award-winning Reforming Hollywood and Eyes Wide Open.