Image in Film and Video
By Frances Forde Plude
Experts say we need a systematic theology of the image, in addition to work already done on the theology of the word.
The noted theologian Karl Rahner once wrote an article on “The Theology of the Religious Meaning of Images.” He stated: “…even an image that does not have a specifically religious theme can be a religious image, when viewing it helps to bring about…the properly religious experience of transcendence” (Theological Investigations, 1992, p 149).
Bernard Lonergan in Method in Theology notes “conversion is basic to Christian living…” and Michael Gallagher, S.J. adds: “…film offers a huge store of images for theological reflection…it provides “the horizon within which mystery and its meaning can be apprehended.”
We should reflect more about ministering to humans who reside in a video culture. Especially with youth we must acknowledge that they “read” visuals more than printed text. This is probably now true for adults also.
I have found helpful information in a book New Image of Religious Film edited by John May. It is a Sheed and Ward publication now available through the Theology Book Service. These essays were developed at a meeting in Rome with more than fifty people from sixteen countries on six continents. Some consensus emerged.
They agreed we can “discern theological or religious implications of films that do not deal explicitly with religious issues, events, or symbols.” I wonder, for example, how many millions of people will experience the inevitability of their own death as they view the movie Titanic.
Experts realize that what the viewer perceives is key. Often people experience a religious or spiritual meaning in what could be considered a “secular” film. They might experience the transcendent or a conversion (to use concepts of Rahner and Lonergan).
In addition to viewer experience, the film content deals with theological themes: the search for identity; humanity’s need for redemption and love in the face of human suffering; conflict between good and evil; and the understanding of a sacramental or graced universe.
Is this why we have so much interest in angels (or extra-terrestrials) in film and video? Is this what prompts many to identify Christ-figures in films as different as Shawshank Redemption and Forrest Gump?
Often films are not didactic or heavy-handed, but they can help us to probe mystery and learn about compassion.
By Suzanne Nelson
I think I will find a communication professional for our parish adult-education committee!
There are other practical applications. We could have an elective mini-course for junior- or senior-high school students (or adults) on “Media, Faith and Values.” There are some good ones already packaged within larger programs, such as the St. Mary Press Horizon Program with Tom Zanzig.
We ought to view actual films or portions of films with parish groups. For discussion I suggest The Art of Theological Reflection by Killen and deBeer (Crossroad, 1997). These authors identify how we move toward insight. First, we enter our experience and encounter the feelings we find. When we pay attention to the feelings, images arise. When we consider and question images we often spark insight and this leads to action. We need to encourage this complete cycle rather than stopping at the image.
Parish librarians should get more training in this area and then train others. Some grant programs provide media education training for teachers who, in turn, serve as mentors and resources for their colleagues.
I recently urged some young adults who prepare the Liturgy of the Word for children to videotape some celebrations. They could then share this in the parish “Time and Talent Fair” and it could also help them evaluate their own work. We need to find the positive links between faith and culture in current film/video clips and articulate this in religious education gatherings for all ages, in homilies, in faith sharing, and in small faith communities. In a recent issue of Momentum Frances Trampiets made a point about those who use media literacy productively. They understand, she said, that the key to reaching people, especially the young, is to “stop telling them what’s wrong with their world and their media. Start helping them find the intersection of faith and culture in everyday life.”
There is a terrible temptation today to give in to “media bashing.” Of course, much film and video consist of junk, but we don’t condemn all food because some of it is junk food. Part of our ministerial challenge is to be conscious of – and to implement – a theology of the image.