2 discussions 1 assignment- reserved for someone [[[[[[DISCUSSION 1]]]]]]] PART 1 OF 3
To Commend or Critique: The Question of Religion and Film Studies
John C. Lyden
Learning Objectives
Identify Lyden’s main claim.
Consider the validity of Lyden’s thesis.
Outline the main approaches to studying film from a religious studies perspective that Lyden emphasizes. (accomplished in your discussion board).
.Apply the concepts of film as myth and film as ideology to a film of your choice (accomplished in your discussion board).
“Films are a creation and a reflection of the popular culture which produces and sustains them“(1).
Lyden’s Main Claim
“Most will "commend" the values of some films, and "critique" those of others. . . . But my point here is that one's methodological assumptions may at the outset give one a bias either for or against popular film. As a result, one may either uncritically accept the values of the culture (arguing that they are as valid as any other), or uncritically reject those same values (arguing that nothing good can come out of Hollywood).”
Lyden’s Main Claim
We should neither easily accept the celebratory claims of film as myth nor should we blindly resist filmic representations as predictably and necessarily reinforcing hegemonic discourses” ie. Classist, racist and sexist, hierarchies because it is very likely that film is full of contradictions and does not fit easily as myth or a function of ideology.
Validity of main claim
Take time to determine whether or not you buy into Lyden’s main claim.
Why does this make sense to you?
Why does this sound unreasonable to you?
Film as Myth
Film as Myth
“An analysis of their [films] religious impact will then seek to identify the mythology of popular film with the purpose of establishing how it contributes to the religion of popular culture, and will often (at least implicitly) celebrate the values expressed by this mythology.
Film has a positive influence
Film as Myth
Case Study: Star Wars (1977)
Film as Ideology
Film as Ideology
“The films are defined as a form of hegemonic discourse which ultimately supports the status quo of classist, racist, and sexist ideologies (to name the most significant)” (4).
Films are seen as (negatively) contributing the the perpetuation of systems of oppression.
Film as Ideology
Case Study: Star Wars (1977)
Film as _______?
Case study
Now choose your own film and scene from this film. Form a conclusion about whether this film serves as myth or ideology or both. Support your response
Works Cited
Lyden, John. "To Commend or To Critique?: The Question of Religion and Film Studies.” Journal of Religion and Film. Vol. 1 no. 2 Oct 1997.
Star Wars. Dir. George Lucas. Lucasfilms, 1977. DVD.