Theology and Film

In this final podcast lecture Shane wraps up what we've been learning all semester and gives one final podcast assignment. Ciao till 08! Download film_lecture_thirteen.mp3

This week Dr Shane Clifton discusses the complexities of conscience in dialogue with the films Dead Man Walking and The Mission. For your podcast assignment this week please give an example of when your conscience, and what was expected of you, were in conflict. How did you respond? How did you wish you responded? Download film_lecture_twelve.mp3

This week Dreu Harrison looks at the issues raised in Barry Levinson's film, Wag the Dog, and discusses these in relation to Jean Baudrillard's work on Simulacra. Enjoy! Also, Dreu has provided a short article on Simulacra in Wag the Dog to assist understanding. Download wag_the_dog.mp3 Download simulacra_in_wag_the_dog.pdf Fi

Shane is delighted to be interviewing Professor Neil Ormerod this week on the topic of forgiveness, looking at this issue in relation to the films Dead Man Walking and The Crossing Guard. For your podcast assignment this week, we would like you to write a more devotional-style entry on your experience of either forgiving another person or being forgiven yourself. (Feel free to omit names). Download film_lecture_eleven.mp3

by Dave Porter. One of the best things a film can do is make us reflect on the various convictions and beliefs which we hold through the course of our daily lives. In this light it must be said that the film, Dead Man Walking, is rich in both theological and philosophical material for this very examination. This is important since in our contemporary entertainment culture - our world of iPods and Xboxes - there is precious little of this examination taking place. With that in mind I want to review this film, at least from a Christian perspective, in...

Many of the films we've been watching in class have depicted the realities of life in a decidedly unnerving manner. With this in mind, and considering that film is one of the many and varied mediums through which we engage with popular culture, this week, Dr Shane Clifton discusses the notion of whether or not popular culture can be bad for your health. Your podcast assignment this week is to reflect on Shane's analysis of the ethics involved in engaging with popular culture and make a comment on how you decide, for instance, what films you will and will not...

Ben McEachen, from Empire magazine, takes a candid look at the issues raised in the 2003 Lars Von Trier film Dogville. Take a listen! Download film_review_dogville.mp3 vill

Adventuring into the city, Kate Tennikoff and Drea Daniels met together with Australian actor Veronica Sywak to take a look at the unique challenges faced by those in the film industry and to discuss her new film, The Jammed, which is currently showing around the country. NB: This podcast was recorded on Sydney University lawn, so there is a bit of background noise to contend with, as well as Kate's not-so-experienced interviewing skills. For your podcast assignment this week, after listening to the podcast below, as well Ben McEachen's review of Dogville (they're both short), comment on the role that...

The 1999 Sci-Fi blockbuster The Matrix is reviewed by our resident knowledge manager, i.e. controller of the 'Southern Cross College' matrix, Ben Clarke. Download film_review_the_matrix.mp3

In this latest podcast Dr Shane Clifton discusses the Lars Von Trier film Dancer in the Dark, drawing out the themes of original sin & redemption, and elaborating on the metaphors traditionally used in Christian circles to describe these concepts. For your podcast assignment this week, simply identify 3 Christ figures in 3 different films (other than The Matrix or Dancer in the Dark) and explain what caused you to identify them as such. Download film_lecture_eight.mp3 P

This week Dr Mark Hutchinson and Dr Shane Clifton, aka "Hutcho and Cliffo", discuss the film Blade Runner and the ethical issues it raises. For your podcast assignment this week... Predict the future for us. Do you anticipate technological apocalypse or do you consider technology a blessing? In your comment include examples. Download film_lecture_seven.mp3

Dr Mark Hutchinson provides an insightful look into the 1982 blockbuster Blade Runner, highlighting its contemporary themes such as postmodern dystopia, human self-destruction and the gothic search for the authentic emotion. Take a listen! Download film_review_blade_runner.mp3

Given the influence of postmodern culture on many of the films we've been watching, this week, Dr Shane Clifton looks at postmodernism in more detail. He discusses, first of all, the transition from a medieval worldview to a modern/scientific understanding of the universe, after which, he focuses on the more recent post-world-war disillusionment with modernism and the subsequent transition to a postmodern way of thinking. Download film_lecture_six.mp3 BTW, in his latest of internet discoveries Shane has stumbled across a website which may be of interest to you in your theology & film studies. Check it out... http://www.theology.bham.ac.uk/gordonlynch/tpcg.htm

In the postmodern age where institutional critique runs rampant, Chris Tilling takes an honest look at the critique directed towards the evangelical church in the recently acclaimed documentary, 'Jesus Camp'. Download film_review_jesus_camp.mp3

In this latest podcast, film reviewer Ben McEachen from Empire magazine, looks at the 1957 classic The Seventh Seal. Enjoy! Download film_review_the_seventh_seal.mp3

On the back of having watched the 1957 classic The Seventh Seal in class last Wednesday, this week Dr Shane Clifton, together with Dreu Harrison, discuss the evident Nietzschean influence in this movie and unpack Nietzsche's notion of the death of God and the meaninglessness of life. Download film_lecture_five.mp3 The podcast assignment for this week is explained on the audio lecture above, you will also need the following article to complete this task. Download NietzscheArticle.pdf

Welcome to Theology and Film week four. Up to this point in the course we have been watching Christ films and looking generally at the science of reviewing film. Today Dr Shane Clifton looks at critiquing Christ films specifically, discussing how they both reflect and speak to contemporary culture. Download film_lecture_four.mp3 The podcast assignment for this week is outlined on the above podcast lecture. Listen and Enjoy!