Film series to examine literal, metaphorical Christ
By ERIN PIROUTEK
Assistant News Editor
At Notre Dame, religion and popular culture are inextricably linked.
This link will be explored in the week-long festival, "Imaging the Divine: A Jesus Film and Lecture Series," which explores varying representations of Christ in films from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
The films will be accompanied by lectures from Lloyd Baugh, associate professor of film studies and theology at Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
"The culture has produced these films, some of which we approve of, some of which we may not," said Baugh, noting that he analyzes films from a theological perspective.
The most controversial of the seven films is "The Last Temptation of Christ," directed by Martin Scorsese.
When the film was shown on campus in September 1989 it prompted protests and a flurry of letters to The Observer.
Most people object to the film because it shows dimensions of Jesus' sexuality, said Baugh.
But Baugh cautioned that the film's controversial interpretations of Jesus should not cause people to avoid the film.
"We can't just say it's a sin to see it," said Baugh. Viewing the film allows for dialogue to develop about the issues it confronts.
"It's the first film to attempt to represent the humanity of Jesus," Baugh said.
However, he noted serious problems in Scorsese's characterization of Jesus.
"I have to say, let's look at it; let's see where it's weak," Baugh said.
Laura Holt, the event's organizer, said that she did not encounter any objections to showing the film.
"I haven't heard a whimper," she said.
The seven films fall into two groups — literal and metaphorical representations of Jesus.
One film, Denys Arcand's "Jesus of Montreal," encompasses both. The main character is an actor who is playing the role of Jesus. To prepare for his part, the man researches Jesus. He encounters problems, first with the Church, then the police and eventually dies on a cross.
"The metaphorical image ultimately has more value than the literal image," said Baugh of the movie.
The festival will also address the question, "Is faith a prerequisite for making a film about Jesus?"
Baugh explained that several atheistic directors have made very good religious films —including Pier Palo Pasolini, whose film "The Gospel According to St. Matthew" will be shown Sunday.
The musical genre is represented with David Greene's "Godspell," which is an interpretation of the Gospel of Mark. Musicals are usually very superficial, but here character is developed, said Baugh.
The festival is part of the department of theology's millennial series,
"Building the Civilization of Love: Imagining the Third Millennium." The series is a response to Pope John Paul II's call for a holy year.
The film and lecture series is the focus of a one-credit theology class, in which approximately 130 students have registered. All films and lectures are also are free to the public.
Baugh is the author of the book, "Imaging the Divine," which examines the topics of the film festival in more detail.
All News Stories for Thursday, February 3, 2000
