Critical analysis of The Passion of the Christ and The Da Vinci Code
$3.95
film studies
presentation
published 17/06/2008
review : Completed
level : General public
requested 1 times
Movies are typically created as a means to entertain and inform a wide audience. While this is the case in most instances, it is evident that movies that deal with overt religious themeswhile many times fictitious in natureoften spark considerable controversy and anger. One only needs to consider the recent controversies that have been offered in the recent wake of The Da Vinci Code to clearly understand this issue. Clearly, when it comes to sparking religious ire, many critics do not approve when sensitive religious themes and subjects are discussed openly in film. A critical review of what has been written about the controversies of overt religious themes in film seems to suggest that films that focus on Christianity suffer the most notable debates overall. Criticisms of movies such as The Da Vinci Code, The Passion of the Christ and Dogma definitively demonstrate the hostile feelings that are evoked when filmmakers attempt to portray their vision of religion and religious meaning. Even though these films only reflect a larger interpretation of Christianity from the standpoint of the director, the reality is that they spark vehement controversy.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- In an effort to demonstrate this point, this investigation considers two films from two different religious traditions: The Passion of the Christ and The Da Vinci Code
- The specific controversy that was stirred as a result of Gibson's film, promoted numerous critics to argue that the film was an outright effort on the part of Gibson to promote anti-Semitism.
- When the controversies surrounding The Passion of the Christ are summarized, it is evident that most scholars believe that the Jews are not presented very well in this film.
- Overall, what appears to be most troubling about The Da Vinci Code, is that it portrays a life of Jesus Christ that is completely contrary to what the Christian church teaches.
- What is perhaps most interesting about comparing these two films is that it seems that regardless of the route taken by the director, the response is the same.
- In the end, it seems reasonable to argue that the production of films with overt religious themes has a profound impact on society.
