A Christ figure makes reference to or is a representation between the character and the Biblical Jesus. Christ-like figures in popular culture include Aslan in Narnia as he is killed for the sins of another and comes back to life. In the Green Mile a man with the initials J.C. is arrested for a crime he did not commit, in the Matrix, Neo is called “the one” and saves people, he also rises from the dead. However, in Dr. Deacy’s article he disputes these popular culture Christ-like figures. He begins with a critique against Karl Kozlovic’s article, “The Structural Characteristics of the Cinematic Christ-Figure.” Deacy disagrees with the majority of Kozlovic’s points throughout his paper, however he agrees with Kozlovic on the point that people see Christ-like figures where none actually exist. Furthermore, Deacy argues for more caution to be generated against the tendency to see Christ-like figures. In addition, for Kozlovic in order for a character in a film to de supposed or deemed a Christ-like figure it must meet the twenty-five characteristics or requirements Kozlovic outlines in his paper. Some of the characteristics include the Christ-like figure having blue eyes, whether someone directly or indirectly refers to the Christ-like figure by saying, "Oh God" or "Jesus Christ" and the characters ability to preform miracles and a sacrifice for the benefit of undesirable individuals (Deacy, 2006). However, these characteristics are arbitrary and impossible for the films mentioned in Kozlovic’s paper to meet.
There is a decline in religion in the traditional sense in some western countries, however, popular culture and films still present a religious education. However, if the theology presented in the film does not have meaning, then it is not beneficial to religious education. Furthermore, Deacy argues that one needs to stop continuously searching for the connections between Christ-like figures and films because they do not necessarily exist because one can find Christ-like figures in a majority of films. For example, action movies could be considered to have Christ-like figures due to the plethora of blood exhibited throughout action films. Therefore, it is important to not just base a Christ-like figure from characteristics of the character, but to include the context. Robert Pope argues in Deacy`s article that popular culture and films do not offer religion in the same way as the traditional sense, because it does not answer the questions of meaning, purpose, forgiveness, salvation and sin. I disagree with Pope because one can learn about these questions in church but everyone can interpret the minister differently. Also, someone who engages in a film can find meaning or purpose within that film that answers their questions because it is open to interpretation.
In addition, the twenty-five characteristics outlined by Kozlovic are ineffective because Jesus can be interpreted in many different ways. For example the portrayal of Jesus in the Gospels is different than Jesus in the New Testament. Also, the filmmaker has an interpretation and the audience interprets the film as well, and their interpretation is dependent upon their background, education, values and beliefs. Moreover, the audience can interpret a character in the film as a Christ-like figure or as a Christian motif but this is not necessarily what the filmmaker was implying. Therefore, Deacy argues instead of proclaiming a Christ-like figure exists in the film or the insistence that filmmaker had a Christian agenda but how the interpretation of the film affects one's understanding of the film. Furthermore, as Robert Johnston suggests in Deacy’s article, films should stimulate dialogue about religion and theological themes and the interpretation of the film.
Finally, Deacy argues Christianity can profit from the interpretation of the texts, including films as different viewpoints can be expressed which opens a dialogue about the stories in Christianity.
Resources:
Deacy C. 2006. “Reflections on the Uncritical Appropriation of Cinematic Christ-like Figures: Holy-Other or Wholly Inadequate?” Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 13, Summer. http://www.usask.ca/relst/jrpc/art13-reflectcinematicchrist.html.
Kozlovic, K. ”The Structural Characteristics of the Cinematic Christ-figure.” Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 8, Fall.
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This is a fantastic article and brings up numerous thoughtful points; I especially like how you highlighted that Kozlovic's twenty-five characteristcs are ineffective because Christ, as a religious figure, has almost become a subjective experience within people's own thoughts and imaginings. By seeing the legendary figure of Christ in a certain manner, we may take those certain characteristics that are most important in our own worldview and subject them onto other characters whose creation may not have sought or even intended any association. Furthermore, some people may see the same character in different lights. For some people, Homer Simpson may be the epitome of sin: greedy, slothful, selfish etc. Yet for others, he can be deemed a hero and almost Christlike in his compassion, wanting to help others and even a suggestion of self sacrifice (although in many episodes, this seems almost unintentional).
ReplyDeleteChrist is a recognisable and very popular figure, and one who often symbolises all that is good, pure and holy in people (or other creatures, such as the lion Aslan in Narnia). When some good qualities and characteristics associated with Christ are evident in other characters, it is easy to assume that other good qualities are also present in our idealised interpretation of that figure, so we may effectively end up deifying them by viewing them through rose-tinted glasses. This can work the other way too, by encouraging viewers to see Christ-like characteristics in their main character, we can encourage viewers to see that character as a hero, saviour and all-round essentially important and wonderful figure.
And in many cases, we don't need all 25 characteristics to be fulfilled, as only a few characteristics can easily influence our opinions.