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Jesus in the Movies: A Rhetorical Analysis of Selected Films from 1912-2004

Burton, Aaron V.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1205087180

Abstract Details

2008, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Bowling Green State University, Communication Studies.
The purpose of this investigation is to discuss popular film interpretations of Christ’s life and how the films’ narratives function rhetorically. These films become part of the rhetorical dialogue and add to the discussion of Christianity. Using Fisher’s (1984) Narrative Paradigm, a thematic and character analysis is conducted identifying the common themes of sacrifice and vengeance, noting the progress in the Christ character. Six films have been selected for analyses that represent both the successes and failures of the Christ Film genre. The films selected are From the Manger to the Cross (1912), The King of Kings (1927), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), and The Passion of The Christ (2004). In addition, the investigation seeks to understand each film in the particular period that it was produced. Using rhetorical analysis and history data, this investigation attempts to understand the ways that films about Jesus aid in spreading the message of the Gospels.
John Makay (Advisor)
133 p.
Speech Communication
Rhetoric; Rhetorical Criticism; Narrative Paradigm; Christ Film; Film Criticism; Religious Communication; Christianity

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Burton, A. V. (2008). Jesus in the Movies: A Rhetorical Analysis of Selected Films from 1912-2004 [Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1205087180

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Burton, Aaron. Jesus in the Movies: A Rhetorical Analysis of Selected Films from 1912-2004. 2008. Bowling Green State University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1205087180.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Burton, Aaron. "Jesus in the Movies: A Rhetorical Analysis of Selected Films from 1912-2004." Doctoral dissertation, Bowling Green State University, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1205087180

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1205087180
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© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.