That religious believers are underserved by Hollywood is plainly obvious. Over two-thirds of Canadians identify with a religious tradition, yet God is seldom cast as more than an extra in our entertainment. So it may surprise filmgoers to find multiple Biblically inspired options in their local theatres in the coming weeks.
Son of God, opening today across North America, is generating buzz in the pews. The film is based on The Bible TV miniseries, which scored the highest cable ratings in the U.S. in 2013. It represents the first major film about Jesus since The Passion of the Christ, which hit theaters almost exactly 10 years ago.
Already, the film boasts enthusiastic endorsements by Catholic leaders like Cardinal Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, D.C., and Carl Anderson, the head of the Knights of Columbus. They’re joined by a who’s-who of Protestant mega-pastors, like Rick Warren and T.D. Jakes. Having recognized the film’s evangelistic potential, churches are pre-buying theatre tickets to distribute. Devotional materials, such as a Catholic study guide, bolster the film’s effectiveness as a ministry tool.
Meanwhile, a month before its release, Noah is receiving a more apprehensive response from faith communities. Some have questioned its adherence to the Scripture, since director Darren Aronofsky took artistic license with the Genesis account. Other Christian leaders have jumped to the movie’s defense, echoing the film studio’s insistence that Noah remains “true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide.”
Given its $125 million budget, Paramount Pictures can’t afford to alienate religious audiences. Actor Russell Crowe even directed a series of tweets at Pope Francis (without reply, thus far), inviting the pontiff to attend a screening.
Finally, the Ignatius Press film Mary of Nazareth is taking a grassroots approach to reaching audiences. Parishes throughout North America have been sponsoring theatre screenings since its October release. The well-reviewed movie returns to Toronto on March 16 and 29 (visit the official website for details).
Kris Dmytrenko is a Communications Coordinator in the Archdiocese of Toronto's Office of Public Relations and Communications.