As I reflect on the movies I have seen that include a religious influence I am reminded of many movies that have aspects of the Catholic church with regards to Nuns and the Pope. Every religion wants to be portrayed in a positive light but I feel as if members of the Catholic church are the most "forgiving" and take things less serious then members of other faiths. One of my favorite movies is Sister Act, where the main character played by Whoopi Goldberg goes into hiding by playing the role of a Nun. Rather than attempt to fit in to the Nun's way of life, she influences all of the other Nuns to change and become less strict/obedient. (This picture shows the "rebel" Nun and sassy attitude the movie portrays.) However, I have never met a Catholic who thought the movie was offensive. 
When Goldberg takes over as the choir director the difference between entertainment and reverence is easy to spot as this clip shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqp89bkFe8k. (My next door neighbor in California is a Catholic Priest and having gone to some of his church events I never heard any song the way they do in the film...and I assume nobody else has either.) However, for me the biggest controversy is not the music but rather the whole idea of someone pretending to be a Nun and all of the other Nuns being lied to because the cops want to get someone safe.
When Goldberg takes over as the choir director the difference between entertainment and reverence is easy to spot as this clip shows. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqp89bkFe8k. (My next door neighbor in California is a Catholic Priest and having gone to some of his church events I never heard any song the way they do in the film...and I assume nobody else has either.) However, for me the biggest controversy is not the music but rather the whole idea of someone pretending to be a Nun and all of the other Nuns being lied to because the cops want to get someone safe. The Catholic Church is also mentioned in other blockbusters such as The DiVinci Code which gives them a lot of plublicicty eventhough some of it is not ideal. However, I think having religion in films is very important because for a lot of people their religion is more important then their nationality. Religion also plays a big role in many aspects of society such as education, politics, sports, entertainment, etc. Having a movie such as Sister Act brings the Catholic church into pop culture and it shows that many people know about the religion. I have never seen a blockbuster about being LDS, Baptist, Methodist, etc.
My question is: Do movies like Sister Act do more good or bad for the particular religion being portrayed? Why isn't there other religions portrayed in films at the same degree as the Catholic church?
I think religion in movies is very subjective. Most of the times it does not represent the reality; otherwise it shows just one part of the religion. In my country, for example, you can see catholic priest in almost in every soap opera and/or movie. They are portrayed as pacifist and caring people, which can be true in some cases but in others it does not match with reality. I feel characterizing religious characters usually leads to not being realistic but being extremist and not objective.
ReplyDeleteTherefore, I feel religion can be portrayed by media but should not be deeply portrayed and just general real facts of it can be expressed. Otherwise, it can definitely have a positive or negative influence in the general public.
-Stefani Leyva
Well I think due to the fact that the catholic church is so large in numbers, and a lot of people relate to its tradition, that is why it so commonly used in movies. Even those who may not be affiliated with the religion are somewhat knowledgeable of the simple/basic concpets. So in a movie, more people might be able to understand the humor. I think it is a case by case basis if the movie does the particular religion justice. Sometimes it can portray the religion in a positive or negative manner. Overall, I think it depends on the type of movie. For example, in comedies, because of the light content, I think the religion is generally portrayed in a positive light.
ReplyDeleteI think that religion in movies is just like any other topic that has "potential" to be offensive. It can be offensive, but it won't necessarily be offensive. It all depends on consumer. I personally don't may much mind to it because A. If I were to get offended at how other portray religion I'd always be offended. B. As media practitioners we should know better than anyone that there are freedoms in this country. If you don't like how religion, or any other topic is portrayed, than don't take part of that particular media. To me it's as simple as that. A lot of times, such as in the case of the Sister Act movies, it is humorous, and not to be taken as offensive. I've always liked this movie, granted I'm not Catholic, but most my family is, and I don't see them too bothered by movies like this either.
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