The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film John Lyden 9780415601870

The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film brings together a lively and experienced team of contributors to introduce students to the key topics in religion and film and to investigate the ways in which the exciting subject of religion and film is developing for more experienced scholars. Divided into four parts, the Companion:

• analyzes the history of the interaction of religion and film, through periods of censorship as well as appreciation of the medium
• studies religion-in-film, examining how the world's major religions, as well as Postcolonial, Japanese and New Religions, are depicted by and within films
• uses diverse methodologies to explore religion and film, such as psychoanalytical, theological and feminist approaches, and audience reception
• analyzes religious themes in film, including Redemption, the Demonic, Jesus or Christ Figures, Heroes and Superheroes
• considers films as diverse as The Passion of the Christ, The Matrix, Star Wars and Groundhog Day.

This definitive book provides an accessible resource to this emerging field and is an indispensable guide to religion and film for students of Religion, Film Studies, and beyond.

'A young field - the study of religion and film - has come of age with the publication of this wonderful volume. Comprising essays by the leading scholars of the subject, this book illuminates how religions have responded to films, how films have responded to religions, and how we might best go about interpreting what this reveals about our culture.' - Joel Martin, University of Massachusetts, USA

'The Routledge Companion to Religion and Film shows a new academic field finally coming of age. Lyden's collection is comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and conscientiously designed. Contributors are experts in their fields and intelligently weave together the complex threads of theory, method, aesthetics, and belief. This is a book I want on my own shelf - but more importantly, it's a book I want my students to read. Expect The Routledge Companion to become a staple on Religion and Film courses everywhere.' - Rachel Wagner, Ithaca College, USA

'This volume contains a wealth of well-presented and detailed information that will be of use to those with an interest in religion and film. For those undertaking study in this area it is probably essential reading, not simply because of the scope of its content but because of the clarity with which important concepts are explained.' - Eleanor Jackson, University of Leicester, UK

'This volume contains a wealth of well-presented and detailed information that will be of use to those with an interest in religion and film. For those undertaking study in this area it is probably essential reading, not simply because of the scope of its content but because of the clarity with which important concepts are explained.' - Eleanor Jackson, University of Leicester, UK