‘You’ve seen the films – now read the book. Focus is an engaging, thoughtful and challenging study, but be warned: after reading this you may never watch a movie in the same way again!’ Chris Stoddard, Reaching the Unchurched Network
Films have never been more popular or, with the increase in television channels and home rentals, so readily available. But how much of what we watch do we really understand? Focus: The Art and Soul of Cinema explains how films communicate the worldview of the film-maker, helping us to engage more fully with the films we watch - and so to enjoy them more. With a passion for film and a deep concern to develop a robust Christian understanding of our culture, Tony Watkins equips us to recognise and respond to the messages in today's movies. Essential reading for anyone who enjoys films and who wants to get more out of their viewing experience.
Tony Watkins works with the Damaris Trust, and is the Managing Editor of www.culturewatch.org. He has led hundreds of workshops on watching and understanding film.
‘A vital resource’
Stuart McAllister, International Director, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries
‘Highly readable and accessible’
Jeremy Begbie, vice-principal, Ridley Hall Theological College
‘For all of us who enjoy film, this book will help us think more deeply about how to watch thoughtfully and critique using biblical principles. This is a great book.’
Elaine Duncan, Chief Executive, Scottish Bible Society
‘This intelligent book gives us usable tools to relate creatively and critically to what is going on before our eyes. An important book.’
Stefan Gustavsson, General Secretary, Swedish Evangelical Alliance
Contents
Introduction
First Reel: Worldviews and films
1. Cinema Paradiso – Cinema and culture
2. What Lies Beneath – Understanding the message
3. Modern Times – a history of worldviews and film
Second Reel: How films communicate
4. Making Movies – Film-makers and their art
5. Telling tales – The narrative structure of films
6. Bending the rules – Genres and worldviews
Third Reel: Responding to what films are really saying
7. What’s it all about, Alfie? – Film and our deepest longings
8. The soul of cinema – Responding to films
Appendix 1: Questions to consider when watching a film
Appendix 2: The problem of content – Sex and violence
Bibliography
Index
See more information and resources at the Focus minisite: www.damaris.org/focus
To read a sample chapter click here