Critical reception of contemporary biblical film adaptations
Author(s)
Advisor
Kennedy-Karpat, ColleenDate
2020-12Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
In this thesis, the reception of biblical adaptations is analyzed. By using reception
studies, critical discourse analysis and close reading methods; The Passion of the
Christ (2004), Mary Magdalene (2018), Noah (2014), Exodus: Gods and Kings
(2014), A Serious Man (2009) and mother! (2017) are analyzed with how the biblical
stories are adapted into cinema and what kind of reception they have received from
the reviewers. These reviews gathered from American Christian websites and
professional film reviews published on popular media, most of which are American,
are analyzed and found whether the fidelity criticism is still existing among the film
viewers. In this regard, this thesis argues that the Christian members of the audience
members expect to see textual fidelity in the biblical adaptations and the lack of it
causes films to receive harsh criticism whereas the professional critics are more
invested in analyzing the films for their cinematic qualities.