Films, Politics and Religion

Essay # 46004

Ethnic Studies
Film > Analysis, Criticism, Etc.
Religion and Theology

An analysis of film as a vehicle for politics and religion using "My Beautiful Laundrette", "American History X" and "Do The Right Thing".

2,474 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2003 Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how popular film represents not only the feelings and beliefs of the writers and directors, but also of the socio-historical state of the times and conditions of society. It shows how religion is an inherent part of popular film, whether implicit or explicit. It uses the films "My Beautiful Laundrette", "American History X" and "Do The Right Thing" to illustrate the social anxieties of their political surroundings. It also looks at how although the three films are based in different periods of time, they share many similarities, through characters relation to Biblical figures and the storylines use of religious rituals.

From the Paper:

"In American History X there are many Biblical figures represented within the neo-nazi gang. Cameron Alexander, the older father figure, for the troubled youth is a God figure, as well he is the only character who uses the word of the Lord to tell these teens that the acts of violence which they are participating in, is approved by God. Cameron has his voice to the people through Derek who is a Jesus figure, he commits and act and sacrifices himself to provide hope for his disciples. His former best friend Seth, is a Judas figure, because he betrays Derek, and tells Cameron that he does not believe in him anymore, and how to find him to kill him. Stacey, Derek's girlfriend, has qualities of Mary Magdalene, in Luke's representation of her as a repentant prostitute, bathing in Jesus' feet."