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MLive.com reports that Image, an arts and literature journal, has released a list of the “2010 Arts & Faith Top 100 Films recogniz[ing] cinematic works that address spiritual and religious questions.” The list stretches from the silent film era to movies currently in theaters.
This all sounds great. What’s baffling is what doesn’t appear on the list, movies like The Ten Commandments, The Passion of the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth . . . and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. What?! According to film critic Jeffrey Overstreet, ”Christian media have in recent years tended to celebrate art and entertainment for its ‘evangelical potential’” and promoted “art as a tool of ministry and evangelism.” In another words, if a film is even half-way didactic it has little or no artistic value?! I beg to differ. In some ways, every film is didactic; every film has a purpose — even if it isn’t Christian evangelism. Otherwise, why produce it?
What does show up in the list? The Seventh Seal #13, A Man for All Seasons #31, Days of Heaven #36, It’s a Wonderful Life #45, Chariots of Fire #68, The Song of Bernadette #100 — among others. Click here to see the “Top 100.” See what you think!
Caption: a scene from #68 Chariots of Fire (1981)
Eh, not all films are didactic, there is quite a few films that aren’t heading anywhere.
Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs
Journey to the center of the earth
Alvin and the Chipmunks
Open Season
Monsters v.s. Aliens
To name a few. But all the same it IS an outrage Narnia was left out.
What?! How odd…I *might* be able to see why LWW isn’t on the list, but The Passion of the Christ?? How does that N.O.T get on the list? That’s just crazy.