Film and its religious-like following

As was discussed in this week's readings, audio-visual forms of media constantly tell and retell myths, much like religion. Some myths are overtly religious such as the 2014 film, Noah, and others are religiously suggestive, but not as blatant, such as Charlotte’s Web. There have been a wide ranger of biblical retellings in film, take Noah and Evan Almighty. The stories in films draw on characteristics of stories from religion. The dichotomy between good and evil, right and wrong, is a religious characteristic that films often include.

Films themselves can take on a religious quality in the way people so faithfully watch and anticipate them. For instance, viewers of Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and many more classic film series faithfully watch these movies. Much like characters in religious myths, people adore on-screen characters as well. Activities surrounding films such as these mimic activities around religion. When a new movie in a series opens, fans flock to theaters much like a Christian goes to church on Easter, or a Jew to synagogue on the High Holidays. Additionally, consider tattoos. Perhaps some of the most commonly seen tattoos are religious symbols such as crosses. People also get tattoos related to their favorite characters or moments from films. In most cases, when someone gets a tattoo, there is a deeply rooted significance as to why that person wanted that on their body. The fact that cinematic elements make the cut for many people demonstrates the religious-like following they often have.