Film interpretation

Refresh yourself on the content and perspective of the Gospel of Matthew.

2) Watch Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St. Matthew in class on October 17 and 19.

3) Notice the following aspects of the film’s language:

a) Music: What does the soundtrack sound like, and what does it communicate?

b) Lighting: is this natural or dramatic and why?

c) Sets and background: where does the film take place – is this meant to look like Israel, and why or why not?

d) Speed/tempo: does the action happen quickly or slowly, and what is the effect?

e) Acting: do the actors make their dialogue, actions, and expressions natural, supernatural, subtle, dramatic, etc? What does this communicate?

f) Script/plot: what does Pasolini include in his film and what does he leave out? What does he emphasize?

What do these decisions of the filmmaker convey – how does Pasolini use them to convey the meaning of the scripture?

4) When writing your two-to-three page paper, make sure to include the following information:

a) 2-3 sentences about Pasolini and the making of The Gospel According to Saint Matthew

b) A brief description of the film, including the artistic style of the film as well as its contents.

c) An explanation of Pasolini’s interpretation of Matthew’s Gospel, supported by details from #3 above.

d) A comparison of Pasolini’s interpretation with Bart Ehrman’s understanding of the gospel, as found in our textbook.

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Numer ID Projektu: #15555632

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