Theology and the Films of Christopher Nolan: Cinematic Transcendence [Hardcover]

This work of theological film criticism provides an analysis of filmmaker Christopher Nolan's entire filmography, fromFollowing(1998) toOppenheimer(2023).

Though his films are noticeably lacking in representations of religion or references to God, Nolan's postsecular cinema is nevertheless worthy of our theological consideration, as it contains valuable theological and philosophical insights. Indeed, this is the central claim ofTheology and the Films of Christopher Nolan: Christopher Nolan's films can and should be considered works of cinematic philosophical theology-they aredoingtheology and philosophy through the medium of film as they explore what it means to be human in relation to the transcendent. This book identifies the deep parallels and resonances between Nolan's films and the works of philosopher Paul Ricoeur and theologian St. Augustine. Like Nolan's cinema,Theology and the Films of Christopher Nolanis both intellectually stimulating and highly accessible, satisfying the interests of both scholars and popular audiences alike.

Identifies the parallels and resonances between Christopher Nolan's cinema and the works of philosopher Paul Ricoeur and theologian St. Augustine to demonstrate how Nolan's films are trulydoingtheology and philosophy through the medium of film.Joel Mayward is Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, Theology and the Arts at George Fox University in Oregon. He is author of five books includingThe Dardenne Brothers' Cinematic Parables: Integrating Theology, Philosophy, and Film(2022) and the forthcomingTheology and the Films of Christopher Nolan(2025). He is also a cultural critic and writes about the intersection of art and religion.

An immensely rewarding book ... This intellectually stimulating book challenges the very form of the academic monograph itself by allowing Nolan's metacinematic tendencies to actively shape the text. Such thoughtful playfulSv