The Life and Times of Marjoe: An Examination of Cinéma Vérité and Religion
In today's religious climate it would be near impossible to suggest that religion is not, for the most part a communal endeavor, but a personal one. Religions are seen as institutions and not personal systems this idea is emphasized in the American cinema by documentary such as Marjoe , A Time for Burning and the more recent Jesus Camp . These films, continually reinforce the stereotypes, not only with Christianity but all religious systems. That is not to suggest that these films do not have merit, far from it. What I mean to suggest is that these films are examinations of a segment of the religious community, and not the community at large. Audiences, more often than not generalize what they see on screen, and apply it to entire populations. In some cases this approach is beneficial because it allows the audience to more fully understand the ideas and messages that the filmmakers wish to convey. Though, for the ...