Ludwig Wittgenstein said there was more wisdom in detective stories than in philosophy journals, but he might have mentioned movies too. Movies reflect life-as-lived more closely than ethical theories do, and the study of cinematic stories can advance our understanding of morality in ways that the study of philosophy cannot. This seminar mines the ethical heart of four films and connects their themes to St. Thomas Aquinas’s teachings on the virtues of faith, hope, and love. Students will learn how plot design, visual design, and sound design not only convey thematic material, but can help us understand the Christian virtues as well. This seminar will be taught by screenwriter Caleb Brown. Seminars will last from 7:00-9:30pm.
May 18: The Book of Eli: Faith v. Blindness of Mind
June 1: Shawshank Redemption: Hope v. Despair
June 15: Mean Girls: Charity v. Discord
June 29: Good Will Hunting: Faith v. Unbelief
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Pontifex University is an online university offering a Master’s Degree in Sacred Arts. For more information visit the website at www.pontifex.university
Lawrence Klimecki is a deacon for the diocese of Sacramento as well as a working artist, he writes on art and faith at www.DeaconLawrence.org
The Journal for Catholic Culture & Arts 