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Post-secular cinematic parables : theology, philosophy, and ethics in the films of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne

Date
01/07/2021
Author
Mayward, Joel
Supervisor
Hopps, Gavin
Keywords
Theology and film
Film-philosophy
Film theory
Film criticism
Theological aesthetics
Theological ethics
Film ethics
Parable studies
Post-secularism
Dardenne brothers
Paul Ricoeur
Ernst Bloch
André Bazin
Belgian cinema
Phenomenology
Hermeneutics
Philosophical theology
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Abstract
This thesis integrates theology, philosophy, and film studies in a theological analysis of the filmography of Belgian filmmakers Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. I propose that the Dardenne brothers create post-secular cinematic parables which may evoke theological and ethical responses in audiences' imaginations through a distinct filmmaking style I call "transcendent realism." In Part I, I outline a method for theological interpretations of cinema. Chapter 1 draws from the fields of theology, philosophy, and film theory in order to propose a dynamic interdisciplinary approach for greater appreciation of the Dardennes' "post-secular" cinema. Chapter 2 presents an original phenomenological hermeneutic for cinema based on philosopher Paul Ricoeur’s description of "parable" and his concepts regarding the world behind, of, and in front of the film. I then apply this Ricoeurian parabolic hermeneutic to the Dardennes' filmography in Part II. Chapter 3 attends to the world behind the films: the Dardennes' biography, their early films, and Luc's philosophical and theological ideas found in his writings. I give particular attention to the apparent influence of philosopher Ernst Bloch on the Dardennes. Chapter 4 addresses the world of the films through close formal analysis of ‘The Son’ (2002), ‘The Kid with a Bike’ (2011), and ‘Young Ahmed’ (2019); I outline the distinctive traits of the Dardennes' transcendent realism. Chapter 5 explores the world in front of the films—that is, how the Dardennes' parables may reorient audiences' imaginations through affective states and cinematic ethics. I demonstrate three Dardennean theo-ethical themes through pairings of the brothers' six remaining major films. In the conclusion, I suggest that the Dardennes' cinematic parables are doing theology, what I call "theocinematics."
DOI
https://doi.org/10.17630/sta/113
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
Embargo Date: 2026-06-07
Embargo Reason: Thesis restricted in accordance with University regulations. Print and electronic copy restricted until 7th June 2026
Collections
  • Divinity Theses
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/23568

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