Video: “The Christ Symbol”
Another in the excellent screenwriting series Raising the Stakes.
Another in the excellent screenwriting series Raising the Stakes.
Jonathan W. Stokes is a screenwriter with a unique credit to his name: Five of his original screenplays have been named to the annual Black List. That alone should get your attention, but there’s also this: Over the last few years, he has produced a valuable video series called Raising the Stakes.
Recently, Jonathon debuted the second video in Season 4 of his screenwriting series. Episode 2: Film Imagery: The Christ Symbol. Here’s how he frames the subject:
Pretty much all I want to do with my life is make videos about symbolism. So I’ll start with one of the most prevalent symbols in western cinema, the Christ symbol. Let’s look at how filmmakers associate sacrificial protagonists with religious imagery.
It’s an excellent video with some wonderful movie and TV clips:
Here is the video:
Of course, given my educational background (B.A., University of Virginia (Religious Studies), M.Div., Yale University Divinity School and lifetime of interest in all things theological, I was particular drawn toward this video.
Even before getting into Christ imagery, Jonathan opens with an important observation about the presence of symbolism in movies. One very big reason why this is the case is movies are primarily a visual medium. Why say in dialogue what you can show in an image?
As Jonathan points out in the video, the use of Christian symbolism — crucifixion, crown of thorns, rebirth, messiah (chosen one) — can be an effective storytelling element not only as it applies to a specific character or plot development, but also because for those in the audience familiar with the iconography, the imagery creates psychological and emotional associations.
In terms of crucifixion specifically, Jonathan raises this point:
Sacrifice. As theologian Frederick Buechner writes:
“A six-pointed star, a crescent moon, a lotus — the symbols of other religions suggest beauty and light. The symbol of Christianity is an instrument of death.”
The sacrifice on the cross. Powerful image. No wonder it is a recurring symbol in movies.
Some years ago, I wrote a series called The Theology of Cinema. There’s even an article on the symbol of The Cross.
For future reference, I’m taking a leave of absence from DePaul University in the fall quarter 2025 as I will be writing my second book: The Theology of Cinema: Religious Themes in Secular Movies.
Do yourself a favor and screen Jonathan’s latest video. And more to come in the next several weeks as the rest of Season 4 rolls out!
For more videos in Jonathan Stokes’ excellent Raising the Stakes series, go here. While you’re there, why not subscribe?
Here are links to previous Go Into The Story articles featuring Jonathan’s excellent videos on storytelling.
Season 1
Episode 1: The Objective Correlative
Episode 2: Breaking Suture
Episode 3: Nuking the Fridge
Episode 4: 10 Ways to Invest Your Audience in Your Hero
Episode 5: Heightening
Season 2
Episode 1: Theme Shown
Episode 2: Raising the Stakes on the Call to Adventure
Episode 3: 7 Ways To Do Bad Exposition
Episode 4: 9 Rules For Good Exposition
Episode 5: Magic Flight
Season 3
Episode 1: The Act One Break
Episode 2: Atonement with the Father
Episode 3: Seven Set Pieces
Episode 4: The Midpoint
Episode 5: Anaphora and Epistrophe
Season 4
For more background on Jonathan W. Stokes, you can go here.