The Wages of Cinema - (Studies in Theology and the Arts) by Crystal L Downing (Paperback)

About the Book

"In this volume, Crystal Downing explores how to approach film from an explicitly Christian perspective as informed by the work of Dorothy L. Sayers. Downing draws on Sayers's writing on the relationship between creativity and Christianity to call for a discerning Christian engagement with film. She also points to Sayers's own (often overlooked, even by some of her best biographers) interactions with cinema. This wide-ranging study combines theological engagement with film and a historical analysis of the development of film, along with the story of Sayers's own life and work. Sayers was passionate about artistic integrity and expressing truth in good art, and her insights can inform how Christians today appreciate works both old and new. Downing challenges Christian authors who, showing little to no interest in film history, art, and theory, have written books reducing film to a content-delivery system"--

Book Synopsis

Discover a New Dimension of Faith and Cinema with The Wages of Cinema

In a captivating realm where cinematic narratives enchant countless viewers, how can one harmonize their faith with the craft of filmmaking? The Wages of Cinema encourages a deep dive into this relationship, drawing upon the significant reflections of Dorothy L. Sayers defending the authenticity of art and truth's manifestation.

The Wages of Cinema uses examples ranging from the timeless genius of Charlie Chaplin to the cultural phenomenon of Barbie, illustrating how film theory can be enriched by the truths of the Christian faith.

The Wages of Cinema will help readers appreciate artistry through:

• Enlightening Models: Learn how Christians can discuss films intelligently, transcending simple content critique.

• Historical Insights: Delve into the history of cinema and the evolution of film theories.
• Sayers's Legacy: Uncover little-known evidence of Dorothy Sayers's engagement with cinema, shedding light on her passion for truth and artistic integrity.

Dive into The Wages of Cinema and transform your movie-watching into a meaningful dialogue between faith and art. Whether you're a student of film or a passionate movie lover, The Wages of Cinema will broaden your horizon and deepen your appreciation of cinema.

Review Quotes

"A rich and necessary exploration of the intersection of Christian thought and cinematic aesthetic through the lens of Dorothy L. Sayers. Thought-provoking and insightful, this work offers a fresh perspective on cinema's artistic and spiritual dimensions. A must-read for those who seek a deeper understanding of film history, theory, and the theological insights that enrich both."

"Crystal Downing's latest book, The Wages of Cinema, is an in-depth study of the ways in which Dorothy Sayers thought, felt, and wrote in cinematic terms in her writings, her novels, and her plays. It is erudite, scholarly, and accurate, and a joy to read. Downing draws on many sources for her ideas and bases her study on materials from important scholars of both Sayers and cinema. I recommend it highly for all who would like to know more about DLS, an exceptional writer, and her gift for dramatization."

"If, as Dorothy Sayers quipped, the 'only Christian work is good work, well done, ' then Crystal Downing has scripted a magnificent Christian work on a fascinating and wonderfully unruly Christian saint whose thoughts on art, beauty, goodness, and cinema reshape the ways in which we might watch films. Downing is no 'hoity-toity film buff' but a creative mind that remakes the experience of filmgoing a religious renaissance of a mystery play."

"In The Wages of Cinema, Crystal L. Downing takes us to the movies with Dorothy L. Sayers, treating us to a blockbuster of a book that explores the history, theory, and forms of cinema in light of Sayers's biography, theology, and Christian aesthetic. With its thoughtful organization, illuminating examples, and delightful wordplay, Downing's book serves as further proof that Sayers was correct when she wrote that 'a work of creation is an act of love.'"

"Through remarkable, original research, Crystal Downing reintroduces us to the vigorous mind, artistry, and faith of Dorothy Sayers. She convincingly details Sayers' many fascinations and intersections with theater, photography, and cinema, arguing that the creator of the famous Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries exuded genius far beyond the printed page. Through this renewed biographical lens, Downing casts the light of Sayers' well-known Christian aesthetic theories upon the cinema, sharpening our view of the spiritual power of film and reintroducing us to the wisdom of this truly incisive thinker and artist."

About the Author

Crystal L. Downing (PhD, University of California, Santa Barbara), an award-winning author, has published five books, including Subversive: Christ, Culture, and the Shocking Dorothy L. Sayers, which received a Publishers Weekly starred review, and Salvation from Cinema: The Medium Is the Message.