The Fiery Serpent
by Paul Kuritz
Published by Pleasant Word-WinePress Publishing
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Reviewed by Dr. David Frisbie
Subtitled: A Christian Theory of Film and Theater
Storytelling is one of the world’s oldest and most noble professions. In current times, much of storytelling has moved to the stage or the screen: cinematographers and theater directors are among the key storytellers in our contemporary culture.
Dr. Paul Kuritz teaches theater and film at Bates University. A reluctant and surprised convert to Christianity in midlife, he explores in this book how the media of film and theater can point the viewer/observer in the direction of meaning and ultimate truth.
Kuritz uses Aristotle’s four levels of inquiry—material, form, power, and purpose—as chapter headings and as useful methods of exploring theater and film. Along the way his natural gifts as a teacher cause him to dip into classic literature, Scripture, and numerous films from the 20th century to find examples and illustrations.
One of Kuritz’s better sections explores Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront,” a movie made from a Budd Schulberg screenplay and rooted in real-life criminal activity on the docks. Director Kazan reveals that Marlon Brando’s character in the movie, who ultimately exposes the criminals and thus loses his job and social standing, mirrors Kazan’s own moral dilemmas and motivations in leaving the Communist party and cooperating with congressional investigators in the early 1950’s. Kazan’s explicit personal motives include his growing disillusionment with Stalin and Stalinists, a theme also explored by central characters in Chaim Potok’s compelling novel Davita’s Harp.
Kuritz’s book is well-crafted and readable, most probably intended for students of the dramatic arts in order to give them a philosophical base with which to understand and practice their craft. The general reader will enjoy lively discussions of how movies reflect the moral choices and social values of our times.
Armchair Interviews says: Interesting perspective on movies.
Author’s Web site: http://PaulKuritz.com