The Theology of Screenwriting, Part 11: Revelation

As many of you may know, I have a background in the academic study of theology, a B.A. in religious studies from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Divinity degree from Yale. So it is only natural I bring that perspective to how I view and understand movies and screenwriting.

In September, I ran a series of 10 posts called The Theology of Screenwriting. The response to that series was such I thought I would pick up on it for the next two weeks, exploring theological themes that appear in movies over and over again.

Let me be clear, when I say theological, I mean it — in this context — in a secular way. How does that make sense?

The word “theology” is a combination of two Greek words: “theos” which means God and “logos” which means word. So theology is words about God. What if for this series we think of God as a metaphor for an explanation for the big questions of life? Thus theology as words about the meaning of life. Broadly speaking that is one dynamic movies hit on consistently, characters forced to confront their values, behaviors, and world views related to who they are and how they should act.

In this respect, movies and theology wade in very much the same thematic waters. As Andrew Stanton noted about Lawrence of Arabia in this TED Talk, how the central theme of that story is the question asked of the Protagonist “who are you,” that issue exists at the core of perhaps every movie, an existential exploration of a character or characters’ self-identity. So, too, with theology.

Also movies tend to be about characters at critical junctures in their lives, facing a journey from the Old World into a New World where through a series of challenges and lessons they undergo a significant metamorphosis. Sounds an awful lot like a conversion experience to me.

Thus it is only natural there will be a lot of crossover of theological themes in movies. But while a theological theme in a movie may have a religious or spiritual connotation, I am more interested in exploring such themes metaphorically to find the widest value possible for screenwriters at large.

By working with this non-religious take on the concept, we can avail ourselves of numerous powerful theological themes in screenwriting regardless of whether our stories are secular or non-secular.

Today in Part 11: Revelation.

When we consider the idea of revelation in a secular context, we probably think of this: Something disclosed now that was not realized before. This iteration of the idea certainly has its place in stories, everything from the disclosure of facts to explanations of previously hidden truths to confessions of repressed feelings. Indeed one way of looking at the construction of a story is to track various revelations that are made from scene to scene, character to character.

But let’s ponder a larger meaning of the concept. Theologian Frederick Buechner says this: “Revelation means knowledge as grace.”

If the idea of Predestination has relevance to screenplays — and I believe it does in the sense that a Protagonist’s physical and psychological journey is unique to who they are, a reflection of their specific Disunity-to-Unity arc [or any other variety of metamorphosis] — then the events that happen along the way are, in fact, literally a revealing of the character’s Core Essence, Inner Self, Authentic Being [take your pick] into the light of day, from an unconscious state to a conscious one.

Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, “Become who you are.” This is the essence of a Protagonist’s big “R” Revelation, the story a journey of discovery, getting in touch with what is real and true, then reconstruction into a New Persona.

Consider the key characters in your story, especially your Protagonist. Think about the events they experience and the knowledge they absorb as a Revelation. That process might well reveal something to you about your script.

For Part 1: Sin, go here.

For Part 2: Conversion, go here.

For Part 3: Predestination, go here.

For Part 4: Salvation, go here.

For Part 5: Doubt, go here.

For Part 6: Guilt, go here.

For Part 7: Forgiveness, go here.

For Part 8: Incarnation, go here.

For Part 9: Hell, go here.

For Part 10: Redemption, go here.

Tomorrow: Baptism.