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★★★★
Directed by: Tyler Smith
Written by: Tyler Smith
Religion is everywhere. It has been with people for thousands of years. It influences people and therefore it influences filmmakers. Evidence of religion is often seen in film, whether clearly or vaguely. Tyler Smith has created a documentary that explores how religion, specifically Christianity, has influenced American Cinema over the course of a century.
The feature is separated in chapters, each with its own title. It begins from the very beginning, from the black and white, silent era and moves forward until present day. Along the way it examines how historical and sociological events and religion have had an impact on the film industry. For example, it analyses the introduction of the Motion Picture Production Code, which intended to prevent Hollywood from glamorising violence and bad deeds and how the arrival of television encouraged Hollywood to abandon the code and resume making nasty films in order to make profits. Key films about religion are also analysed.
The documentary basically consists of a large number of film clips and relevant news footage that have been edited together very efficiently and Smith's narration explains the significance of the content of the movies and events with great enthusiasm from his carefully constructed script. Right from the start viewers will become intrigued and fascinated and will develope the desire to learn more about this truly fascinating subject. And the addition of Amsi Hernandez's beautiful music adds terrific value to the feature and makes for an even more pleasant experience.
So many interesting documentaries have been made about cinema and Reel Redemption is one that should not be missed. Without a single dull moment it delivers a pleasant, informative experience that provides the audience with a great deal of knowledge regarding the history of religion in cinema and after the viewing has ended, one is likely to appreciate (or appreciate more) the ways in which filmmakers support religion by adding it into their projects.
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