A few bibliobloggers (as the kids are calling them these days) have been suggesting possible Bible-themed films that could be made, e.g. the life of Solomon, or David perhaps. This brought back to mind a suggestion I made in Scripture School last year as we studied the book of Acts - somebody should write a film on the life of Paul.
You could contrast his early life with that of Jesus, showing him learning at the feet of an esteemed rabbi in Jerusalem while the one he would later call "Lord" worked as a simple carpenter in Nazareth. Then of course there is Paul's initial life post-crucifixion and resurrection, present as he is at Stephen's stoning and at the forefront of Jewish antagonism towards this impure sect proclaiming a most blasphemous message - a crucified Messiah of Israel.
This all leads up to the pivotal point of the story: the appearance of Jesus to Paul on the road to Damascus. Everything changes after this, with this one time opponent of Christianity becoming its chief ambassador. In his life as a missionary, Paul experiences the good, the bad, and the sad. Many align themselves with the one he calls Christ, many aid him on his various trips, many fear the religious and political implications of his message and thus threaten his life, one time friends in Jerusalem would now consider him an enemy to be squashed, one time enemies of his now struggle to call him friend, he grows close to his church plants yet is forced to move on and let these fledglings carry the baton (Acts 20:17-38 is a heart-wrenching example), he is imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and yet faithful to his charge right to the end, culminating in that long-awaited visit to Rome (albeit in chains).
There are dramatic sermons in Jerusalem, there is philosophical reasoning in Athens, spiritual/economic conflict in Ephesus, a courtroom drama or two, a disastrous sea voyage, miracles, heartbreak, hymn singing in prison, secret assassination plots, loose morals, and much more.
Honestly, I really think it could work if it was done right. This would be a character study, and a character study on one of the most important and influential human beings ever to live. If I were a budding screenwriter this would be my pet project, my Good Will Hunting if you will.
As for some other details, who do you think could play Paul? Anthony Hopkins played him in a made-for-TV movie some 28 years ago, but he's probably too old to reprise that role. Bear in mind also that Paul, it is generally agreed upon, was not an attractive man. Small, bald, and so forth. (Well, do you know any attractive men who are both small and bald?)
Another issue would be whether or not such an overtly Christian film could be universally received. To achieve this it would have to avoid being preachy - no easy task when the central character is, amongst other things, a preacher. I suppose a film on Paul would be inherently offensive to some, but that's not to say that, like the Stoics and Epicureans, they wouldn't want to hear more from this great thinker and prolific missionary.
Finally, a tag-line. This I have already sorted:
Anyway, a film on Paul? Who's with me, yay or nay? ("yay" means yes)
You could contrast his early life with that of Jesus, showing him learning at the feet of an esteemed rabbi in Jerusalem while the one he would later call "Lord" worked as a simple carpenter in Nazareth. Then of course there is Paul's initial life post-crucifixion and resurrection, present as he is at Stephen's stoning and at the forefront of Jewish antagonism towards this impure sect proclaiming a most blasphemous message - a crucified Messiah of Israel.
This all leads up to the pivotal point of the story: the appearance of Jesus to Paul on the road to Damascus. Everything changes after this, with this one time opponent of Christianity becoming its chief ambassador. In his life as a missionary, Paul experiences the good, the bad, and the sad. Many align themselves with the one he calls Christ, many aid him on his various trips, many fear the religious and political implications of his message and thus threaten his life, one time friends in Jerusalem would now consider him an enemy to be squashed, one time enemies of his now struggle to call him friend, he grows close to his church plants yet is forced to move on and let these fledglings carry the baton (Acts 20:17-38 is a heart-wrenching example), he is imprisoned, beaten, stoned, and yet faithful to his charge right to the end, culminating in that long-awaited visit to Rome (albeit in chains).
There are dramatic sermons in Jerusalem, there is philosophical reasoning in Athens, spiritual/economic conflict in Ephesus, a courtroom drama or two, a disastrous sea voyage, miracles, heartbreak, hymn singing in prison, secret assassination plots, loose morals, and much more.
Honestly, I really think it could work if it was done right. This would be a character study, and a character study on one of the most important and influential human beings ever to live. If I were a budding screenwriter this would be my pet project, my Good Will Hunting if you will.
As for some other details, who do you think could play Paul? Anthony Hopkins played him in a made-for-TV movie some 28 years ago, but he's probably too old to reprise that role. Bear in mind also that Paul, it is generally agreed upon, was not an attractive man. Small, bald, and so forth. (Well, do you know any attractive men who are both small and bald?)
Another issue would be whether or not such an overtly Christian film could be universally received. To achieve this it would have to avoid being preachy - no easy task when the central character is, amongst other things, a preacher. I suppose a film on Paul would be inherently offensive to some, but that's not to say that, like the Stoics and Epicureans, they wouldn't want to hear more from this great thinker and prolific missionary.
Finally, a tag-line. This I have already sorted:
"And you thought The Passion of the Christ was anti-Semitic..."
Anyway, a film on Paul? Who's with me, yay or nay? ("yay" means yes)
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