Abstract:
The Christ narrative in the film As it is in heaven. In this article the public-theological motives
in the film As it is in heaven is analised to demonstrate the film producer Kay Pollack’s ideal to
communicate through the film that people should live their lives here and now authentically
without seeking excuses for being happy. In this article the principles of narratology is applied
in the analysis of the film’s plot, characterisation, plotted time and narrated spaces. It is also
argued that the protagonist in the film can be regarded as a ‘Christ-figure’ and that the film
conveys a ‘Christ narrative’ in a secularised context. Societal issues such as emotional abuse
and violence against children, women, people with disability and animals constitute building
blocks of the narrative. Ecclesiastical hypocrisy and outdated sexual values endorsed by the
institutional church are replaced by a choir consisting of common people which leads a whole
world to sing in harmony.
Description:
This article is based on the
research of Anet Dreyer-
Kruger’s PhD dissertation,
entitled ‘Filmhermeneutiek:
Die huwelik, intimiteit,
seksualiteit en die
Christusnarratief’.
