Adele Reinhartz's Presentation Of Satan In Film

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There are many different ways to describe and name Satan; the most common synonym today is “Devil” (a). The Gospels depict the figure Satan as a power whose presence can be felt and perceived in his effects and motions on human beings (a). Adele Reinhartz analyses the use of Satan in Jesus biopics, and how closely his portrayal in film is to his depiction in the four Gospels. Reinhartz raises many important obstacles and challenges that filmmakers face when depicting Satan. Filmmakers must decide weather or not they should include Satan as a physical being, or limit his portrayal, and portray Satan as someone who is heard but unseen (Reinhartz, 9.3). George Steven’s The Greatest Story Ever Told depicts the story of Jesus Christ from the Nativity …show more content…

For it is written, worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.’” (Matthew 4:1-10). Steven’s uses this story to represent Satan’s attempts against Jesus, and had to decide how this depiction of Satan would be translated on screen in his portrayal. The Gospels do not describe how Satan came to Jesus, so it is unclear as to what way shape or form Satan took in the events of the temptations. Stevens is presented with some leeway in Satan’s portrayal because of this, and could decide how he wanted the audience to perceive Satan. Jesus biopic versions of the Temptations of Jesus in the desert range from which Satan is presented more metaphorically, as an external power, or in which Satan is the representation of the personal troubles and “demons” Jesus faces (Reinhartz, 193). Steven’s decided to portray Satan in human form, and expresses the philosophy of the everyday viewer, by making Satan creepy and unwelcoming

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