On Watching Theology, Joe and Melissa take a single film and examine it closely, looking at the assumptions and ideas in the story. Every episode considers the theological, philosophical and thematic elements of a film, listening closely to what the author has to say, and interacting with those ideas. (It's more fun than it sounds).

Joe watches too many movies. He grew up in central Washington, earned his B.A. in Education and Fine Art, an M.A. in Theology and currently works in the printing industry. During school, he fit in a few film classes. He is interested in writing, theology and hopes to one day compose the ultimate Joe Versus the Volcano commentary track.

Melissa has a B.A. in History and an M.A. in English with an emphasis on Film Studies. She has taken classes on everything from silent to romance to post-colonial films and much in between. Her research and interests lie mainly in feminist film theory, women in film, Hitchcock and the studio era. At the end of the day, however, she just loves films; from Notorious to Die Hard!

Go to watchingthedirectors.com for more from Joe and Melissa.

Show DescriptionWatching Theology

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Erik April 24th, 2007

Pulp Fiction (1994)On this premiere edition of Watching Theology, the hosts of Watching The Directors spend a few minutes covering the ground rules. Then we dive in to Quentin Tarantino's 1994 breakthrough, Pulp Fiction. Join us as we look at this strange, foul universe that has created some of cinema's most memorable lines, scenes and songs. Rather than talk about the artistic merit, the technical ability or even the societal impact, we turn our narrow focus onto the theology and philosophy of Tarantino's story. Where is God in all this violence? Is there a moral code and does it have authority over characters? Did Jules undergo a religious conversion?

Watching The Directors next edition: May 1 - Alfred Hitchcock
Next WT edition: May 8 - Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat (1944)

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11 Responses to “Pulp Fiction (1994)”

Clark April 24th, 2007

I am so excited about the new podcast. Looking at art from a Theological perspective is almost a hobby to me. I just found out about your new podcast and I'm at work. I am looking forward to going home and loading it onto my ipod. Good luck you two.

Austin April 26th, 2007

It's not up on iTunes, yet. :(

Austin April 26th, 2007

Never mind about that. Once you suscribe the first episode downloads, but it doesn't show the episode on the page. It's goofy, but I've got the episode and I'll listen to it very soon.

Craig April 27th, 2007

Since Darren Aronofski won't be covered by your other podcast for a few more years, it would be interesting to see what you have to say about his recent film "The Fountain" on this one. The DVD comes out on May 15th.

Read the Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_fountain

Melissa April 27th, 2007

We will add "The Fountain" to our list of possible films. Glad you have all found the show. We look forward to getting your feedback once you've had a chance to listen!

A.J. April 28th, 2007

I would love to hear what you have to say about te 1986 film "The Mission" with Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons!

Joe Johnson April 29th, 2007

A.J. - I would have a lot to say about "The Mission" - it's such a morally complex film that portrays a number of views of the way that religion and government interact. It's definitely going on the list. I'd love to tie it together with a Joffe podcast on WTD, though I'm not sure when that would be. Perhaps we needn't wait until 2008 when Joffe is scheduled to release "Singularity".
Thanks.

Joseph R. April 29th, 2007

I really loved this podcast. When I first saw Pulp Fiction it was a little overwhelming, but I went to see it again just to get the bible verse (it sounded way too long to be only one verse) to see if it was real. It was also easier to see a lot of the depth in the story that you bring out in the podcast. Thanks! I'd like to hear what you'd have to say about "Sixth Sense" or "Unbreakable", both of which deal with the nature of good and evil and the idea of a vocation/specific purpose in life.

Lou May 1st, 2007

I am thrilled to see this podcast. The still from "Ordet" has me pumped!

thomas May 3rd, 2007

Haven't listened yet but I love the idea! Are you gonna mention it on Wathing The Directors? I think you should, no harm in plugging it when you can. Also, I enjoy WTD. Keep up the good work.

thomas May 7th, 2007

Oops, finally listened to both new episodes (Hitchcock and Pulp Fiction) and realized you did mention it on WTD. I enjoyed the new show but wish it was longer (though I know you've made it your goal to keep it short). Thanks again

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