Through a Screen Darkly

by Jeffrey Overstreet

In the style of a cinematic travel journal, film columnist and critic Jeffrey Overstreet of Christianity Today and lookingcloser.org leads readers down paths less traveled to explore some of the best films you've never seen. Examining a feast of movies, from blockbusters to buried treasure, Overstreet peels back the layers of work by popular entertainers and underappreciated masters. He shares excerpts from conversations with filmmakers like Peter Jackson, Wim Wenders, Kevin Smith, and Scott Derrickson, producer Ralph Winter, and stars like Elijah Wood, Ian McKellan, Keanu Reeves, and the cast of Serenity, drawing "war-stories" from his encounters with movie stars, moviemakers, moviegoers, and other critics in both mainstream and religious circles. He argues that what makes some films timeless rather than merely popular has everything to do with the way these artists--whether they know it or not--have captured reflections of God in their work. Through a Screen Darkly also includes a collection of reviews, humorous anecdotes, and on-the-scene film festival reports, as well as recommendations for movie discussion groups and meditations on how different films echo the myriad ways in which Christ captured the attention and imagination of culture.

Genres: Nonfiction, Film, Christianity, Cultural, Christian, Theology, Pop Culture

353 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2007

About the author

My name is Jeffrey Overstreet.

I am a teacher and a writer, and I travel all over the place speaking about creative writing, film criticism, fantasy, faith, and the power of play.

Sometimes I'm invited to teach creative writing courses and workshops. This brings me great joy.

Currently I am celebrating ten years working as communications specialist at Seattle Pacific University.


My dream? To someday have a full-time job teaching creative writing and film-related courses.

My other dreams? They've all come true.

These are my published novels, so far:
Auralia's Colors
Cyndere's Midnight
Raven's Ladder
The Ale Boy's Feast

This is my memoir of "dangerous moviegoing," published by Regal Books:
Through a Screen Darkly

This is my blog: Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet

This is my Facebook page: http://facebook.com/jeffreyoverstreethq

This is my Twitter account:
http://twitter.com/jeff_overstreet

I grew up in Portland, Oregon. My father was a teacher there during that time, and my mother has worked as a teacher too... so I grew up in a world of educators.

My younger brother Jason is some kind of singer/songwriter/composer genius. He has a singing group called Rescue that continues to amaze and bless audiences everywhere. I'm proud of that guy.

My wife, Anne, comes from Roswell, New Mexico. (Insert alien-related joke here.) We just celebrated our 16th anniversary. She works as a gardener and a freelance editor, but her poetry is what really blows my mind. Read her book: Delicate Machinery Suspended. It's breathtaking. Really.

I've been writing books since before I started kindergarten. I think the first one was called "The Sea Monster," and it was full of scribbled drawings of a massive, fanged beast trying to swallow a little stick-figure man. I'm not sure what that represented, or if I identified with the man or the beast.

But, thanks to a whirlwind of events in 2005-06, and a few meetings that could only have happened through God's wild imagination, my first book was published: Through a Screen Darkly: Looking Closer at Beauty, Truth, and Evil in the Movies (from Regal Books). It's a book about art, faith, and the way that a good movie can change the world. It's a memoir of sorts, but also a collection of meditations on great movies, and I include some excerpts from memorable interviews with filmmakers and movie stars.

I'm also a novelist. Auralia's Colors and its three sequels, Cyndere's Midnight, Raven's Ladder, and The Ale Boy's Feast, were published by WaterBook Press, a Random House imprint.

What is more:

I'm a contented resident of Shoreline (north end of Seattle, Washington).

I'm the contributing editor of Seattle Pacific University's Response magazine.

I've worked for decades as a film critic for a variety of publications including Paste, IMAGE, Christianity Today, Books and Culture, Risen and more.

I'm a trouble-prone follower of Christ.

I guess that'll do for starters. Any questions?

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm rereading this book and finding it just as good the second time around, 8 years later. My original review is below.
==========

I've always had this sense that there is another language I once knew, a joy that was mine before I was born. When I get a glimpse of that glory through art, I can feel the memory of it pressing against the back of my mind, and the longing for that peace and resolution wells up inside me. I can't quite grasp it. I can't speak my native language. Not yet ... but I'm learning.

If I do the difficult thing and pull myself away from art that is merely entertaining and start searching for those currents of truth that reside within beauty and mystery, I will be drawn off the path of familiarity and comfort. The reality of God is not bound to a particular earthly language, country or style. His spirit can speak through anything. But He is far more likely to be encountered in those things that are excellent rather than shoddy, particular rather than general, authentic rather than derivative. I will find myself investigating art and expression that never played for audiences in this country -- art that waits overlooked on the shelves of foreign and independent films at the video store. And I will be changed, concerns with cares and disciplines that make no sense to Hollywood movie publicists.

It could be a lonely road. But it's a road that leads farther up, farther in, to greater majesty and transforming truth.

Not exactly what you'd expect from a book about movies is it?

I never thought about my passion for movies as a passion for art. However, I have learned from reading Overstreet's reviews over the years that he can pull your thinking to a new place. I have never forgotten that it was his review of Hero that made me even consider watching it. His ability to communicate some of the intangible qualities in that movie, now one of my favorites, was what made me eager to read his book.

This is a masterful work by a noted film critic about bringing a spirit of discernment to the world of film. Overstreet invites us to consider how film as an art form affects one's soul and ultimately can be a work of God, even when it may go against what many define as "Christian."

This is the first book I ever read of this sort and I have to say that it remains a big influence in my movie viewing. I will never forget the sense of shock I felt upon reading that Finding Nemo had a deeper message. An excellent work that helps us learn discernment in our daily lives toward any sort of story telling. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes when it comes to books about entertainment, it seems like one more tome on the subtle details of Lord of the Rings or the Christian themes in Matrix will break the bookshelf. However, if you enjoy watching movies in any fashion, I strongly recommend you find a copy of Mr. Overstreet’s book Through a Screen Darkly. Even if you have to weed out a few books to make room, it’s worth it.

Most of the books about books or movies take sides. Either they believe their subject is good and that everyone needs to see that way, or they believe is bad and needs to be shunned by all until it disappears. Through a Screen Darkly happily meanders between the two camps calling for a cease fire. No one movie is focused on. Rather, the topic is the experience of watching movies and how it affects Christians.

I nearly put the book down when the apostle Peter showed up. “Ah. The author believes that all things are permissible, and that there is no such thing as a bad movie. Why read more?” Fortunately, I continued and a few pages later I found myself deeply absorbed in Mr. Overstreet’s personal opinion of the command to Peter. He suggests that the idea of all things being permissible might mean that a movie you think of as bad is really good…for the right person. He acknowledges the obvious point that the goal should always be coming closer to God, and there are films out there so unhealthy they never accomplish this and should be avoided by all. But he suggests that the second clause of “not all things are good” is where our focus should be directed.

Suppose I find myself unable to watch a film like the recent Looper (my example, not his) and watching it would cause me to stumble and draw away from who God wants to me to be. That makes the movie “not good” to me. However, I read reviews from trusted Christian sources praising the movie and the hard themes it forced people to deal with. Instead of using my lens of “not good” to criticism them and demand that they agree with me, I need to recognize that for them, it was good. And since all things are permissible, rather than fighting over my idea of good versus his idea of good, I should acknowledge the good the movie did for that person. Doesn’t ever make it good for me, but it gives the other viewer a platform for thoughts and ideas that are uplifting and glorifying and might not have been achieved otherwise.

I found this the most original and encouraging section of the book, but it was only a section. Many other aspects of the experience of watching movies and how to use those points of agreement of disagreement in dialog and relationship are covered. Movie apologetics aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but if you have even a cursory interest in the subject, I highly recommended this book. And even if it’s not something you’ve thought too much about before, you might find some of Mr. Overstreet’s hypotheses fascinating.

[Chris Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book that taught me it's possible to be a Christian and a fan of movies that don't star Kirk Cameron. In fact, it's the book that taught me that films--even R-rated ones--can be edifying and soul-satisfying. It introduced me to Babette's Feast, Wings of Desire and Life of Brian. It made me unafraid to visit The Last Temptation of Christ--a film that continues to challenge me--and even see the miracle of The Muppet Movie. Overstreet's passionate about faith and film, and this book is invaluable in realizing those two things don't have to be opposites.

[Sunshine Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading a book written by Jeffrey Overstreet. I minored in Cinema Studies in College, but... Wow! "Through a Screen Darkly" discusses so many movies! (*highlights more than 200 films for discussion groups!) This book was released in 2007, so all the movies the author mentions are not recent titles.

Jeffrey Overstreet is a Christian movie critic, and, on these pages, he uses personal stories from his own life as well as movies lines, interviews with actors and directors, quotes from inspirational writers, bible passages and.... explains in-depth scenes from the cinema! (The Motorcycle Diaries, Unforgiven and The Five Obstructions).

"It's more than entertainment. It makes me think and leads me to new discoveries every time" (pg. 81).

Jeffrey shares his personal experiences with Star Wars, Chariots of Fire, The New World, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Wings of Desire and The Lord of the Rings, to name a few!) There are many times I agreed with Jeffrey, like his thoughts on Titanic... and times where I did not, like his stance on the movie: Saved!

The author talks about finding revelation where you least expect it, how to chew your movies - being a reactionary diner, a casual diner, glutton - or as Jeffrey would call himself a "nutritionist"- at the feast of movies.

There is an entire section about Missionary Horror Films/Spiritual Horror and having a healthy dose of horror: "Real horror does not make the darkness look "cool" (pg. 275). He discusses the movies: The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Alien and Signs.

Chapter Twelve talks about the problem with the prevalent theme in moviemaking: "Follow Your Heart", citing examples from the movies: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Dead Poets Society. "If 'follow your heart' is the American way, we may be wise to ask where the heart leads" (pg. 291).

"When we approach art with humility rather than a readiness to judge, we open ourselves to discovering that any particular detail might be a signpost that will point us in the direction of the truth" (pg. 55).

The back of the book includes 'Recommended Titles for Film Discussion Groups.'

I definitely recommend "Through a Screen Darkly." Jeffrey Overstreet is such an amazing storyteller. His book inspires me to watch, er - experience more movies and to... 'chase the light.'

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Solid, nothing spectacular

[Genevieve Trainor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was my first foray into what I guess I'd call "pop Christianity" - and it really surprised me! Overstreet is very insightful, and exceedingly generous in his treatment of both filmmakers and fellow Christians. Content aside, I was impressed by the simple fact that he chose, when referencing other critics he disagreed with, not to mention them by name. He makes clear distinctions between (sex, drugs, violence) in movies and gratuitous (sex, drugs, violence) in movies, something that many Christian reviewers do not, and he dares (!) to suggest that people maintain an awareness of their own weaknesses, and not expect all movies to remain utterly pure for their benefit. The book is more than simply an extended collection of film reviews, though. He offers thoughtful advice on how to watch films from a Christian perspective, how to find inspiration in the most unlikely places, and how to watch critically the films that may seem worthwhile but are truly vapid. Overall, an interesting read, both from a Christian perspective, and as a fan of movies!

[Ron · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Overstreet goes a little overboard on the significance of movies. Of course, he watches more movies in a week than I do in a year. So they're a bigger deal to him.

Made some good points, but mostly took himself--and his movies--too seriously. Like some wine or coffee connoisseur. It's not like it really makes any difference. Actually, his point is that watch we watch and how we watch it does make a difference--especially for people whose main source of art, literature, culture and even philosophy and religion come from the big screen.

For the rest of us, maybe less so.

[Joel]

I think this is the first book I've read by someone I actually kind of know. Overstreet is an eloquent and easy-to-read writer, and although he devotes a whole lot of the book to recapping the plots of his favorite movies -- I'd be curious to know why this was necessary -- in the end, it does what it sets out to do in the introduction: offers a clear (and personal) rationale for Christian engagement with movies. I've mulled writing a similar volume on pop music, and this book helped me to see ways in which that would or wouldn't work.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It's kind of like the author reached into me and my brother's heads and pulled out all the things we've been trying to explain to our parents for 10 years and said them better.
If you are a believer, if you have any interest in film or art and how those things relate to faith and God, this is the book for you. After years of defending my movie and television choices to other Christians, it is so refreshing and amazing to finally find someone who gets what I'm saying and said it all so much better then me.

[Curby Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating book on how to understand and look at movies from a Christian perspective. Overstreet is a very thoughtful writer and this is essential reading for anyone who appreciates film.

I only gave the book 4 instead of 5 stars because the binding came apart right away and there are some editing errors that are not the fault of the author.

The only real complaint I have is trying to find the time to watch all the movies he recommended. I can't believe I am starting to enjoy French Cinema!

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I just skimmed this. I was already familiar with most of the ideas and movies discussed in Through A Screen Darkly, but wanted a quick overview anyway.

Obviously, my experience might have been different if I was approaching the book with no prior knowledge.

Though I generally agree with Overstreet, I don't appreciate his style of writing — he tends towards autobiography and writes as though he were paid by the word, which I felt was self-indulgent. To be fair to him, I think it's mostly a matter of taste, audience, and timing (film culture has changed dramatically since the book was released in 2007, which, incidentally, was the year Netflix began offering their streaming service.)

That being said, this is a decent starting point for Christians wanting to dive into a deeper engagement with film as an art form. For some, it'll be a perfect fit. For most, though, I'd recommend Josh Larson's Movies Are Prayers: How Films Voice Our Deepest Longings first.

[Stephen Hoogerhyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeffrey Overstreet is a film reviewer, movie enthusiast, and a Christian. He reflects all these characteristics in this interesting examination of the art of film. Drawing on well known films and obscure movies that most people--including me--never heard of or saw, Overstreet takes us on a tour of the silver screen to show us what shines brightly, and what is rather tarnished.

This book may give you a fresh perspective on some of the movies you've seen and loved (or hated), and it will no doubt introduce you to a number with which you are unfamiliar, and will now want to see. And again, he comes at it from a Christian perspective: how are the movies showing us beauty, truth, and evil. A worthwhile book.

[Samson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jeffery Overstreet's smart, christ-centered essays on art and cinema work incredibly well bringing a new mind into the world of thinking deeper and longer about the art they consume. If I was given this book, say, two years ago, I... think it would have invariably changed my worldview on lots of things. However, I'm different then I was two years ago, and my own philosophies on art and cinema have grown and changed off of my own research. This book is incredible for beginners in the "pretentious christian" scene, and rather basic for those who have already developed their own philosophies on art and cinema. pretty good tho ngl.

[Cyr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. There were sections that were actually so good, I thought I might give this five stars. But I'm just inherently stingy with my five stars, and I don't think I can give them out today. But still, this was a very good book.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book by a guy who loves movies. Since I also loves movies, I found myself connecting with author and just wanting to watch a movie with him and then talk about it afterwards. One thing I got out of this book was a list of movies that I now need to go see - and the insight into them to fully appreciate them. I'll also revisit movies I've already seen but either didn't enjoy the first time or just need to see it again to gain a renewed appreciation for them. The author communicates the importance of moments in a movie - not just how the story progresses but how it might just stop for a bit and let you enjoy something. This is why I love Lost in Translation. Overstreet put into words how I feel when I watch that beautiful movie. Like good wine, you always appreciate it more when you stop and pay attention, even focus on it. Overstreet helps you do that with movies as well. This book also contains a lot of wisdom for those who are Christians - and sets a good foundation for how to not only watch movies that "religiousness" might deem "bad" but also why (and how) Christians should cultivate the movie-watching skills to watch certain movies that they might otherwise shy away from. It's hard to love movies more than I already do, but Through a Screen Darkly definitely increased my own appreciation for all movies. Read it.

[Joel Cuthbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeffrey Overstreet is a man whose thoughts and writings were for me, upon discovery some years back, akin to what C.S. Lewis called finding a friend, that moment when you say to yourself, "I thought it was only me!". We share a similar history of growing up in conservative christian culture and finding a strange salvation in the very cinema we were often warned against. I've greatly admired and cheered his reviews and insight into cinema's vast possibilities outside of the safe confines of the morallizing and almost propaganda-like art that the church often promotes and creates. Reading this book was like just meeting an old friend. My only qualm, and it's one of solidarity, is I wish Jeff didn't feel like he had to constantly justify himself and his film choices. This book was clearly targeted not at fellow dangerous moviegoers but instead to the conservative critic. I would love to see a more recent take on his revelations through cinema without his feeling like he needed to explain himself all the time. I complain but I sympathize wholeheartedly! I look forward to many more reviews and thoughtful exchanges with this kindred spirit.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have long enjoyed reading Overstreet's perspective on movies and appreciated reading more about the background that he brings to his reviews. This is a great book for those who tend to think that Christians should either avoid movies altogether or only view those approved by certain very narrowly focused Christian review sites. Overstreet leads us on a journey to help us begin to understand the depth of meaning that we can uncover in films if we are willing to look. He gives us some tools to help us do so and points us in the direction of some films that will better feed our minds and souls than the current Hollywood blockbuster. I think this would be an excellent group for a book club that also loves watching films.

[Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone interested in film or how to understand movies more, this is a fantastic book. Mr. Overstreet shares his love of films in general, and those that have moved him in particular, in a truly compelling way. One need not agree with all of his arguments, but one does have to admit that films are powerful and are able to shape the way we think and view the world around us. Truly a remarkable work and one that makes me want to gather a group of friends to watch and discuss movies.

[Josette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the author's sensitive look at what makes a movie worth watching. This goes far beyond the typical ratings-type websites that conservatives often use to evaluate movies. I especially like his recommended list in the back of the book and look forward to watching many of the movies on the list. Reading his chapter on Babette's Feast motivated me to finally watch this movie, which I had heard about eons ago and meant to watch. My life is richer for it!

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at pg. 62.

Glad I only paid $.99 for this. While I can agree with the author that there are lessons that can be learned in the portrayal of real life issues when watching a film or tv show, his determination in issuing a license for Christians to watch everything and anything really bothered, and even angered me. His many excuses for watching films that try to normalize evil are in direct conflict with Scripture. Christians that are shielding their eyes from garbage entertainment are not "weaker" than their brothers and sisters. Their purpose is not to avoid sinful people; it is to keep their hearts pure. Avoiding evil in entertainment formats does not equate avoiding hurting and lost people in real life. We do not need to see someone in graphic and gratuitous detail murder or rape someone in a film to know what is going on. Using the example of Jesus "spending time in the homes of sinners and sin" (pg. 62) with modern day Christians watching depraved films as entertainment is ridiculous. Of course Jesus spent time with sinners... who else would He spend time with? We live in a fallen world and we are all sinners, but He was reaching out to us and teaching us, not condoning the sinful behavior, and He most certainly didn't have a desire to watch it.

[Joel Wentz · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the more thoughtful books about movies from an explicitly Christian perspective. I resonated with a lot of Overstreet's reflections - and his frustrations with how many Christians approach and critique popular culture. I also appreciated the style of this book, as more of a memoir/travelogue/autobiography, which is quite easy to read. Overstreet skims through dozens of movies, pulling out themes and commenting on how they've impacted him. The chapters on loneliness, darkness, and horror stood out to me.

This book is fine, even good, for what it is, but I'm still on the hunt for much deeper, thoughtful and philosophical, overtly Christian dissection and critique of mainstream film, and Overstreet's memoir didn't quite reach far enough. While I would recommend this to people with conservative backgrounds who don't feel like they've been given "permission" to enjoy products of Hollywood, those of us who have moved farther along on that journey probably won't find much new to think about here.

[Joseph McBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how when you read a book you enjoy so much, you start slowing down as you get to the end because you don't want the experience to be over? I've only ever done that with novels. Until this book. I seriously did not want Overstreet's "cinematic memoir" to end. It is just too good.

Overstreet is a writer, film critic, and college professor and he writes with a love for God and for art that show sup on every page. I have always loved movies and I think about them deeply and, honestly, have often been made fun of by others for doing that. With this book, I felt seen. I felt less like an odd ball and more like there were others like me. There are people who take movies seriously as art and Overstreet is speaking to us as one of us.

At the same time, he is writing to anyone who enjoys movies. He writes from a Christian worldview, but I think anyone can learn to think about and enjoy films on a deeper level by reading this book.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think a big part of why I loved this book was that it was a very timely read, it challenged a lot of my assumptions about movies, and asked some really great questions that I know I will be pondering for many months after finishing this book.
I am looking forward to finding more reads like this that will help me appreciate movies as a form of art and expression, and not simply disregard them entirely since (honestly) most of the time I would simply prefer a book.

[Katerina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through a Screen Darkly tells of Jeffrey Overstreet's love of movies and the significance he finds in them. He invites us to watch some of his favorites with him and in doing so teaches us to see movies in a deeper, more meaningful way.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really REALLY thought-provoking.
Answered some questions that I didn’t even know I had.

Edit: this is another book I found on Rabbit Room!!

[Maya Joelle]

Read very fast in order to make a reading goal... I should probably reread this.

[Mark Oppenlander · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have known Jeffrey Overstreet since my college days and today we both work on the campus of our alma mater. I will add my usual disclaimer as I would to any book written by someone I know personally: My relationship with the author may bias me on the subject of his or her work. Although whether that bias is positive or negative, I leave it up to you to decide.

Jeffrey Overstreet was raised in a relatively conservative religious milieu, where artifacts of popular culture were looked upon at worst with condemnation and at best with suspicion. However, he gained an appreciation for storytelling, and especially movies when he was quite young. Eventually, he would become a writer, a novelist and, for a time, a professional film critic. This book chronicles his attempts to reconcile his Christian faith with what he was experiencing - positive and negative - in the darkened confines of movie theaters.

I have heard Jeff call this book "a memoir of dangerous moviegoing" which I think is as apt a description as any. It is not a formal theological statement about film (although there is a lot of theological reflection in it) nor is it a book of straight film criticism (for that, wander over to Overstreet's web-site). Instead this is reflections from his own journey as a Christian, a film-lover, a critic and a human being. It discusses what he has learned from film and what his Christian faith has helped to illuminate for him in watching film. And of course, this journey has put him in a somewhat dangerous place - he becomes, in a paraphrase of the great Dick Staub, too Christian for his pagan friends who love film but too pagan for his Christian friends who distrust movies.

The book is not divided chronologically, but around themes. An early section discusses how we experience movies, equating them to food and describing the various ways in which we "chew" on them. Later sections deal with the search for heroes in the movies, as well as on the violent mythologies that clutter our screens. Other chapters discuss depictions of evil in the movies as well as satire, comedy and beauty. In each chapter, Overstreet holds up particular films - from "Alien" to "Punch Drunk Love" - that have helped shape his perception of the topic at hand. He dissects these films in more detail, at times walking us through his own process of discovery and giving us insight in to how he personally chews on movies.

I really appreciated this book. Overstreet's approach to film is nuanced and subtle. He asks us to consider not just the story or overt "message" of a film, but also the imagery, the style, the soundtrack, the performances, the symbolism (overt and covert) and many other elements. He encourages Christians to be discerning, but not in a quick or condemnatory fashion, but rather in a thoughtful way that recognizes that not everything that is good or wholesome will be immediately recognizable as such. And not everything that initially appears good or wholesome is always profitable to us. Sometimes we need to look closer, to go deeper . . .

Granted, I am a film buff and my own journey to a love of movies is very similar to Overstreet's. We are about the same age, we grew up in the same part of the world, had similar formative experiences, were influenced by many of the same films (e.g. "Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Wings of Desire") and so forth. So it is easy for me to get in stride with his assertions and conclusions. However, there are places where I disagreed with him, and I think he would respect that. His point is not that there are some films that are "right" for all Christians and others that are "wrong" for all Christians or that everyone should agree with his conclusions. What Overstreet is trying to get all people of faith to do is to take a closer look at the art form of film and bring a careful eye and attentive ear to what we see and hear in it. That will allow us to get a glimpse of the truth that is embedded in it, whether that was put there intentionally or landed there unintentionally.

I have read at least one review here that said that Overstreet took his love of film a little too seriously. Perhaps. But I rather suspect that what Overstreet takes seriously is the ability of a well-crafted piece of art to express truth or beauty and thus to draw us closer to God. And for him, film does that. This book is his love song to what he has learned about God and life through the movies.

I would recommend this to anyone who is a Christian and loves movies and is trying to come to grips with the relationship between the two. But be warned, you may find yourself on your own journey of dangerous moviegoing - a journey from which you will not return unchanged.

[Courtney Kleefeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeffrey Overstreet has been my favorite author ever since I read his book Auralia's Colors in 2010. He's a different kind of writer, not one who writes recycled stories for money, but one who writes to ask questions and seek answers, one who writes to find art and wonder anywhere he can. His writing style isn't common or popular today, but that's the very reason I was drawn to it.
He has a blog where he writes movie reviews, and since I enjoyed his series, I would sometimes read a review or two of his. Many times I would be surprised about his opinion on a popular film, and when he explained why, I was intrigued. Mr. Overstreet has high standards for good movies, especially since he sees so many of them a year. Even though I probably won't see most of the movies he recommends, I appreciate his observations on what art is.
He writes about so many movies, from the Muppets to Indiana Jones to Lord of the Rings to Sense and Sensibility to many older films and foreign films you probably have never heard of.
I highly recommend it to movie lovers and writers and Christians who love art.
He analyzes everything and discovers little details that make a big difference in my perspective of a movie.
He's like J. R. R. Tolkien and Madeleine L'Engle.
Even though this book focuses on movies in particular, all sorts of Christian artists can glean from it.

[Dave Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Through A Screen Darkly" is a solid book, not only on film criticism but how a love of cinema has impacted the life (and even spirituality) of author Jeffrey Overstreet. Overstreet discusses his upbringing as being very conservative Evangelical. His family never went to the movies. However, he got a chance to go see "Star Wars: A New Hope" and like most of us, was blown away.

The book is definitely autobiographical as a foundation and various films are discussed in relation to what they have taught Overstreet or how they have changed his thinking about his own existence. He has a deep love for Terrence Malick (I share that too) and Wim Wenders (who I don't have much experience watching his movies yet).

Still a committed Christian, I appreciated Overstreet's statements about wanting to be a bridge between secular culture and Christianity (and here he probably is mostly talking about Evangelicalism). Simultaneously how thinking deeper about movies (or art in general) can enrich our understanding of ourselves in relation to God and for a secular crowd, how art can point to Christian truths.

Coming away from this book, one can literally sense Overstreet's undying passion for film and his spirit here is contagious. Engagingly written and extremely thoughtful, I recommend for people interested in spirituality and the movies as a dual engagement.

[David Batten · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want to be brought deeper into the world of storytelling through film, this book definitely delivers. Overstreet packs his chapters full of thoughts and insights on a variety of movies, usually succeeding in making you want to go see the film rather than feeling like it was spoiled for you. His insights and experiences from interviews with writers, directors, and actors are particularly interesting, and give a uniquely full picture of the storytelling aspect of films.

My main criticism of the book is that at many points I was left wanting him to go further in his analysis of the themes he discussed. He is at his best when he goes beyond understanding the themes of particular films (which he does very well) and compares those themes to the larger framework of a Biblical worldview. His chapter on revenge movies did this particularly well, and I will never see them quite the same again. However, he seems to have thought through some topics more completely than others, and so several times he mostly just helps you understand a genre and does not douch analysis of it.

I'm summary, if you like to think deeply about films as a Christian, or if you just want to be drawn deeper into the artistry of storytelling through films, you should read this book.