1. Briefly summarize the academic background of the author. For example, where was she educated? Where does she teach? On what topics does she normally publish?
Professor Rachel Dwyer has a bachelor of arts in Sanskrit at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) university of London. She then got her masters in philosophy in General Linguistics and Comparative Philology at the University of Oxford. Later on she did her Doctor of philosophy research on the Gujarati lyrics of Dayaram (1777-1852). Before she took early retirement she taught post graduate and undergraduate courses on literature, cinema and culture (Dwyer, N.d).
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2. Summarize the main argument the author makes in this piece (in 5 or 10 sentences). If there is no argument, what intervention in, or contribution to, the field of religion and film is the author making?
One argument is that most popular films in the 1990s were mostly based on Hindu family values as this is what Indian culture is about, sadly these aspects were mistaken for promoting Hindu nationalism. Another argument brought out by the author is that despite religious films doing well, the producers of Hindu films do not delve into making religious films. Although there has been mention of making religious Hindu films which will contain some famous mainstream actors, such films have not been made yet. There have been a lot of devotional songs that have been made in different forms of media like on television and CDs. The fact that devotional songs have been made and circulate on media, there is no reason for religious and spiritual questions to be featured in films. It appears the main reason religion is not used in film is due to the influence that is coming from the middle class. India is at a point where it is trying to cement its position as a super power, and what is mostly driving this is the middle class. This new middle class have a more modern view on things that are centered on them being rational (Lyden, 2009). The kind of practices regarding religion that are done by this modern class are more focused on online material and devotionals.
3. List the most important primary sources (scripts or films) and secondary sources
(did someone had said anything about the films or scriptures) the author uses.
According to Lyden (2009), the author mentions a director called Yash Chopra, this director believed immensely in respecting other religions. Yash also points out how God has been very instrumental in his life and work. His attributes his success in the film industry to God and destiny. Another director called Raj Kapoor, used different themes such as morality and ethics in his films. These themes in Kapoor’s movies could often be confused, as to whether they are tied to Hinduism or simply morality.
Gentrification is also another aspect that is pointed in this article. The poor and low class gods were gentrified by the middle class, a movie called Jai Dakshineshwar Kaali Maa has been highlighted by the author, it shows the goddess Kali as being gentrified.
4. In not more than 200 words, explain to what extent you agree or disagree with the author. A successful assignment will demonstrate that individuals has thoroughly the author, and carefully read, understood, and thought critically about her contribution to the Routledge Companion to Religion and Film. Please make sure your argument shows a clear understanding of the chapter.
Dwyer in this article talks about how Hinduism is clearly a big part of the Indian community, with a huge amount of them following this set of values. A lot of films would be discouraged from using religion in the films, but still Hinduism values would come out in the way family life and values would be portrayed in the films. The family values and ways that people do things are mostly centered on Hinduism, it is therefore difficult to somehow separate Hinduism from films. Hinduism imagery is seen in many ways; through the language, culture, attitudes, values and way of life. Different film makers in India, portray Hinduism in various ways. I agree that each film maker has their own experience with Hinduism and this affects the images and storyline of their films. Additionally, there are other factors that affect Indian film makers. Some of theses include; policies that may restrict the filmmakers from showcasing certain Hindu practices that could be looked at as taboo (Lyden, 2009). The author clearly draws from different sources when giving more insight about certain themes and gives examples of the directors and films.
References
Dwyer, R. (N.d). Professor Rachel Dwyer . http://racheldwyer.com/
Lyden, J. (2009). History. The Routledge companion to religion and film. Routledge .
