Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast
Religion & Spirituality
About
Discussions of great movies from a Catholic perspective, exploring the Vatican film list and beyond. Hosted by Thomas V. Mirus and actor James T. Majewski, with special guests.Vatican film list episodes are labeled as Season 1.A production of CatholicCulture.org.
Episodes
- 30 Years of the Vatican Film List – Catholic Cinema's Past and Future
Panelists Thomas Mirus, Nathan Douglas, and Andrew Petiprin discuss the 30th anniversary of the Vatican Film List at the 2024 Notre Dame Fall Conference. The discussion covers the list's history, the role of the filmmaker, and its connecti…
- Is Brideshead Revisited (1981) the perfect book-to-screen adaptation?
James Majewski, Nathan Douglas, and Thomas Mirus discuss the 1981 Brideshead Revisited miniseries, evaluating its success as a screen adaptation of the beloved Catholic novel.
- Bishop Erik Varden on cinema
Bishop Erik Varden joins hosts Thomas Mirus and James Majewski to discuss cinema, including the impact of violent imagery, depictions of saints, the connection between film and theater, and the merits of watching international films. They…
- New Lives of the Popes podcast
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast discusses the 'Lives of the Popes' podcast. Links to the podcast are provided on Apple Podcasts and CatholicCulture.org.
- Into Great Silence (2005) w/ Manny Marquez
The Criteria podcast discusses Philip Gröning's documentary "Into Great Silence," known for its artistic portrayal of Carthusian monks and their silent way of life. Filmmaker Manny Marquez shares insights on the film and the documentary ge…
- Bing Crosby plays a priest in Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary's
The episode reviews Bing Crosby films Going My Way and The Bells of St. Mary's, questioning if their portrayal of a popular, charismatic priest makes them great Catholic films. It suggests these movies, while entertaining, offer a shallow…
- Adoption drama: Secrets & Lies (1996)
Andrew Petiprin joins the Criteria podcast to discuss the 1996 film Secrets & Lies, a comedy-drama directed by Mike Leigh about a young woman seeking her biological mother.
- Revisiting Malick's A Hidden Life (2019)
James, Thomas, and Nathan Douglas discuss Terrence Malick's 2019 film A Hidden Life. The episode explores the movie's narrative, which centers on Austrian martyr Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, who refused to swear loyalty to Hitler, and its p…
- Triumph of the Heart director faced glorious trials making great Catholic art - w/ Anthony D'Ambrosio
Anthony D'Ambrosio, director of Triumph of the Heart, shares insights on creating the independent film about St. Maximilian Kolbe with a low budget, emphasizing artistic and spiritual integrity amidst production hardships.
- US army chaplain meets Italian monks in Paisan (1946)
This episode discusses Roberto Rossellini's 1946 film Paisan, noting its structure of six vignettes depicting the Allied campaign in Italy from an Italian perspective. A specific segment focuses on an American army chaplain's encounter wit…
- He Who Gets Slapped (1924)
James and Thomas discuss the 1924 silent film "He Who Gets Slapped," directed by Victor Sjöström and starring Lon Chaney. The episode covers the film's themes of psychological trauma and public humiliation, noting its effectiveness as an i…
- Triumph of the Heart is a film worthy of its subject, St. Maximilian Kolbe
The film "Triumph of the Heart," directed by Anthony D'Ambrosio, is reviewed by James and Thomas. It focuses on St. Maximilian Kolbe and his companions in an Auschwitz starvation cell, exploring themes of hope and dignity.
- A hard world for little things: The Night of the Hunter (1955)
This episode reviews the 1955 film The Night of the Hunter, directed by Charles Laughton. Hosts James and Thomas discuss its themes of childhood innocence and discerning true versus false prophets, noting its unique blend of genres and vis…
- Hitchcock's I Confess and the world's failure to understand priesthood
This episode analyzes Alfred Hitchcock's 1953 film 'I Confess'. It discusses the theme of the world's misunderstanding of the priesthood, leading to the projection of sin onto the priest and a form of white martyrdom.
- The Ritual portrays exorcism accurately, but is stuck in genre cliches
The podcast episode reviews the film The Ritual, noting its accurate portrayal of exorcism rites and theological correctness. However, it suggests the film relies on genre clichés and sensationalism, potentially overshadowing unique and th…
- Fragmented sexuality in Malick's To the Wonder, Knight of Cups, & Song to Song
The podcast episode analyzes Terrence Malick's films "To the Wonder," "Knight of Cups," and "Song to Song," collectively known as the "Weightless Trilogy." It discusses their formal experimentation, thematic explorations of sexuality, fait…
- Crucifixion darkness: Barabbas (1961)
The Criteria podcast discusses the 1961 film Barabbas, noting its spiritual depth and edginess compared to other Biblical epics. Starring Anthony Quinn, the film follows Barabbas's life after his release, exploring his struggle with the me…
- A holy fool: The Island (2006)
James and Thomas discuss the Russian film "The Island" (2006), focusing on a fictional Orthodox monk, a "holy fool," who possesses spiritual gifts while struggling with guilt over a past crime.
- Terrence Malick and the Knights of Columbus: Voyage of Time (2016)
The Criteria crew discusses Terrence Malick
- The Marx Brothers w/ James Matthew Wilson
Poet and philosopher James Matthew Wilson discusses Marx Brothers films Duck Soup and A Night at the Opera. Wilson also shares a poem with Marx Brothers allusions and discusses correspondence between Groucho Marx and T.S. Eliot.
- "I am a human being": The Elephant Man (1980), w/ Andrew Petiprin
Andrew Petiprin joins James and Thomas on Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast to discuss David Lynch's 1980 film, The Elephant Man. The episode explores the life of Joseph Merrick, highlighting his human dignity and the Christian compassio…
- In a Lonely Place (1950)
James and Thomas review Nicholas Ray's 1950 film noir, In a Lonely Place. The film features Humphrey Bogart as Dixon Steele, a screenwriter suspected of murder, whose relationship with Gloria Grahame's character, Laurel Gray, is strained b…
- New birth for humanity: Children of Men (2006) w/ Timothy Reckart
Timothy Reckart discusses the 2006 film Children of Men, directed by Alfonso Cuaron. The movie is a dystopian thriller set in 2027 England, where a global infertility crisis has led to societal despair, terrorism, and euthanasia, with a pr…
- Job and St. Augustine in one film: The Tree of Life (2011)
The Criteria podcast episode examines Terrence Malick's film The Tree of Life, discussing its influences from the book of Job and St. Augustine's Confessions. It highlights the film's poetic scope, its non-linear narrative structure, and i…
- Freedom in vocation: The Sound of Music (1965)
On Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast, James and Thomas discuss the 1965 film The Sound of Music. They analyze its excellence, Julie Andrews's performance, and the movie's themes of freedom and openness in discerning and pursuing a vocati…
- The Chosen, Season 4: Lectio Divina or Fan Fiction?
The Chosen, Season 4, is reviewed for its creative choices, narrative trajectory, and performances. While acknowledging strengths such as Jonathan Roumie's portrayal of Jesus and specific highlight scenes, the episode critiques the season'…
- Church Teaching on Cinema: Vatican II and Beyond
This episode of Criteria discusses Church teachings on cinema between 1963 and 1995, focusing on documents from Vatican II, Pope Paul VI, and Pope John Paul II. It explores the shift towards viewing cinema as part of "social communications…
- A Brighter Summer Day (1991)
The Catholic Film Podcast discusses Edward Yang's 1991 film A Brighter Summer Day, a drama set in martial law-era Taiwan. Featuring guest Frank Yan, the episode examines the film's intricate plot, social fabric, and historical context.
- Pope Pius XII on The Ideal Film, Pt. 2 (Church Teaching on Cinema)
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast delves into Pope Pius XII's 1955 document "The Ideal Film" and his 1957 encyclical "Miranda Prorsus." Hosts discuss the pontiff's views on film content, societal relevance, religious port…
- Pope Pius XII on The Ideal Film, Pt. 1 (Church Teaching on Cinema)
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast examines the first of Pope Pius XII's apostolic exhortations on cinema, "The Ideal Film." It delves into the psychological impact of film on viewers and outlines the qualities of an ideal…
- Church Teaching on Cinema: Pope Pius XI
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast examines Pope Pius XI's 1936 encyclical Vigilanti cura, focusing on its discussion of moral concerns surrounding cinema and the actions taken by American bishops. It also touches upon the…
- Wildcat does justice to Flannery O'Connor's faith (w/ Joshua Hren)
Joshua Hren reviews the film "Wildcat," directed by Ethan Hawke, which portrays Flannery O'Connor's faith and artistic journey. The discussion covers the film's nuanced approach, use of O'Connor's writings, and its relevance to Catholic ar…
- Malick's humble camera: The New World (2005)
The Criteria podcast reviews Terrence Malick's The New World, highlighting its blend of realism and poetry, and the humble aesthetic achieved through cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki's work. The hosts argue that film form conveys a vision…
- A study of pastoral prudence: Léon Morin, Priest (1961)
The podcast episode examines the 1961 film Léon Morin, Priest, detailing its premise of a Communist woman
- Studies of ambition: All About Eve, The Bad and the Beautiful
This episode of Criteria examines the films All About Eve and The Bad and the Beautiful, exploring their portrayal of ambition and moral complexities within the entertainment industry.
- Metaphysical Malick: The Thin Red Line (1998)
This episode analyzes Terrence Malick's 1998 film The Thin Red Line, discussing its portrayal of World War II, metaphysical themes, and Jim Caviezel's role. It explores the film's poetic style alongside its function as a war movie, examini…
- Kiarostami: blurring the line between documentary and fiction
The podcast episode explores the early career of Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami, focusing on his work with children and his distinctive filmmaking style. It discusses how he blurred the lines between documentary and fiction, and highlig…
- Godzilla Minus One, a profound appeal for a culture of life
The Catholic Film Podcast discusses Godzilla Minus One, examining its exploration of WWII-era Japan's culture of death and the corruption of self-sacrifice. Visual artist Erin McAtee joins to discuss the film's themes and the director's ch…
- Generational wounds in Tokyo Story (1953)
This episode discusses Yasujiro Ozu's 1953 film Tokyo Story, a family drama exploring generational distance and cultural shifts in postwar Japan. The film critiques the loss of filial piety while also examining parental responsibility.
- Popcorn with the Pope: Word on Fire on the Vatican Film List
The Criteria podcast features authors David Paul Baird, Fr. Michael Ward, and Andrew Petiprin discussing their book "Popcorn with the Pope," which offers essays on the Vatican Film List. They compare evaluations of the list, explore religi…
- Introduction to Terrence Malick: Badlands and Days of Heaven
This episode introduces Terrence Malick’s filmography, focusing on his first two movies, Badlands and Days of Heaven. It examines Malick's signature style, including his visual aesthetics and narrative approach, and discusses the emergence…
- Review: Killers of the Flower Moon
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast features a review of the film Killers of the Flower Moon. The podcast is supported by donations and a newsletter signup is available.
- Wise Blood (1979): John Huston's film adaptation w/ Katy Carl
Katy Carl joins the show to discuss the 1979 film adaptation of Flannery O'Connor's novel Wise Blood, directed by John Huston and starring Brad Dourif.
- Catholic India's 'Master of Chaos'
This episode of Criteria focuses on Lijo Jose Pellissery, an Indian director whose films are rooted in Kerala's Christian communities. Pellissery is known as the "Master of Chaos" for his dynamic style. The discussion covers his films Jall…
- The Age of Innocence (1993)
This episode of Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast reviews Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence." The discussion covers its basis in Edith Wharton's novel, the film's depiction of suppressed romance and social constraints in late-19th-…
- When "engaging the culture" means loving mediocrity
Joshua Gibbs discusses his book "Love What Lasts: How to Save Your Soul from Mediocrity" with Thomas Mirus, questioning the modern Christian approach to cultural engagement and exploring the dangers of artistic mediocrity, the importance o…
- Empires of death: Apocalypto (2006)
This episode analyzes Mel Gibson's 2006 film Apocalypto, considering its critical reception, historical context, and thematic parallels between ancient Mesoamerican culture and the modern West. The discussion highlights the film's artistic…
- Asteroid City: delightful, decadent, or despairing?
The Criteria hosts discuss Wes Anderson's distinctive cinematic style, as seen in Asteroid City. They explore whether his aesthetic is decadent, sincere, or indicative of a belief in life's meaninglessness, ultimately agreeing that Anderso…
- Caviezel's Sound of Freedom: a thriller about fighting child trafficking
This episode reviews Jim Caviezel's film "Sound of Freedom," a thriller focused on combating child sex trafficking. The hosts discuss Caviezel's performance, the film's spiritual and social relevance, and the promotional approach.
- We watched the WHOLE Vatican Film List
After three years of discussion, Criteria: The Catholic Film Podcast has reviewed all 45 films on the Vatican