Annotated Bibliography
Books
Forbes, Bruce David and Mahan, Jeffrey H. Religion and Popular Culture in America. Oakland:
University of California Press, 2005. Web. September 27 2015.
People often refer to popular culture as a mirror of who we are but Forbes reminds us that the image is altered or distorted by the, “perceptions and intentions of creative forces.” Popular culture is, however, not only a reflection but it is also a shaping force of opinions, values, and perspectives. In the movies religion or religious practices are either presented explicitly (as in The Boondock Saints), as an allegory, or as an implicit theme (despite its explicit use of Catholic symbols and reference to Catholic ritual this is also true of The Boondock Saints).
McDonnell, Coleen. Catholics in the Movies. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Web
19 September 2015.
This book contains a series of essays on how Catholics are presented in film and why, “Catholic characters, spaces, and rituals have been stock features in popular films since the silent picture era.” Catholicism with its traditions and authority system is seen as lending itself readily to the “iconography” of film. The McManus brothers are Irish Catholics living in Boston. MacDonnell would argue that the choice of nationality, religion, and setting carries with it some automatic assumptions by the audience in terms of the values or beliefs of the characters. She refers to this as the film maker’s use of a cultural shorthand so that they can tell their stories with limited fuss. Do movie audiences carry an assumption that Irish Catholics have very traditional religious values? Are Irish Catholics more likely to see God as a stern father figure as opposed to a supportive confidant?
Lyden, John. Film as Religion: Myths, Morals, and Rituals. New York: New York University
Press, 2003. Web. 27 September 2015
Lynden is a religious scholar who examines approaches to examining religion in film. In Chapter 2 of his work he examines the nature of religious theology and religious ritual. Roman Catholicism has a significant ritual focus and writer-director Troy Duffy makes multiple references to Catholic ritual in the film (the Mass, sacrament of confession and absolution). Lynden speaks about finding the “religious voice” in film. In the case of The Boondock Saints some may argue that the emphasis is more on Catholic ritual than Catholic ideology. Its ideology lies more in the Old Testament view of God as judge and jury as opposed to the New Testament of God as a source of forgiveness and support.
Journal Articles
Feit, Jonathon Scott. “Sacred Symbols and Depiction of Religions in Millennial Movies
(1997-2002).” Journal of Media and Religion, 3.3, (2004): 133-150. Web.19
September 2015.
The Boondock Saints can be described as a “millennial” movie” as it was released in 1999 and during the years immediately before and after the millennium, a wide variety of movies with overt religious themes were released. Those movies employ a variety of religious or sacred symbols. Many had “end of days” themes that speak to a final judgement. Obviously The Boondock Saints is not about end of day’s judgement but it does address the idea of God’s judgement in everyday life. This is a proactive God who has had his fill of evil and corruption and now moves to act directly on everyday events through “messengers” like the McManus brothers. From their rosary beads to their family prayer, the symbols the McManus brothers wrap themselves in are, “Imbued with meaning that, to some, transcends the mundane to take on religious importance.”
McEntree, Joy. “I’ll give you Acts of God: God, The Father, and Revenge Tragedy in the Billy
Connolly Movies.” Literature-Film Quarterly, 37, 1, (2009): 49-71. Web. 19 September
2015.
This article argues that The Boondock Saints follows the tradition of the “revenge tragedy” that can be found in works written over the years including Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet is encouraged to pursue revenge, at all costs, by his father’s ghost. The McManus brothers are further encouraged to become involved in revenge and vigilantism by their long lost father, “Il Duce”. If God delivered the McManus brothers their mission perhaps he sent their father, skilled in the ways of death and destruction, to ensure the two “redemptive angels” focus their efforts appropriately. By movies end the focus of the brothers (God’s?) wrath has extended well beyond the Russian mob to society as a whole including its institutions. McEntree also comments on how such movies “seduce viewers” by making them empathize with the movie’s “revengers” even though their actions are ethically questionable.
Shafer, Ingrid. “The Catholic Imagination in Popular Film and Television.” Journal of Popular
Film and Television, 19, 2, (1991): 50-57. Web. 19 September 2015.
This article poses the question as to where Catholics and Protestants imagine differently or to say it another way is there a distinct Catholic imagination as expressed in art, literature, or film? According to Shafer the concept of God as judge, the secular world as evil, and people as needing guidance is more a Protestant perspective. This perspective sees God as and external agent while Catholics are more likely to see God in the world. In terms of this viewpoint is The Boondock Saints an example of Catholic imagination? In the movie God sends his “messengers” into the world, not with a message of love or forgiveness but one of attrition and judgement. This does not fit totally with Shafer’s Catholic imagination argument. If that lens is applied it could be argued that the movie reinforces existing stereotypes including the conservatism of Catholicism.
Stone, B.P. “Religion and Violence in Popular Film.” Journal of Religion and Film, 3, 1,
(1999): n.pag. Web 26 September 2015.
Stone reviewed 180 films and categorized them as: 1.portraying religion as a comfort and aid to victims; 2.portraying religion as supportive of violence; 3.religion as supporting the rejection of violence; 4.religion as juxtaposed to violence. Although The Boondock Saints was released after this paper was published it would be difficult not to categorize as a film that is supportive of violence. “When religion is portrayed as supportive of righteous or redemptive violence one of these recurrent images is used: the crusader, the spiritual warrior, or divine violence. ‘’ It becomes difficult to define the McManus brothers in one category. Like the crusader they believe their cause is just, like the spiritual warrior their faith and formal religious training fuels their mission, and like divine violence God has spoken directly to them. The brothers believe they are his direct hand in the world.
Welsh, Andrew, Fleming, Thomas and Dowler, Kenneth. “Constructing Crime and Justice in
Film: Meaning and Message in Cinema.” Contemporary Justice Review, 14, 4, (2011):
457-476. Web. 19 September 2015.
This article examines how crime and justice issues are presented in film. The authors describe the “retribution model” based upon films where a crime, “triggers the transformation of law abiding citizens-protagonists into the vigilante crusader”. This formula is employed in The Boondock Saints as Russian mobsters who first invade on their neighborhood and then their home and “trigger” the McManus brother’s transformation into vigilantes. Their actions or punishment are presented as appropriate retribution for the evil acts of others. The legitimization of their actions is enhanced by religious symbolism. The brothers are in a jail cell asleep and both awake at the same time having had the same dream. God has given them their vigilante mission directly. They embrace this “call to arms” for the God of the Old Testament.
Websites
Boondock Saints: Heroes or Villains? Sociology of Superheroes, October 9, 2008. Web.
27 September 2015.
This is a blog for a first year university seminar course. This entry is another discussion on whether the McManus brothers are “righteous in their actions. The blogger notes that while viewing the movie he found himself in full support but afterwards, upon reflection, felt that the violence (in the end) could not be justified.
“Death Rituals and Superstitions: The History of Death”. History, n.d. Web. 27 September
2015.
Throughout the movie the brothers make a point to place coins over the eyes of the people they have killed (another type of ritual to reinforce their perception of having a mission from God). This practise goes back as far as the Romans and Greeks. Beyond a way to keep eyes physically shut, it was believed, that the money would be needed to pay “the ferryman charged to take them across the River Sty into the afterlife.” In some Celtic tradition the “payee” is Saint Peter.
Denzy, Nichola. “Biblical Allusions, Biblical Illusions: Hollywood Blockbuster and Scripture”.
SBL Forum. SBL Forum, n.p. (cited March 2004). Web. 26 September 2015.
This site explores how quotations from the Bible are used, or misused, in Hollywood films. In addressing the film, The Boondock Saints, Denzy draws attention to the fact that the tagline for the movie advertising was, Thy Kingdom Come-Thy Will Be Done. She notes how the McManus brothers quote the bible, as they slaughter, execution style, sleazy criminals . The brothers own prayer is not from actual scripture but is written to appear so (as an example of biblical illusion). Despite this it is agreed that the movie has a serious message about the danger of scripture resting with who is interpreting it and their motivation and purpose. The movie is seen as raising questions about, redemption, sinfulness, and the way the Bible is used to justify individual’s morals and actions.
“The Ethics of Vigilantism in The Boondock Saints”. Hubpages, October 14, 2014. Web. 26
September 2015.
Beyond a detailed plot overview, this article examines the “pros and cons” of vigilantism in terms of the ethics of these types of acts. One of the underlying messages of the movie which is emphasized by its reference to the real life murder of Kitty Genovese, is that, “there is a moral imperative for good people to actively combat evil”. The religious overtones are discussed and the article sites a number of Old Testament texts that support a punishment and retribution approach to Justice.
Madlin, Hayes and Cunningham, Will. “Review of “The Boondock Saints”. n.d. Web.27
September 2015.
This is a detailed film review that breaks down the analysis into multiple sections: Synopsis, Extremists Portrayed/Described, the Role of Religion, Extremist Activities, Portrayal/Description of Non Violent People (in the film), and an evaluation. The fundamental argument of this Review: “This film is, first and foremost, about Religious extremism.” The analysis focuses on Religious extremism as being the fundamental motivation for, and justification of, violence.
“Rituals in the Roman Catholic Church”. Electronic Church, n.d. Web.27 September 2015.
This on line article provides a brief discussion of various Roman Catholic “rituals” with special emphasis on the Mass. The movie emphasizes the brothers as being full participants in all rituals connected with the Church (they are both fully practicing Roman Catholics).
“Stereotypes in Christian Religions: Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Boondock Saints”. GAC
Religion and Film, January 2012. Web. 19 September 2015.
This online article offers a critique of what it sees as Boondock Saints playing on Irish Catholic stereotypes. The article makes note of the fact that the brothers perceived their “calling God” in the vein of other canonized Catholic saints. The article compares Catholic stereotypes portrayed in this film with stereotypes about Sothern Baptist churches portrayed in the movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
“The Boondock Saints” official Trailer”. Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, January 24,
2010. Web. 26 September 2015.
The purpose of a film trailer is to generate interest in the film. A trailer is usually the construction of the advertising department as opposed to the film’s director. The trailer for Boondock Saints emphasizes the stylized violence of men in black firing rapid firing weapons with a twist. The men in black appear to be citing the bible as they cause death and destruction. The religious connection is emphasized by a couple of interjected shots of a church and the “saints” attending Mass guns in hand.
“The Boondock Saints”. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, n.d. Web. 27 September 2015.
The Wikipedia entry for the movie charts the challenges of actually getting the movie made, the difficulty of getting a film company to distribute, the changing cast, the movies failure at the box office but “resurrection” on home video.
The Official Boondock Saints Webpage, n.p, n.d. Web. 27 September 2015.
The official Boondock Saints website includes an “Arts and Tattoos” link that allows fans of the movie to send pictures about art and tattoos created specifically from movie images: Veritas Aeqitias, The Saints “prayer”, illustrations of the McManus brothers, and variations of the Gaelic Cross. The site also contains a link to the Boondock Store where “apostles” of the Saints can buy everything from clothing to the handmade copies of the brother’s rosaries. There is also a link to the official Facebook page where fans can interact. Could it be argued that this type of fandom has elements of a Religion?
Books
Forbes, Bruce David and Mahan, Jeffrey H. Religion and Popular Culture in America. Oakland:
University of California Press, 2005. Web. September 27 2015.
People often refer to popular culture as a mirror of who we are but Forbes reminds us that the image is altered or distorted by the, “perceptions and intentions of creative forces.” Popular culture is, however, not only a reflection but it is also a shaping force of opinions, values, and perspectives. In the movies religion or religious practices are either presented explicitly (as in The Boondock Saints), as an allegory, or as an implicit theme (despite its explicit use of Catholic symbols and reference to Catholic ritual this is also true of The Boondock Saints).
McDonnell, Coleen. Catholics in the Movies. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007. Web
19 September 2015.
This book contains a series of essays on how Catholics are presented in film and why, “Catholic characters, spaces, and rituals have been stock features in popular films since the silent picture era.” Catholicism with its traditions and authority system is seen as lending itself readily to the “iconography” of film. The McManus brothers are Irish Catholics living in Boston. MacDonnell would argue that the choice of nationality, religion, and setting carries with it some automatic assumptions by the audience in terms of the values or beliefs of the characters. She refers to this as the film maker’s use of a cultural shorthand so that they can tell their stories with limited fuss. Do movie audiences carry an assumption that Irish Catholics have very traditional religious values? Are Irish Catholics more likely to see God as a stern father figure as opposed to a supportive confidant?
Lyden, John. Film as Religion: Myths, Morals, and Rituals. New York: New York University
Press, 2003. Web. 27 September 2015
Lynden is a religious scholar who examines approaches to examining religion in film. In Chapter 2 of his work he examines the nature of religious theology and religious ritual. Roman Catholicism has a significant ritual focus and writer-director Troy Duffy makes multiple references to Catholic ritual in the film (the Mass, sacrament of confession and absolution). Lynden speaks about finding the “religious voice” in film. In the case of The Boondock Saints some may argue that the emphasis is more on Catholic ritual than Catholic ideology. Its ideology lies more in the Old Testament view of God as judge and jury as opposed to the New Testament of God as a source of forgiveness and support.
Journal Articles
Feit, Jonathon Scott. “Sacred Symbols and Depiction of Religions in Millennial Movies
(1997-2002).” Journal of Media and Religion, 3.3, (2004): 133-150. Web.19
September 2015.
The Boondock Saints can be described as a “millennial” movie” as it was released in 1999 and during the years immediately before and after the millennium, a wide variety of movies with overt religious themes were released. Those movies employ a variety of religious or sacred symbols. Many had “end of days” themes that speak to a final judgement. Obviously The Boondock Saints is not about end of day’s judgement but it does address the idea of God’s judgement in everyday life. This is a proactive God who has had his fill of evil and corruption and now moves to act directly on everyday events through “messengers” like the McManus brothers. From their rosary beads to their family prayer, the symbols the McManus brothers wrap themselves in are, “Imbued with meaning that, to some, transcends the mundane to take on religious importance.”
McEntree, Joy. “I’ll give you Acts of God: God, The Father, and Revenge Tragedy in the Billy
Connolly Movies.” Literature-Film Quarterly, 37, 1, (2009): 49-71. Web. 19 September
2015.
This article argues that The Boondock Saints follows the tradition of the “revenge tragedy” that can be found in works written over the years including Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Hamlet is encouraged to pursue revenge, at all costs, by his father’s ghost. The McManus brothers are further encouraged to become involved in revenge and vigilantism by their long lost father, “Il Duce”. If God delivered the McManus brothers their mission perhaps he sent their father, skilled in the ways of death and destruction, to ensure the two “redemptive angels” focus their efforts appropriately. By movies end the focus of the brothers (God’s?) wrath has extended well beyond the Russian mob to society as a whole including its institutions. McEntree also comments on how such movies “seduce viewers” by making them empathize with the movie’s “revengers” even though their actions are ethically questionable.
Shafer, Ingrid. “The Catholic Imagination in Popular Film and Television.” Journal of Popular
Film and Television, 19, 2, (1991): 50-57. Web. 19 September 2015.
This article poses the question as to where Catholics and Protestants imagine differently or to say it another way is there a distinct Catholic imagination as expressed in art, literature, or film? According to Shafer the concept of God as judge, the secular world as evil, and people as needing guidance is more a Protestant perspective. This perspective sees God as and external agent while Catholics are more likely to see God in the world. In terms of this viewpoint is The Boondock Saints an example of Catholic imagination? In the movie God sends his “messengers” into the world, not with a message of love or forgiveness but one of attrition and judgement. This does not fit totally with Shafer’s Catholic imagination argument. If that lens is applied it could be argued that the movie reinforces existing stereotypes including the conservatism of Catholicism.
Stone, B.P. “Religion and Violence in Popular Film.” Journal of Religion and Film, 3, 1,
(1999): n.pag. Web 26 September 2015.
Stone reviewed 180 films and categorized them as: 1.portraying religion as a comfort and aid to victims; 2.portraying religion as supportive of violence; 3.religion as supporting the rejection of violence; 4.religion as juxtaposed to violence. Although The Boondock Saints was released after this paper was published it would be difficult not to categorize as a film that is supportive of violence. “When religion is portrayed as supportive of righteous or redemptive violence one of these recurrent images is used: the crusader, the spiritual warrior, or divine violence. ‘’ It becomes difficult to define the McManus brothers in one category. Like the crusader they believe their cause is just, like the spiritual warrior their faith and formal religious training fuels their mission, and like divine violence God has spoken directly to them. The brothers believe they are his direct hand in the world.
Welsh, Andrew, Fleming, Thomas and Dowler, Kenneth. “Constructing Crime and Justice in
Film: Meaning and Message in Cinema.” Contemporary Justice Review, 14, 4, (2011):
457-476. Web. 19 September 2015.
This article examines how crime and justice issues are presented in film. The authors describe the “retribution model” based upon films where a crime, “triggers the transformation of law abiding citizens-protagonists into the vigilante crusader”. This formula is employed in The Boondock Saints as Russian mobsters who first invade on their neighborhood and then their home and “trigger” the McManus brother’s transformation into vigilantes. Their actions or punishment are presented as appropriate retribution for the evil acts of others. The legitimization of their actions is enhanced by religious symbolism. The brothers are in a jail cell asleep and both awake at the same time having had the same dream. God has given them their vigilante mission directly. They embrace this “call to arms” for the God of the Old Testament.
Websites
Boondock Saints: Heroes or Villains? Sociology of Superheroes, October 9, 2008. Web.
27 September 2015.
This is a blog for a first year university seminar course. This entry is another discussion on whether the McManus brothers are “righteous in their actions. The blogger notes that while viewing the movie he found himself in full support but afterwards, upon reflection, felt that the violence (in the end) could not be justified.
“Death Rituals and Superstitions: The History of Death”. History, n.d. Web. 27 September
2015.
Throughout the movie the brothers make a point to place coins over the eyes of the people they have killed (another type of ritual to reinforce their perception of having a mission from God). This practise goes back as far as the Romans and Greeks. Beyond a way to keep eyes physically shut, it was believed, that the money would be needed to pay “the ferryman charged to take them across the River Sty into the afterlife.” In some Celtic tradition the “payee” is Saint Peter.
Denzy, Nichola. “Biblical Allusions, Biblical Illusions: Hollywood Blockbuster and Scripture”.
SBL Forum. SBL Forum, n.p. (cited March 2004). Web. 26 September 2015.
This site explores how quotations from the Bible are used, or misused, in Hollywood films. In addressing the film, The Boondock Saints, Denzy draws attention to the fact that the tagline for the movie advertising was, Thy Kingdom Come-Thy Will Be Done. She notes how the McManus brothers quote the bible, as they slaughter, execution style, sleazy criminals . The brothers own prayer is not from actual scripture but is written to appear so (as an example of biblical illusion). Despite this it is agreed that the movie has a serious message about the danger of scripture resting with who is interpreting it and their motivation and purpose. The movie is seen as raising questions about, redemption, sinfulness, and the way the Bible is used to justify individual’s morals and actions.
“The Ethics of Vigilantism in The Boondock Saints”. Hubpages, October 14, 2014. Web. 26
September 2015.
Beyond a detailed plot overview, this article examines the “pros and cons” of vigilantism in terms of the ethics of these types of acts. One of the underlying messages of the movie which is emphasized by its reference to the real life murder of Kitty Genovese, is that, “there is a moral imperative for good people to actively combat evil”. The religious overtones are discussed and the article sites a number of Old Testament texts that support a punishment and retribution approach to Justice.
Madlin, Hayes and Cunningham, Will. “Review of “The Boondock Saints”. n.d. Web.27
September 2015.
This is a detailed film review that breaks down the analysis into multiple sections: Synopsis, Extremists Portrayed/Described, the Role of Religion, Extremist Activities, Portrayal/Description of Non Violent People (in the film), and an evaluation. The fundamental argument of this Review: “This film is, first and foremost, about Religious extremism.” The analysis focuses on Religious extremism as being the fundamental motivation for, and justification of, violence.
“Rituals in the Roman Catholic Church”. Electronic Church, n.d. Web.27 September 2015.
This on line article provides a brief discussion of various Roman Catholic “rituals” with special emphasis on the Mass. The movie emphasizes the brothers as being full participants in all rituals connected with the Church (they are both fully practicing Roman Catholics).
“Stereotypes in Christian Religions: Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Boondock Saints”. GAC
Religion and Film, January 2012. Web. 19 September 2015.
This online article offers a critique of what it sees as Boondock Saints playing on Irish Catholic stereotypes. The article makes note of the fact that the brothers perceived their “calling God” in the vein of other canonized Catholic saints. The article compares Catholic stereotypes portrayed in this film with stereotypes about Sothern Baptist churches portrayed in the movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
“The Boondock Saints” official Trailer”. Online video clip. Youtube. Youtube, January 24,
2010. Web. 26 September 2015.
The purpose of a film trailer is to generate interest in the film. A trailer is usually the construction of the advertising department as opposed to the film’s director. The trailer for Boondock Saints emphasizes the stylized violence of men in black firing rapid firing weapons with a twist. The men in black appear to be citing the bible as they cause death and destruction. The religious connection is emphasized by a couple of interjected shots of a church and the “saints” attending Mass guns in hand.
“The Boondock Saints”. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, n.d. Web. 27 September 2015.
The Wikipedia entry for the movie charts the challenges of actually getting the movie made, the difficulty of getting a film company to distribute, the changing cast, the movies failure at the box office but “resurrection” on home video.
The Official Boondock Saints Webpage, n.p, n.d. Web. 27 September 2015.
The official Boondock Saints website includes an “Arts and Tattoos” link that allows fans of the movie to send pictures about art and tattoos created specifically from movie images: Veritas Aeqitias, The Saints “prayer”, illustrations of the McManus brothers, and variations of the Gaelic Cross. The site also contains a link to the Boondock Store where “apostles” of the Saints can buy everything from clothing to the handmade copies of the brother’s rosaries. There is also a link to the official Facebook page where fans can interact. Could it be argued that this type of fandom has elements of a Religion?