Fr. Michael Morris’s collection of vintage movie posters is currently on display as part of the exhibition Reel Religion: A Century of the Bible and Film at the Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA) in New York City. As Paul Tabor, MOBIA’s Director of Exhibitions, explains, “Film is a recognized art form that has developed relatively recently. Not unlike painters, filmmakers from the outset turned to the Bible for emotionally powerful source material. The posters made to promote these films were often works of art in themselves.” Reviews of the exhibit may be read on the Film Blog at guardian.co.uk and at the Religion News Service.
Included as part of the exhibit is an essay by Fr. Michael that examines the history of biblical film posters using the themes of violence, sexuality, art, mysticism, and magnificence. His essay can be read here.
The exhibition will be on display until May 17, 2009, and pairs the movie posters with selections of original costumes worn in the films. The Museum of Biblical Art (www.mobia.org) is located at 1865 Broadway at 61st Street in New York City. The press release from the museum can be read here.
