Paul Schrader’s transcendental drama about a distraught pastor sits somewhere between assurance and atheism, bewilderment and belief.

In Paul Schrader's screenplays for Martin Scorsese (The Last Temptation of Christ, Bringing Out the Dead) and his own directorial efforts (Hardcore, First Reformed), the way of faith is less a blessing than a curse. Yet it’s a curse he — or at least his films — can’t shake.

The video essay below was made for the TC Movie Club - quarterly online gatherings of faithful film fanatics. On May 15, 2023, at 8 pm Central, Josh Larsen will lead a discussion entitled, "What Do We Do With Paul Schrader?" What are Christians to make of the provocations at the heart of so many of his pictures? Is there something helpful we can offer in response? Is it possible we might learn something from them?

To join the TC Movie Club and receive an invite and meeting link - or if you're coming to this video late and want to be part of future Movie Club offerings - sign up here.

Topics: Movies