Secrets of Mary Magdalene

Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code has sparked great interest in alternative interpretations of biblical texts in the last few years, and the theatrical release of the film added fuel to the fire. Many of the theories can be traced back to Holy Blood, Holy Grail by Michael Baigent, Richard Leigh, and Henry Lincoln. Both of these films investigate current portrayals of Mary Magdalene and how modern views differ from historical, orthodox interpretations of the New Testament. Both titles stress the role of Mary Magdalene as "apostle to the apostles," and in fact several of the same Mary Magdalene scholars are represented in both programs. Secrets of Mary Magdalene presents a more in-depth look at the various texts used to support modern interpretations, such as the Gnostic Gospels, while Mary Magdalen: An Intimate Portrait is a shorter, more polished film, with a more Hollywood feel. Central to both productions are feminist issues of sexuality and power and the creation of an updated image of Mary Magdalene that moves away from the sinner-who-was-forgiven label. Both films are of general interest and recommended for public and academic collections.--Mary Laskowski, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.