"Nothing Sacred" and the Impact of Catharsis, Religious Iconography and Satire in Film

Author

Jaime Danielle Trevino, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Creative Writing

First Advisor

Dr. David Carren

Second Advisor

Dr. David Anshen

Third Advisor

Dr. Britt Haraway

Abstract

Writing, or art of any kind, can be cathartic, depending on the subject matter. The term catharsis here refers to the experience shared by the tragic hero and audience in a common emotional tension that gets released in a fictional process that provides clarity. I would assert that the author should be included in this aesthetic and intellectual process. Creative writing can also be cathartic work and can allow the author to release pity and fear and gain clarity. In Nothing Sacred, the thesis screenplay written and explored here, I aim to find if catharsis can exist in both the spectator and the writer.

Using a satirical deceptive hero, religious iconography, metanarrative, catharsis and exaggerated situations throughout, I cover the complications of identity crises. In a story of delayed self-discovery and miscommunication, Nothing Sacred details the pitfalls of Catholicism when the religion is wielded in an absolute fashion.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Jamie Danielle Trevino. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/nothing-sacred-impact-catharsis-religious/docview/2640030523/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

Trevino, Jaime Danielle, ""Nothing Sacred" and the Impact of Catharsis, Religious Iconography and Satire in Film" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 984.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/984