Special Topics in Media

Garret Castleberry

Film Listology: #68 - Ben-Hur

JUL 7, 2026110 MIN

Description

Send us Fan Mail The "Film Listology" odyssey continues with an epic sword-and-sandals Award Winner from Hollywood's Golden Age: Ben-Hur (1959), directed by William Wyler. This twice-adapted film, remade again in 2016, tells the story of politics spoiling friendships, accidents leading to enslavement, heroic virtues paving the way for redemption, and a triumphant journey toward the discovery of faith, led by Best Actor Oscar-winner Charlton Heston. Scott McMurry joins Garret Castleberry for a deep dive into the material nearly as epic as the film. Does the movie's runtime and production age detract from its cultural significance, or provide a pathway to its redemption?  Hosts: Garret Castleberry, Scott McMurry Producers: Garret Castleberry, Will McMurry (Audio Engineer), Alli Garner (Cover Art), Austin Foster (Music) Recommended readings paired with our Film Listology season: Rick Altman. Film/Genre. British Film Institute, 1999. Jim Collins, Ada Preacher Collins, Hilary Radner (Eds.). Film Theory Goes to the Movies, 1st Edition. New York: Routledge, 1992. Ways to Connect with us online: Follow and engage with Special Topics in Media on Twitter at @podcast_topics. "Like" to follow our Special Topics in Media Page on Facebook (search Special Topics in Media). Join the Special Topics in Media Facebook Group and share your reviews of the film or this episode. Subscribe to Dr. Castleberry's academic YouTube Channel. Garret's academic website is available at https://garretcastleberry.academia.edu/. Support the show