KNOX
The Life and Legacy of Scotland’s
Controversial Reformer
Director Murdo McLeod. 77mins
John Knox, a man who has influenced so much of Scotland’s history and much of the world, is a forgotten figure today.
Scottish school children are no longer taught about him in lessons; his grave is marked only by a sparse plaque. If remembered at all, it is usually as a misogynistic and bigoted caricature. I was very excited then when I heard that a new film was being made about him. Knox is a documentary from Trinity Digital directed by Murdo McLeod and presented by Philip Todd.
At the premiere, McLeod made it clear that his aim was to retell Knox’s story in a way that is relevant for today. To do this he wanted to incorporate the perspective of theologians as well as historians.
Tempestuous
Without wishing to give too much away, the film is high quality. It was beautifully shot at many of the locations mentioned and Todd often presents against a dramatic backdrop of rolling waves – apt perhaps for such a tempestuous story. Philip Todd was a good pick for the narration; clear-speaking, youthful and dramatic, making the film more engaging for younger audiences. Animated sketches were also used effectively to re-enact scenes from the past.
The story is told in straightforward narrative, setting it within the historical context of the period. What emerges is a man of strong conviction, bold, intelligent, revolutionary; a man who preached the positive message of the Gospel as well as hellfire. While the documentary gives a favourable view of John Knox it is not wholly uncritical. One particular moment where the film is critical is his audience with Mary Queen of Scots. It is suggested that if Knox had taken a different tack he might have won over Mary rather than just win the argument. While his confidence in God’s Word is particularly inspiring in today’s widespread relativism we can also learn from his mistakes.
With the post-referendum interest in Scotland and the self-searching of our national identity, this film has been produced at an optimum time. I hope it will be used in schools and churches to raise interest in Christianity’s influence on our past (and on the present). The message Knox preached is needed just as it was before. To paraphrase C.H. Spurgeon: that which thundered through Scotland must thunder again.
For more information including screenings of Knox go to www.facebook.com/johnknoxfilm
Pre-order DVDs at www.trinitydigitalfilm.com/knox
Watch the trailer here:
KNOX Trailer from Trinity Digital Film on Vimeo.
