Episode Three: Visions of Ecstasy

 Episode Three: Visions of Ecstasy

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This episode takes as its subject Nigel Wingrove’s notorious and provocative short feature Visions of Ecstasy (1989), exploring its interpretation of the autobiographical writings of Teresa of Ávila, its merging of the mystical and the erotic, and its eroticisation of the figure of Jesus in the context of a wider discussion touching upon negative theology, censorship, sacrilege, and the great blasphemy wars of the 1980s.

 

Bibliography

Steven C. Dubin, Arresting Images: Impolitic Art and Uncivil Actions. London: Routledge, 1994.

 Jacques Lacan, “God and Woman’s jouissance.” Jacques-Alain Miller, ed, The Seminar of Jacques Lacan: Book XX, Encore 1972-1973: On Feminine Sexuality, The Limits of Love and Knowledge. Trans. Bruce Fink. New York: Norton, 1999. 64-77

 James Newton, “Nunsploitation: The Forgotten Cycle.” Off/Screen, July 2014. Available Online.

 S Brent Plate, Blasphemy: Art That Offends. London: Black Dog, 2006.

 Teresa of Ávila, The Life of Saint Teresa of Ávila by Herself.  London: Penguin, 1987.

 

Audio Clip Sources

Visions of Ecstasy (1989, dir. Nigel Wingrove)

 

Music

Alabama Sacred Heart Singers - “Present Joys”   (1942)

 Steven Severin - Music for Visions of Ecstasy (1989)