Death at the Movies Hollywoods Guide to the Hereafter

Its a Wonderful Life (1946), Resurrection (1980), Poltergeist (1982), Beetlejuice (1988), Ghost (1990), Groundhog Day (1993), The Sixth Sense (1999) — these are only a few of the influential movies in recent decades dealing with the afterlife. But beyond entertainment, do they mean anything? The authors of this wise and well-informed guide believe so. They explore how popular motion pictures, from Outward Bound (1930) to Hereafter, play a perhaps unconscious role in guiding humanity toward its evolutionary comprehension of the meaning and purpose of death. They draw on the Tibetan Book of the Dead, Buddhism, and depth psychology to review some of the most spiritually powerful films ever made. Death is, say the authors, at once the most immediate locked door and the ultimate frontier, a staggering paradox that invites us to search for deeper understanding based upon a level of consciousness beyond thought. After reading this book, youll never view Casablanca or The Wizard of Oz the same way again.

"A spiritual tone overlays these authors deconstruction of popular movies commentary on death and the afterlife. While [the book] reads like a series of columns in a highbrow cinema magazine, the Genellis work, like most of the more than sixty movies they mention, is both thoughtful and entertaining. The writing is light and crisp, often humorous with little comic asides about an actor, character, or plot arc, and each of the nineteen chapters could stand on its own as an article in a magazine. As the authors rather charmingly put it, after reading their book, filmgoers will 'never view Casablanca or The Wizard of Oz the same way again.'”

–Mark McLaughlin, ForeWord Reviews, Fall 2013

"The authors analysis draws heavily upon eastern mystical traditions, which provides a unique and potent interpretive lens. Casual fans and film buffs will be encouraged to see these movies again through new eyes.'"

--Publishers Weekly, June 10, 2013

"Death at the Movies appeals to the universal wish to know and understand what lies beyond our present existence. With keen insight, Lyn and Tom Davis Genelli use popular films as vehicles to explore perennial spiritual concepts about death and what follows, showing us profound examples of people coming to terms with their ultimate vulnerability as manifested by their unique experiences, and letting go. Their analyses are wise, thoughtful and relatable."

--Dr. Eben Alexander, author of Proof of Heaven: A Neurosurgeon's Journey into the Afterlife

"Most moviegoers probably don't look to the cinema for answers to the great questions of life and death, or the possibilities of afterlife or rebirth. But Lyn and Tom Davis Genelli make a compelling case that Hollywood sometimes addresses these subjects with surprising insight. Death at the Movies is written with great knowledge of and love for the movies, as one would expect in a work of this nature. But the authors also bring their considerable experiences as human behavior professionals and spiritual practitioners to offer astute interpretations of the films they consider. You will never look at these films the same way as you did before."

--Bill Shepard, author of The Somewhere in Time Story: Behind the Scenes of the Making of the Cult Romantic Fantasy Motion Picture and founder of filmblanc.info

"Lyn and Tom Davis Genelli show how what we might casually dismiss as an ephemeral medium actually resonates with important spiritual values. Their close examination of a number of classic films is conducted with both compassion and insight; the reader comes away with an enhanced understanding of the chosen films, what they can teach us about the transition from this life to what comes next, and how our personal values shape that transition. The films they have selected enable them to show us what we can expect when we slip the moorings of this life, let go of what is familiar and safe, and head into the unknown."

--Tom Ruffles, author, Ghost Images: Cinema of the Afterlife

"Provocative and slyly perceptive, both spiritually and cinematically. If there's a screening room in the Buddha's Pure Land, an extra-large bucket of popcorn is waiting there for the Genellis."

--Dean Sluyter, author of Cinema Nirvana: Enlightenment Lessons from the Movies

“An important work existing on many levels – spiritual, cultural, philosophical – a book that deserves to be read. It contains lucid and profound insights which resonate deeply with a classic choice of films, as well as, of course, with life itself.”

--Rudy Wurlitzer, screen writer and author

“An amazing cross-over book , it informs while it entertains, weaving classic cinema with the souls journey. It captures the essence of a highly charged subject with respect and humor. A delicious read!”

--Everett Aison, artist and Founder/Director of The New York School of Visual Arts

Tom Genelli, who holds a Ph.D. in Psychology, has worked as an ABC film collection librarian, film producer/director and an instructor in film production in addition to his main career as a psychotherapist. Lyn Genelli, a licensed marriage and family therapist, began her career as a probation officer and then worked as a school psychologist, child and family therapist and workshop leader at Esalen Institute before opening up a private therapy practice with Tom. She is also the director of the Bay Area Institute for Integrative Body Psychotherapy.

Since coming together in 1975, Tom and Lyn Genelli have shared a profound conviction that the purpose of life is self-realization for the benefit of all, and have had the blessing of seeing their own understanding and dedication to this purpose mirrored in each other. Both working careers as psychologists, they drifted into writing and publishing articles dealing with the cross-fertilization of film and psychology as a way of expressing their joint conviction. Their articles appeared in journals of psychology and popular culture, including Yoga Journal and Vogue.

During this time they also began working as broadcast film critics for the local City Arts Monthly, a popular arts magazine in the Bay Area. As their spiritual understanding deepened, their writing continued to bridge the gap between archetypal psychology, spirituality and popular culture. Tom and Lyn maintain that the highest is in the lowest – meaning the most sacred teachings are “open secrets” presented in pop culture. It is for this reason they chose to write this book.