Religion has always been an option for many people who seek to understand their world and find meaning in it. Many people treat movies as more that entertainment today, with the rise of media and the internet. They become a religion of the movies they see. They become a part of a community that shares the same beliefs as them and learn to live according to the principles of fictional characters. Dudeism and Twilight fandom are two examples of such “religions” that have emerged. These films have a large following and are similar to religious movements.
The Big Lebowski (1998 film by the Coen Brothers) has enjoyed a huge cult following. This pseudo-religion is called Dudeism. “[Dudeists] do not just watch the film and quote the gem-like dialogue aphorisms. These dudley fan feel the urge, in their hearts, to carry on the Dudeism in real life. The film’s protagonist is called “Dude”, and many of his characters have adopted his laid-back, easygoing, and mysterious personality. They have even set up a website to help people join the movement. Many of their fans have adopted The Big Lebowski as their lifestyle despite the fact that it is a comedy film. Dudeism, they insist, is a valid religious movement that anyone can join. Dudeists tend to be males, since The Dude is a masculine figure. Dudeism has many similarities to other religions due to its popularity and the focus on one figure. People used to believe that there was a purpose to life. They also shared their experiences with others. “New media technology becomes a space to form, shape, and perform self-identity and negotiate values, beliefs and norms for young females,” (Petersen (2013), 84). This series has a large female fan base. Twilight fans can post their opinions on the series in blogs or forums using the internet. This simple love story between a vampire and a human is more than a series of movies or books. Young women react to it daily. They create their identities around the protagonist they choose and then write long articles praising or criticizing the parts they like. They are drawn to the story’s supernatural aspects and classic romance because they have something to believe in. Twilight fans, unlike Dudeists do not consider themselves part of any religious movement. However, it unites them and gives more meaning to their everyday lives.
These two fan bases for movies illustrate how media can shape an individual’s identity. These films are part of their lives and both groups follow their lead. Twilight fans are still shaped by it, even though The Big Lebowski is more for male fans. Media is a great way to find faith in modern times.
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