The film A Great Awakening explores the spiritual and professional alliance between the Reverend George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin. According to producer Joshua Enck, the movie depicts how Whitefield’s open-air preaching and Franklin’s printing press collaborated to spark the First Great Awakening, a religious revival that influenced the American colonies before the Revolutionary War.
How did George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin collaborate?
The film centers on the unexpected partnership between George Whitefield, a charismatic evangelist, and Benjamin Franklin, a pragmatic polymath. Producer Joshua Enck told Movieguide that the discovery of their close business and personal relationship served as the primary inspiration for the project. Enck noted that the combination of Whitefield’s pulpit and Franklin’s printing press created a synergistic effect that amplified the impact of the First Great Awakening.
In the film, Franklin is portrayed not just as a political figure, but as a key promoter of Whitefield’s work. The narrative suggests that while Franklin’s legal and political contributions shaped the nation’s laws, the spiritual awakening led by Whitefield shaped the convictions of the people.
What inspired the portrayal of George Whitefield?
Jonathan Blair, who played the Reverend Whitefield, cited the clergyman’s “tenacity” as the driving force behind his performance. Blair stated that Whitefield’s determination allowed him to reach an estimated 80% of the colonists, making him one of the first unifying figures across the diverse American colonies.
The production emphasizes Whitefield’s role in promoting “freedom in Christ” during a period when the colonies were facing significant instability. This thematic focus aligns with the film’s goal, according to Enck, to serve as a “himno and a bandera” (hymn and banner) for contemporary ministry leaders.
How did A Great Awakening perform at the box office?
The film premiered in theaters during the Easter weekend, where it earned over $2 million and reached the #6 spot at the box office. It is currently available for digital rental and purchase.
Movieguide provided the film with a four-star rating for entertainment quality and a content score of -1. Enck stated that the film was timed to lead toward the 250th anniversary of the United States, intending to remind audiences that a nation’s soul is formed by the convictions of its citizens.
The Historical Context of the First Great Awakening
The First Great Awakening (c. 1730s–1750s) was a series of religious revivals that swept through the American colonies. It shifted the religious landscape by emphasizing personal piety and a direct relationship with God over formal church hierarchy. George Whitefield was a central figure in this movement, known for his powerful oratory and ability to draw crowds of thousands in open fields.
Benjamin Franklin’s relationship with Whitefield is a documented historical curiosity. Despite Franklin’s own leanings toward Deism, he admired Whitefield’s skill as a communicator and helped distribute his writings, demonstrating a cross-disciplinary respect between the era’s leading spiritual and intellectual figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who produced A Great Awakening? The film was produced by Joshua Enck.
- Who plays George Whitefield? Actor Jonathan Blair portrays the Reverend George Whitefield.
- Where can I watch the movie? The film is available for rent or purchase through online digital platforms.
- What is the movie’s main theme? The film focuses on the friendship between Whitefield and Franklin and the spiritual revival of the First Great Awakening.