Hollywood versus the Bible

Q: Is the film Joseph King Of Dreams Biblical?

A: Thank you for your question. It is rare to find a movie of any genre, especially an animated musical, that accurately portrays history. Joseph: King of Dreams is not an exception. Before the movie begins, the following disclaimer is given:

"The motion picture you are about to see is an adaptation of the Joseph story in the book of Genesis. While artistic license and historical license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is cherished by millions of people worldwide."

Therefore, right from the beginning you can see that the creators of the film are telling you that what you are about to view is not going to be a verse by verse depiction of what you read in the book of Genesis. However, we should not expect any film, regardless of the attention to detail that the creators put into their work, to be 100% accurate. The length of the movie is about 75 minutes long. The story of Joseph portrayed in the film is roughly contained between Genesis chapters 37 to 46. It would take you about half the time of the movie to read the story. However, the basic truths of the story of Joseph are portrayed in the movie. The artistic and historical license taken in the movie doesn't take much away from the biblical account, but rather is used in an effort to blend the aspects of the story together.

The movie, for the most part, accurately portrays the following aspects of Joseph's life:

• Joseph is given special favor by his father, Jacob (Genesis 37:3).
• The brothers of Joseph hate him because of the special treatment he is given (Genesis 37:4).
• Joseph's brothers plot against him and sell him into slavery (Genesis 37:12-36).
• Joseph is purchased by Potiphar from the Ishmaelites (Genesis 39:1).
• Joseph finds favor in the eyes of Potiphar and is put in charge of his household (Genesis 39:4).
• Potiphar's wife seduces and falsely accuses Joseph, resulting in his imprisonment (Genesis 39:7-20).
• Joseph correctly interprets the dreams of the Cupbearer and the Baker while in prison (Genesis 40).
• Joseph is released from prison and correctly interprets Pharaoh's dreams (Genesis 41:1-40).
• Pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of Egypt in order to oversee preparations for the coming famine because he correctly interpreted his dreams (Genesis 41:41-57).
• Joseph is given the name of Zaphenath-Paneah and marries Asenath (Genesis 41:15).
• Joseph's brothers come to Egypt to purchase food during the famine (Genesis 42:3).
• Joseph persecutes his brothers, imprisons one of them and forces them to return to him with their younger brother, Benjamin (Genesis 42:6-34).
• The brothers return with Benjamin and Joseph releases Simeon (Genesis 43:16; 23).
• Joseph has a silver cup placed in Benjamin's sack in order to accuse his brothers of stealing (Genesis 44:12).
• Joseph reveals himself to his brothers (Genesis 45:3).
• Jacob goes to Egypt to be reunited with Joseph (Genesis 46:29).

Given how Hollywood has been one of the major enemies of the Bible in recent years, Joseph: King of Dreams, is one of the more complimentary interpretations of scripture they have produced. While not 100% consistent with the Bible, it is far from a blasphemous work. I would recommend viewing the film if someone were to ask. But, one thing I would encourage you, and anyone, to do when it comes to answering a question like the one you proposed, is to read the Bible. The Bible says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)." When you are familiar with what the Bible says, you will be prepared to discern for yourself whether a film you are watching is giving a correct account of the Bible. This is something all Christians should be doing so that we are "prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have (1 Peter 3:15)." Movies are made to entertain. Unfortunately, truth is often a casualty of that pursuit. Therefore, if you are prepared with the truth the Bible provides, you will make it easier on yourself when it comes to viewing the entertainment options at your disposal. I pray this answer was helpful. Grace and Peace.