Films about Freemasonry are a great way to explore the history and culture of this secretive society. From documentaries to feature films, there are a variety of offerings out there that showcase the Masonic Order. Whether you’re looking for an in-depth look at the inner workings of the fraternity or just want to watch a lighthearted adventure involving this mysterious group, you’ll find something that meets your needs. In this article, we will explore some of the best films about Freemasonry available today.
Freemasons are members of a fraternal organization known as Freemasonry. The organization traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of masons and their interaction with authorities and clients. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 in Scotland and Ireland, over a quarter of a million under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and just under two million in the United States.
Famous Freemason Filmmakers
Freemasonry is an ancient fraternal organization, with members from all walks of life who share a common interest in self-improvement and moral development. It has also been a source of inspiration and creativity for some eminent filmmakers. Here are some of the most famous Freemason filmmakers:
- Alfred Hitchcock: One of the greatest directors in cinema history, Hitchcock was also a proud Freemason. He was initiated into the British Union Lodge No. 295 in 1933 at London.
- John Ford: Ford was one of the most influential directors in Hollywood, and he was also a Freemason. He joined the California Lodge No. 362 in 1929.
- Stanley Kubrick: Kubrick was an American film director, producer and screenwriter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. He became a Mason in 1951 when he joined the Beverly Hills Lodge No. 528.
- Frank Capra: Capra was an Academy Award-winning Italian-American film director, producer and writer who is best known for his classic films such as It’s A Wonderful Life and Mr Smith Goes to Washington. He was initiated into Santa Monica Lodge No. 307 in 1928.
- Billy Wilder: Wilder was an Academy Award-winning Austrian-born American filmmaker whose career spanned more than 50 years. He became a Mason in 1945 when he joined the Five Acres Lodge No. 542 at Los Angeles.
These famous filmmakers are just a few examples of how Freemasonry can inspire creativity and achievement. The organization has proven to be an invaluable source of support and guidance for many people throughout history, including those involved in filmmaking.
Masonic Themed Movies
Freemasonry has been around for centuries, and its influence is seen in many aspects of our culture, including movies. From conspiracy thrillers to family comedies, Mason-themed movies have been produced on both the big and small screens. Here are some of the best Masonic-themed movies that you should consider watching:
- National Treasure – This adventure film follows a group of treasure hunters who are trying to decode a series of cryptic clues left behind by the Founding Fathers in order to find a hidden treasure. Along the way, they uncover secrets about Freemasonry and become involved in a powerful conspiracy.
- The Man Who Would Be King – This classic adventure film follows two British soldiers who set out to explore an isolated region of India and unwittingly become embroiled in a struggle between two local rulers. The story is based on Rudyard Kipling’s novel of the same name, and it features strong themes relating to Freemasonry.
- The Da Vinci Code – This highly successful mystery thriller follows Robert Langdon as he tries to unravel a series of clues left behind by an ancient secret society known as The Priory of Sion. Along the way, he discovers secrets about Freemasonry that could potentially shake up the entire Catholic Church.
- Lodge 49 – This quirky television series follows a down-on-his-luck surfer who joins an offbeat Lodge located in Long Beach, California. As he gets more involved with Lodge life, he discovers that it’s full of strange rituals and strange characters that have their own secrets related to Freemasonry.
- National Lampoon’s Animal House – This classic comedy follows a group of misfits at a fictional college as they get into all kinds of hijinks. In one scene, they stumble into an initiation ceremony for “the Order of the Gammons” which is obviously based on Freemasonry.
So if you’re looking for some Mason-themed entertainment, these five films are all excellent choices. Whether you’re interested in exploring the history and rituals associated with Freemasonry or just looking for some lighthearted entertainment, these films have something for everyone.
Symbolism of Freemasonry in Films
Freemasonry is not a new concept. It has been used as a symbol in many films, including the iconic ‘The Da Vinci Code’ and ‘National Treasure’. This article will explore some of the most common Freemason symbols used in films and their meanings.
• The Square and Compass: The Square and Compass is perhaps one of the most recognizable Masonic symbols, representing morality. It usually appears on the cover of books, on Masonic regalia, and even in films. In ‘The Da Vinci Code’, Tom Hanks’ character Robert Langdon uses it to decipher an ancient code that leads him to find the secret of the Holy Grail.
• The All-Seeing Eye: This symbol is frequently used to represent God or a higher power watching over us from above. It can be seen in films such as ‘National Treasure’, where Nicolas Cage uses it to discover an ancient map that leads him to the lost city of gold. It also appears in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ when Robert Langdon finds himself trapped within a circle of mysterious symbols that he must decipher in order to escape.
• The Pyramid: Another common symbol seen in films is the pyramid, which usually represents wisdom and knowledge. In ‘National Treasure’, Nicolas Cage uses a pyramid-shaped keystone to unlock a hidden passageway leading him closer to his goal.
• The Sun: This symbol is often associated with light, knowledge and enlightenment, as well as rebirth and renewal. In ‘National Treasure’, Nicolas Cage discovers an ancient sun disc which he believes holds clues to finding the lost city of gold. It also appears in ‘The Da Vinci Code’ when Robert Langdon discovers a secret room filled with mysterious symbols illuminated by sunlight streaming through stained glass windows.
• The Compass Rose: This symbol represents direction and guidance on our journey through life and can be seen in many films such as ‘National Treasure’ when Nicolas Cage follows an ancient compass rose etched into stone leading him closer to his goal.
Freemasonry in Movies
Freemasonry has often been a subject of intrigue and mystery, with many movies and TV shows depicting it in various ways. This article will look at how Freemasonry has been portrayed in the movies, both historically and in recent years.
• Historically, Freemasonry has been depicted in movies as a secret society with immense power and influence. The classic film The Man Who Would Be King (1975) is a great example of this, with two British soldiers joining an Indian Masonic lodge and using their newfound powers to gain wealth and power. Another example is The Da Vinci Code (2006), which centers around the quest to uncover the secrets of the Illuminati – a secret society believed to have its roots in Freemasonry.
• In more recent years, Freemasonry has increasingly been presented as a benevolent organization that helps people achieve their goals through networking and mutual support. Films like National Treasure (2004) depict the Masons as guardians of truth and knowledge, while films like Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011) show them as a source of wisdom for its members.
• The most recent iteration of Freemasonry on the big screen appears to be shifting away from portraying it as a secretive organization. In Now You See Me 2 (2016), for example, the characters are shown using their Masonic connections to help bring justice to those who have been wronged. Similarly, Deadpool 2 (2018) features an underground network of Masons that helps Deadpool save his friends from danger.
• Despite these positive portrayals, there are still some films that portray Freemasonry in a less than favorable light – namely those that depict it as an organization involved in criminal activities or conspiracies. A good example is The Skulls (2000), which follows a college student who discovers his father’s involvement with an ancient secret society called The Order – which is heavily implied to be based on Freemasonry.
Overall, it is clear that Hollywood filmmakers have presented Freemasonry in various ways over the years – from powerful secret societies to benevolent organizations helping people achieve their goals. While some films have portrayed it negatively, many recent movies have sought to show its positive aspects – highlighting its ability to help individuals pursue justice and make connections with others around them.
Masonic References in Films
Masonry is a centuries-old fraternity with a long and mysterious history. With its secret rituals, distinctive symbols, and widespread influence, it has been the subject of much speculation and is often portrayed in films. Here are some examples of Masonic references in popular movies:
• The Da Vinci Code: Released in 2006, this mystery thriller featured several Masonic symbols, such as the All-Seeing Eye of God. The film was based on the novel by Dan Brown, which is itself based on historical fact relating to the Freemasons.
• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: This classic action-adventure movie from 1989 featured a number of Masonic references. In one scene, Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) visits a Masonic temple in search of clues to the whereabouts of his father. He then encounters an enigmatic figure who gives him an ancient artifact.
• National Treasure: Released in 2004, this adventure movie follows Benjamin Franklin Gates (played by Nicolas Cage) as he searches for a lost treasure hidden by the Freemasons. The movie features many Masonic symbols throughout, including a secret chamber beneath the National Archives.
• The Man Who Would Be King: This 1975 adventure film starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine features several Masonic references. At one point, Connery’s character is seen wearing an apron with several symbols that are associated with Freemasonry.
• Eye of the Devil: Released in 1966, this horror movie includes some references to Masonry. The story follows an English man who finds himself embroiled in a satanic cult led by someone with ties to Freemasonry.
Clearly, Masonry has inspired filmmakers over the years. From thrilling action movies to dark horror flicks, Freemasonry has been featured prominently in many films. Whether or not these films accurately depict Masonry remains unclear; however, they do demonstrate its influence throughout popular culture.
Popular Freemason Movies
Freemasonry has been a subject of fascination for centuries. From legends to conspiracy theories, Freemasonry has captured the imagination of many. It should come as no surprise then that Freemasonry has inspired many movies over the years. Here are some of the most popular Freemason movies ever made:
• National Treasure (2004): This action-adventure film starring Nicolas Cage follows a historian as he attempts to uncover a lost treasure linked to the Freemasons. The movie follows his adventure as he searches for clues in old documents, paintings and Masonic symbols.
• The Lost Symbol (2009): Based on Dan Brown’s best-selling novel, this movie follows Robert Langdon as he attempts to decipher cryptic symbols hidden in Washington D.C., all related to the Freemasons. Along the way he must stay one step ahead of an assassin set on killing him for uncovering their secrets.
• The Man Who Would Be King (1975): Starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine, this movie tells the story of two former British soldiers who leave India in search of adventure and find themselves in Afghanistan where they come across a secret society of Masons and attempt to take control of an entire kingdom.
• Angels & Demons (2009): Another Dan Brown adaptation starring Tom Hanks, this movie follows Robert Langdon’s mission to save Vatican City from destruction caused by an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati, which is closely linked with Freemasonry.
• National Treasure: Book of Secrets (2007): This sequel to National Treasure also stars Nicolas Cage and follows his attempt to prove his ancestor’s innocence by finding an ancient book containing secrets about the Masons hidden within the White House archives.
These are just some of the movies that have been inspired by Freemasonry over the years, each offering its own unique take on this fascinating topic and providing hours of entertainment for viewers around the world.
Freemasonry in Film History
The Freemasons have long been a source of fascination in film history. From its secretive society to its symbolism and lore, the Freemasons have served as a source of inspiration for countless films over the years. Many films have explored themes related to Freemasonry, including mystery, power, ancient knowledge, and secret societies. Here are some of the most common themes related to Freemasonry found in film history:
• Mystery: Many films that feature Freemasons focus on the mystery surrounding their organization. From ancient symbols and rituals to hidden knowledge and secrets, there is an aura of mystery that follows the Freemasons in many movies.
• Power: Another common theme found in films featuring Freemasons is power. From political corruption and influence to hidden financial dealings, the power wielded by the Freemasons is often explored in movies.
• Ancient Knowledge: The Freemasons are often associated with ancient knowledge and wisdom that has been passed down through generations. This theme is often explored in films that involve Masonic symbols or rituals, as they hint at a greater understanding of the world that only those initiated into their society can possess.
• Secret Societies: The idea of secret societies or clandestine organizations is another popular theme related to Freemasonry found in film history. Often these societies are portrayed as powerful forces manipulating events behind the scenes or seeking to acquire forbidden knowledge for their own gain.
Overall, Freemasonry has been featured prominently throughout film history due to its mysterious nature and powerful symbolism. Its themes of mystery, power, ancient knowledge, and secret societies have all served as sources of inspiration for filmmakers over the years.
In Reflection On Films About Freemasons
The history and culture of Freemasonry has been depicted in films for decades, and it is clear that this tradition has left an impression on a variety of filmmakers. From the action-packed thrillers to the horror movies, these films have something for everyone. While some may be skeptical about the secret society, it is clear that they have had a huge impact on our popular culture.
The themes of Freemasonry have been explored in various genres over the years, from comedies to science fiction films. These stories often focus on the power of brotherhood and loyalty, as well as providing an interesting glimpse into a mysterious world. Whether you are looking for an entertaining way to learn more about the craft or just want to watch a thrilling movie, there are plenty of films about Freemasonry available to choose from.
Films about Freemasons can also be used as a tool to explore our own values and beliefs. By examining these stories we can gain insight into our own lives and gain a better understanding of how we view things like loyalty and brotherhood. Additionally, these movies provide us with an entertaining way to reflect on the power of secret societies and their influence in our culture today.
In conclusion, films about Freemasons offer a unique look at this mysterious organization and its history. From psychological thrillers to adventure stories, there is something for everyone when it comes to these movies. In addition to being entertaining, they also provide us with an opportunity to reflect on our own values and beliefs while exploring some fascinating topics related to secret societies and their impact on our culture today.